Dubai Mainland Company Setup: 2026 Costs and Ownership Rules
A Dubai mainland trade license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) costs between AED 12,500 and AED 38,000 in government fees in 2026, and a realistic first year including office lease (Ejari) and one or two visas lands between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform, 100% foreign ownership applies to most mainland activities without an Emirati partner.
What Does a Dubai Mainland License Cost in 2026?
Dubai mainland license fees in 2026 split by type: professional licenses from AED 12,500, commercial licenses at AED 12,500 to 20,000, industrial licenses up to AED 38,000, and realistic first-year totals of AED 30,000 to 50,000 with office and visas; the table details each band.
| License type | Government fees (AED) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Professional license | from 12,500 | Consultants, service providers, individual professionals |
| Commercial / trading license | 12,500–20,000 | Import, export, retail, general trading (activity fees extra) |
| Industrial license | up to 38,000 | Manufacturing; requires physical premises approval |
| Realistic first-year total | 30,000–50,000+ | License + Ejari office lease + visas + market fees on rent |
Ranges compiled 2026 from EGSH and TMG fee guides. DET quotes exact fees per activity code at application.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Should You Choose?
A mainland company can trade directly anywhere in the UAE, bid for government contracts, and open branches without a distributor. A free zone company gets cheaper entry packages (from AED 8,500 at Dubai South, AED 12,900 at IFZA) and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, but needs a mainland distributor or a branch to sell onshore. The rule of thumb: choose mainland when your customers are inside the UAE, choose a free zone when your revenue is international.
| Factor | Dubai mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Trade inside the UAE | Unrestricted | Via distributor or branch |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities; 13 strategic sectors excluded (oil, gas, banking, telecom, defense) | 100% always |
| Office requirement | Physical office with Ejari lease | Flexi-desk accepted in most zones |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Generally not eligible |
| Entry cost, year one | AED 30,000–50,000 | AED 8,500–31,500 |
Mainland Company Setup Steps
A Dubai mainland company forms in six steps through the Department of Economy and Tourism, and a clean file moves from name reservation to issued license in 2 to 7 working days.
- Choose the legal form (LLC is the default for trading; sole establishment for professionals).
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval from DET.
- Sign the Memorandum of Association; no local sponsor is needed for most activities.
- Lease an office and register the Ejari contract; DET links the license to the premises.
- Pay license fees; DET typically issues the license within 2 to 7 working days after documents clear.
- Register with the Ministry of Human Resources and immigration to sponsor employee visas.
Taxes a Mainland Company Pays
A Dubai mainland company pays 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000, files VAT at 5% once turnover passes AED 375,000, and can elect Small Business Relief (0% corporate tax) while annual revenue stays at or below AED 3 million, a relief extended through 2029. Details with sources are on the UAE corporate tax page and the VAT and accounting page.
Dubai Mainland FAQ
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform, foreigners can own 100% of a Dubai mainland company for most activities without an Emirati partner. Only 13 strategic-impact sectors (including oil, gas, banking, telecom, and defense) still require Emirati participation.
How much does a Dubai mainland trade license cost in 2026?
A Dubai mainland trade license costs AED 12,500 to 38,000 in government fees in 2026, depending on the license type and activities. A realistic first year including the mandatory Ejari office lease and one or two visas lands between AED 30,000 and 50,000.