Mainland Setup

Mainland Company Formation

Establish your business on the Dubai mainland with full access to the UAE market.

Why Choose Mainland?

A mainland company gives you unrestricted access to the UAE market, the ability to work with government entities, and full operational flexibility.

Trade Anywhere in UAE

Operate your business across all Emirates without geographic restrictions.

Government Contracts

Eligible to bid on and win lucrative UAE government tenders and projects.

No Minimum Capital

Start your business without a mandatory minimum share capital requirement.

100% Foreign Ownership

Under the new FDI law, most activities allow full foreign ownership on the mainland.

Unlimited Visas

No cap on the number of employee visas. Scale your team as needed.

DED Licensing

Licensed through the Department of Economic Development for credibility and trust.

License Types

Choose the right license for your business activity.

Professional License

For service-oriented businesses such as consultancies, IT firms, legal practices, and creative agencies.

No local partner required
Service-based activities
100% foreign ownership

Commercial License

For trading companies that buy, sell, and distribute products within the UAE and internationally.

Import/export activities
Retail and wholesale trade
E-commerce businesses

Industrial License

For manufacturing and industrial businesses involved in production and processing.

Manufacturing activities
Industrial processing
Factory setup support

Why Choose StarGollden?

End-to-end company formation assistance

Expert DED licensing guidance

Office space and Ejari solutions

Visa processing for employees and dependents

Banking assistance

PRO and government liaison services

Ongoing compliance and renewal support

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Setup Process

From initial consultation to trade license, here is what to expect at each stage. Total timeline: approximately 2-4 weeks.

STEP 1

1-2 days

Choose Business Activity

Select from over 2,000 DET-approved activities. Your chosen activity determines the license category (professional, commercial, or industrial).

STEP 2

1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Reserve a unique company name that complies with UAE naming conventions and DET guidelines.

STEP 3

2-3 days

Obtain Initial Approval

Receive initial approval from DET. Some activities require additional regulatory approval: healthcare (DHA), education (KHDA), food (Dubai Municipality), or financial services (Central Bank).

STEP 4

2-3 days

Draft Memorandum of Association

Prepare and notarize your MOA. If your activity is restricted, a local service agent arrangement may be needed.

STEP 5

1-5 days

Secure Office Space + Ejari

Arrange a physical office, flexi-desk, or co-working space. Ejari (tenancy registration) is mandatory for all mainland companies.

STEP 6

3-5 days

Receive DET Trade License

Submit all required documents and pay government fees to receive your official trade license from DET.

STEP 7

5-10 days/visa

Visa Processing

Process residence visas including medical examination, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents to ensure a smooth and fast setup process.

Personal Documents

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Passport-size photographs
Completed application forms
Trade name reservation options
Business activity description

UAE Residents (Additional)

Current UAE visa copy
Emirates ID copy
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor

Company Documents

Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Ejari-registered tenancy contract
Local service agent agreement (if applicable)

Visa Documents

Entry permit
Medical fitness certificate
Emirates ID application
Health insurance policy

DET activity lists, regulatory approvals, fees, and visa allocations update periodically. Information current as of May 2026. Contact us for current requirements specific to your situation.

Mainland Company FAQ

Common questions about setting up a mainland company in the UAE.

Ready to set up on the Dubai mainland?

Fifteen-minute call with the founder. We’ll scope the activity, the DET track, and the visa allocation so you start with a real plan.

Book a 15-minute consultation