Do I need a local partner?
Not for most commercial activities. Some professional and strategic activities still need a local service agent, whose fee is passed on at cost.
Mainland company setup in Dubai
Trade anywhere in the UAE and with government, with full foreign ownership for most activities.
At a glance
- Fee
- AED 5,000 one-off
- Timing
- Typically 2 to 4 weeks
- For
- Businesses selling to UAE customers and government
A mainland licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism lets you trade directly across the UAE and bid for government work. Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. We handle trade name, approvals, office lease and licence, then your visas, bank account and accounts.
What is included
- Activity and ownership check
- Trade name and initial approval
- Office lease (Ejari) arranged
- Memorandum of association and licence
- Establishment card and labour registration
How it works
Four steps, agreed up front.
- 01
Check
Activities, ownership and approvals needed.
- 02
Approve
Trade name and initial approval.
- 03
Office
Lease and Ejari registered.
- 04
Licence
Licence issued, then visas and bank.
Mainland setup fees
Open the estimator| Mainland company formationGovernment fees at cost. | AED 5,000 one-off |
|---|---|
| Establishment (immigration) card | AED 500 one-off |
| Investor or partner visa | AED 1,250 per visa |
| Corporate bank account opening support | AED 1,500 one-off |
Fixed fees, excluding 5% VAT. Government fees are passed on at cost.
What we need from you
- Passports of shareholders and manager
- Proposed names and activities
- Office details, if you have one
Not sure you have everything? Send what you have — we will tell you what is missing.
Common questions
About mainland setup.
Not covered here? — we reply within one business day.
Are the government fees exact?
They are typical current figures. Your written quotation confirms the exact amount for your activities and the free zone’s latest schedule.
Why does year two cost less?
Residence visas last two years, and formation work is one-off. Year two is mainly the licence renewal.
Which free zone should I choose?
It depends on your activities, visa needs, budget and whether you need a Dubai address. We compare two or three for you in writing.
Often done together
Related services from the same team.
Free zone setup
IFZA, RAKEZ, SPC, Ajman or Meydan — chosen for your activity, not our commission.
View serviceVisas & PRO
Investor, employee, family and Golden Visas, and the government paperwork around them.
View serviceMonthly bookkeeping
Your books closed every month, reconciled to the bank and ready for VAT and corporate tax.
View serviceTell us about your business
Tell us what you need for mainland setup — a fixed quote within one business day.
- Call+971 4 425 1950
- WhatsAppMessage us any time
- Emailinfo@meraki-consultants.com
- ReplyWithin one business day