Mainland business setup in Dubai, UAE gives your company full onshore access and eligibility for government contracts, with licences issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership; others require a UAE national partner or a Local Service Agent (LSA) based on the activity and legal form. The process is clear: trade name reservation, initial approval, MoA (Memorandum of Association) or LSA attestation, a leased office registered with Ejari, any external approvals, then licence collection. Freezone vs mainland in practice: free zones often limit direct UAE sales unless via a distributor or dual licence, while mainland trading is open but requires a physical address. Our company formation consultants and legal experts coordinate PRO/Tasheel services, visas, bank account opening, and VAT-ready bookkeeping to keep you compliant. We also advise on locations like DIP and cross-emirate options in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, aligning your Dubai plan with regional growth in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Mainland business setup in Dubai: what it really means today
Mainland doesn’t mean “old-school” anymore. The modern Dubai mainland is a flexible, scalable way to build a company that can trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government and semi‑government work. For many founders, that simple detail—being able to invoice a ministry, a state-owned enterprise, or a local retailer without geo‑limits—tips the freezone vs mainland decision.
The rules are cleaner than they used to be. For most activities you can now own 100% of a Dubai mainland company. Some regulated sectors still need Emirati participation or special approvals, but the blanket “51% local partner” era is largely gone. You still follow a defined process, you still need a real address, and you still have to comply with tax and accounting rules. That’s where planning—and the right consultant—saves you time and money.
Mainland vs freezone: choose by revenue, risk and reach
A freezone can be great for holding assets, cross‑border services, or when you don’t need to sell onshore. But once you need broad market access, mainland wins. With a mainland licence, you can trade anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE without appointing a commercial distributor or opening a branch just to issue invoices onshore. You also avoid some freezone-to-mainland import and customs steps.
The calculus is simple: if your customers include UAE consumers, retailers, government, or you need to operate from a showroom, clinic, studio, or warehouse in the city—go mainland. If your play is cross‑border SaaS with no local footprints or B2B contracts restricted to a specific zone, a freezone can still be the lean choice. Plenty of founders use both, structuring risk and IP in the freezone and the operating muscle on the mainland.
Dual licensing and when you can have both
A few ecosystems allow dual licensing so a freezone entity can obtain a DED/DET mainland permit for certain activities without renting another office or bringing in a local partner. It isn’t universal and depends on the freezone and activity, but if you’re already set up in, say, a media or logistics zone, ask about their dual-licence pathway. It is a clean bridge when your pipeline starts to include onshore projects.
Step-by-step: how a Dubai mainland company gets born
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (still widely called DED) keeps the playbook tight. The sequence is consistent: trade name, initial approval, documents and agreements, premises, external approvals if any, then licence issuance. You can do this yourself via the online portals, or mandate consultants to handle PRO work, attestations, and queues.
The steps below mirror what the UAE government outlines across emirates. Titles and portals differ slightly between Dubai, abu dhabi, sharjah and others, but the backbone is the same.
Pick and reserve a trade name
Your trade name must reflect your activity and include the legal form (LLC, EST, PJSC, PrJSC, etc.). It must not violate public morals or public order, or include religious or governmental names or logos. It also cannot duplicate an existing registered name. During reservation you’ll receive a payment voucher or transaction number—keep it handy for later steps.
Bonus tip: if you care about trademark protection, remember trade name registration is different from a trademark. Trade names are handled by the local economic department, while trademarks are with the Ministry of Economy. Secure both if brand is central to your strategy.
Initial approval: what it is, what it isn’t
Initial approval simply means the authorities have no objection to you proceeding. It is not a licence to operate. Background checks can include the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs for foreign founders. For some activities—legal services, financial services, security-related, telecom—you’ll be asked to obtain external approvals even before this stage.
MoA or LSA: which one and who signs
Depending on legal form, you will sign and notarise a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement. An MoA is standard for LLCs and joint-stock companies. An LSA agreement applies to certain professional licences or foreign branches where a UAE national acts as a service agent (no equity) to liaise with authorities. Law firms, the notary public, or courts can draft and attest these documents. Since 2021, most commercial activities allow 100% foreign ownership, so an equity “sponsor” is often unnecessary; check the latest activity list before you sign anything.
Lease, Ejari and real substance
All mainland businesses need a physical address. In Dubai, your lease must be registered with Ejari, and RERA attestation is typically required for issuance. This is your “substance” anchor for immigration, banking, and tax. For cost‑effective space, many SMEs start in areas like Dubai Investment Park (DIP) or Al Quoz; creative studios often find good value in Alserkal or smaller business centers. Some instant or e‑commerce licences allow you to defer Ejari for the first year, but you’ll still need premises before visa quotas and renewals.
Extra approvals by activity
Certain activities need approvals from specific regulators:
- Ministry of Interior: transport, driving schools, fire equipment, alarms, used cars
- Ministry of Justice: legal consultancy
- Local municipalities: architectural and engineering consultancies
- TDRA: telecom activities
- Executive Council: travel and tourism, ship and maritime agencies, charter air transport, foreign company branches
- Ministry of Economy: insurance and some consultancy services
- Health authorities: clinics, pharmacies, health tech
- Supreme Petroleum Council (abu dhabi): onshore/offshore oil and gas services
Build time for these into your launch plan. Missing one approval can stall everything else.
Licence issuance and the 30‑day clock
Once the pieces are in place, you’ll submit:
- Initial approval receipt and prior documents
- Ejari/RERA‑attested lease copy
- Notarised MoA (if applicable)
- External approvals (if applicable)
- Service agent agreement (if applicable)
You’ll be issued a payment voucher. Pay within the stated window—typically 30 days—or the application can lapse. After payment, you’ll receive your trade licence and can move to immigration, banking, and go‑live.
Ownership, partners and the local-agent question
Let’s end the confusion. For many mainland activities in Dubai, foreigners can own 100% of the company. Some sectors still require UAE national shareholding due to strategic importance or public interest. Professional activities may use an LSA model where a UAE national is a non‑equity agent. The safest path is to select your activity precisely and confirm its ownership rules with a current list, not a brochure from 2018.
If you do need a local shareholder, protect yourself with a well‑drafted MoA, side agreements addressing financing, profit distribution, and exit, and a clear corporate governance map. Use licensed law firms—this is not a place for templates.
Legal forms that work on the mainland
An LLC is the workhorse for most trading and service businesses. It’s flexible, bankable, and familiar to counterparties. A sole establishment (professional licence) can suit freelancers and consultants but ties liability to the owner. Civil companies are used by certain professionals operating together. Branches of foreign companies allow 100% foreign ownership with a UAE national LSA, but the parent remains liable. PJSC/PrJSC routes are for capital‑intensive plays where public or private share issuance is strategic.
Costs you should actually budget
Ignore one‑line “all‑in” ads. Build a realistic model:
- Government and licence fees: typically AED 8,000–18,000 depending on activity, name, market fees, and knowledge/innovation dirhams. Regulated activities cost more.
- Ejari‑backed office: from AED 12,000–20,000 for a serviced desk in the city to AED 25,000–60,000+ for small private offices; warehouses in DIP or Al Quoz vary widely.
- Corporate documents: MoA/LSA drafting and notarisation AED 1,000–3,000.
- Immigration files and establishment cards: AED 1,000–3,000.
- Visas: per employee AED 3,500–7,000 in government fees over multiple steps, plus medical and Emirates ID. PRO services add on top.
- Banking: usually no fee to open, but expect minimum average balances (AED 25,000–250,000) or monthly charges if below.
- Accounting and audit: bookkeeping for a small service company often AED 6,000–12,000 per year; audits AED 6,000–18,000 depending on complexity and regulator demands.
For a solo professional like a photographer serving government clients, a quote around AED 20,000–30,000 for proper mainland setup (excluding office rent and visas) can be within reason if it includes real PRO work, attestations, and external approvals. Bookkeeping at AED 9,500 per year is not unusual if it includes VAT filings and monthly reconciliations. Always ask for a line‑item estimate so you see government vs service fees.
Visas, Golden Visa, and hiring on the mainland
After your licence, open immigration files, get your establishment card, and set up e‑channels (in abu dhabi) or use Amer/Tasheel (in Dubai) to process employment visas. Your office size influences visa quotas. Mainland is straightforward for sponsoring staff and dependents once you have labour and immigration files active.
Golden Visa can sit alongside a mainland company if you qualify by investment, salary, or achievements. Agencies often charge AED 12,000–18,000 to manage it. You can apply yourself for less through official portals, but weigh convenience and speed. If a consultant bundles Golden Visa with your business setup, verify the government fee portion vs their service fee and whether family sponsorship is included.
Tax, accounting and ongoing compliance
Corporate tax is now part of the UAE landscape. The federal rate is 9% on business profits exceeding AED 375,000, with small business relief and exemptions in defined cases. VAT is 5% for most standard-rated supplies; register once you hit the threshold or voluntarily earlier if it helps input recovery.
Keep clean books from day one. Many mainland activities and tenders require audited financials. You’ll also handle UBO declarations, economic substance (if you carry out relevant activities), and AML/CFT obligations if you’re a DNFBP (think real estate brokerage, certain consultancies, or company formation services). Non‑compliance is expensive; treat it like product hygiene, not a checkbox.
Banking and payments: open the account without headaches
Banks in dubai and across the uae want to see substance: Ejari, a real website, contracts, and a founder with residency. Walk into onboarding with a crisp pack: licence, MoA, lease, visas, UBO chart, business plan, sample invoices or LOIs, and proof of source of funds. If you’re pre‑revenue, show pipeline and signed proposals. Be prepared for minimum balance requirements. For startups, a tier‑two bank or digital account can be a pragmatic first step while you build history.
Beyond Dubai: picking Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah vs elsewhere
Abu Dhabi mainland is attractive for government and energy ecosystems, with strong incentives for industrial and tech. Sharjah shines for education, culture, and cost‑efficient warehousing. Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman offer leaner overheads. If your supply chain is port‑led, Fujairah and RAK can be compelling. The great news: inter‑emirate operations are seamless once you’re on the mainland, so you can register the company in one emirate and trade across the rest with the right activity.
Regionally, Dubai remains the launchpad for expansion into qatar and saudi arabia. When your revenue starts to cross borders, plan for local entity rules, VAT in KSA, withholding quirks, and public‑sector vendor registrations. A mainland company in Dubai—with audited books and clean compliance—often speeds partner onboarding in those markets.
Sector notes: creatives, professional services, retail and industrial
Creatives—photographers, designers, agencies—often need mainland status to register as vendors with ministries, schools, or state firms. Expect media permits for certain shoots, and permissions for public locations. A professional licence with an LSA can work, but many creatives choose an LLC for liability and banking.
Professional services enjoy clean licensing but watch for regulator approvals in legal, accounting, and engineering. Retail and F&B must layer in municipality, food safety, and signage approvals, plus location compliance. Industrial setups add environmental clearances and utility tie‑ins; consider DIP or JAFZA for logistics adjacency even with a mainland licence.
What good consultants actually do (and when to DIY)
A good consultant is not just a form filler. The right experts will map your revenue model to the correct activity, confirm whether 100% foreign ownership applies, structure the legal form to match risk, and pre‑clear regulator questions before you spend on leases. They’ll draft MoAs and LSAs properly, manage notarisation, coordinate Ejari, and build your immigration and labour file cleanly. Their services should include a clear compliance calendar, basic tax onboarding, and introductions to bankers who actually open accounts for your profile.
DIY is possible if your activity is simple, your time is flexible, and you’re comfortable with government portals. Just budget the learning curve. If your pipeline includes tenders, external approvals, or cross‑border flows, bring in a seasoned consultant. Ask for transparency on government fees vs service fees, timelines with dependencies, and a named PRO contact. Red flags: vague “sponsorship” promises, pressure to use a specific landlord, or quotes that hide external approvals and Ejari.
If you remember one line, make it this: mainland business setup in Dubai is a strategy exercise first, a paperwork exercise second. Choose the structure that matches how you actually sell, then let the paperwork follow. And when in doubt, ask the questions a company formation consultant hates: where exactly is each dirham going, and why.
| Area | Key points for Dubai mainland | Practical steps | Typical costs (AED) | Timeframe | Required docs | Notes for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland vs freezone vs offshore | Mainland lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, with or without government clients. Freezone suits focused sectors and cross-border trade; it may need a mainland distributor for onshore sales. Offshore is for holding assets and is not for UAE onshore trading. | Map your sales: if you need Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah retail or government tenders, choose mainland. If you export only, freezone can work. | Mainland licence packages often 10,000–25,000 (licence and admin). Freezone packages can start 6,000–15,000. Offshore ~7,000–12,000. Office rent is extra. | 1–3 weeks mainland; freezone similar; offshore 1–2 weeks. | Basic KYC (passport, visa/entry stamp, photo), business plan for certain activities. | Abu Dhabi licence pricing is often comparable to Dubai; Sharjah can be cheaper on rent. RAK and Ajman can lower total cost but check client location. | Ask consultants for a side-by-side “freezone vs mainland” deliverables list, including office, visas, bank letters, and any hidden PRO fees. |
| Legal forms (company types) | LLC (most common), sole establishment (professional), civil company (professional partnership), branch of foreign company, PJSC/PrJSC (larger ventures). | Pick form based on liability, partners, and activity. LLC limits liability; professional forms suit consulting and creatives. | Name reservation ~620–720. MOA notarisation 1,000–3,000+. Translation 300–1,000+. | Selection is same day; MOA notarisation 1–3 days. | Passports, partner visas/UIDs, NOCs if employed, draft MOA, activity list. | Abu Dhabi and Sharjah offer similar forms. Branch rules are consistent across emirates. | For creatives and consultants, a professional licence with 100% ownership and a Local Service Agent (LSA) is often lean and fast. |
| Foreign ownership and local involvement | 100% foreign ownership is allowed for most mainland activities. Some strategic activities still need UAE national shareholding. Sole establishments and branches may require an LSA (no shareholding). | Confirm if your activity is on the 100% list. If not, structure shareholding or choose a qualifying activity. | LSA fees 2,000–10,000/year depending on scope. | Ownership assessment is instant; LSA agreement 1 day. | Activity code, passport, LSA Emirates ID for attestation. | Policy similar in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Always check latest activity guide. | Keep LSA role administrative. Define scope and cancellation process in the agreement. |
| Trade name reservation | Name must include legal form (LLC, EST, PJSC, PrJSC), not violate public order, match activity, avoid religious or authority names/logos, and be unique. | Search availability. Reserve via DED/DET portal. Keep 2–3 backups. | 620–720 | Same day to 1 day. | Passport copy, proposed names, activity. | Rules are uniform across emirates via each DED. | Short, neutral names pass fastest. Add “LLC” or “EST” as required. |
| Initial approval (no-objection) | Confirms the government has no objection to proceed. It is not a licence to trade. Foreigners need a clearance by GDRFA. Some activities need pre-approvals first. | File online with activity list and shareholders’ KYC. | 120–600 | 1–3 days. | Name reservation, passports, visa status, activity list. | Similar in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. | If you’re on a tourist visa, plan status change or visa run timing early. |
| MOA and LSA attestation | MOA for LLCs and companies; LSA agreement for professional/branch setups. Prepared and attested by UAE law firms, notary, or courts. | Draft MOA/LSA in English/Arabic, then attest. | 1,000–3,000+ for MOA; 500–1,500 for LSA attestation. | 1–3 days. | Draft MOA/LSA, passports, Emirates IDs for signatories. | Process mirrors across emirates. | Lock in dispute resolution, profit split (LLC), and manager powers inside the MOA. |
| Office lease and Ejari | Mainland needs a physical address. In Dubai, register the lease on Ejari. Some industrial areas (like DIP) add their own clearances. | Choose office/warehouse. Sign lease. Register Ejari. | Flexi/desk 8,000–20,000/year; standard office 25,000–80,000+; warehouse varies by size and zone. | Lease 1–3 days; Ejari same day. | Tenancy contract, landlord title, Ejari registration. | Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq; Sharjah has its own attestation. | For first year, check “instant licence” options; you’ll still need an office for visas and banking. |
| Additional external approvals | Some activities need extra approvals: Interior (transport, car rental), Justice (legal consultancy), municipalities (engineering/architecture), TDRA (telecom), Executive Council (travel, maritime, foreign branches), Economy (insurance/consultancy), Health, Supreme Petroleum Council (oil and gas). | Sequence: secure external approvals before final licence issuance. | 500–10,000+ depending on authority and activity. | 3–15+ days depending on entity. | Application forms, qualifications, experience letters, layout plans (for clinics, etc.). | Oil and gas approvals are more common in Abu Dhabi; Sharjah municipality approvals are rigorous for engineering. | Start external approvals early to avoid lease and visa delays. |
| Licence issuance and payment | After steps above, pay and collect the licence. Pay within the deadline on the voucher to avoid cancellation. | Submit final bundle and settle fees online or at service centres. | Base licence often 8,000–15,000; admin/knowledge fees ~300–600. | 1–2 days after submission. | Initial approval, attested MOA, Ejari, external approvals, passports. | Similar across emirates. | Save the licence PDF and QR; banks will request it repeatedly. |
| Visas and immigration | Mainland companies can sponsor investor and employee visas. Investor is usually 2 years; Golden Visa is 10 years if eligible. | Establishment card, immigration file, E-channel/ICP access, quota, offer letters, medical, Emirates ID. | Investor visa 3,500–6,000 per person. Employee visa 4,000–7,000. Golden Visa 3,000–6,000 in fees; agencies may quote 8,000–16,000 with services. | 1–3 weeks end to end. | Licence, Establishment Card, MOA, lease, photos, passport, medical/ID results. | Abu Dhabi processing via TAMM; timelines are similar. | DIY Golden Visa can be cheaper than consultant bundles; verify your category first. |
| Banking | Banks ask for clear source of funds, lease, invoices/contracts, and UBO details. Mainland addresses often help with risk scoring. | Shortlist 2–3 banks, prepare KYC pack and initial contracts/POs. | Account opening free to 5,000; monthly fall-below fees 0–1,500. | 1–4 weeks. | KYC pack, licence, MOA, Ejari, UBO, business plan, sample invoices. | Requirements largely the same in all emirates. | Start with a bank that understands your sector; consider a second account for redundancy. |
| Tax and compliance (UAE) | Corporate tax: 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000. VAT: 5% if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000/year. UBO filing is mandatory. ESR applies to certain “relevant activities.” AML rules cover DNFBPs (e.g., real estate brokers, precious metals, accountants, corporate service providers). | Register for VAT and corporate tax if in scope. Maintain books. File returns on time. | Accounting 6,000–20,000/year; audit (if required) 6,000–25,000+. | Ongoing; VAT returns quarterly or monthly; CT annually. | TRN, CT registration, UBO form, economic substance notification/return (if relevant). | Same federal tax rules across emirates. | Small Business Relief may apply to revenue below thresholds; check eligibility each year. |
| Bookkeeping and audit | Clean books support tax, visas, banking, and due diligence. Some activities or sizes need an annual audit. | Set up a chart of accounts. Keep invoices, receipts, payroll, and bank reconciliations. | Outsourced bookkeeping 750–2,500/month for SMEs. | Monthly bookkeeping; annual close in 2–6 weeks. | Bank statements, invoices, payroll records, contracts. | Costs can be lower in Sharjah and RAK. | Ask your consultant for a monthly management pack, not just year-end entries. |
| Government portals and counters | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED/DET), Tasheel (labour), Amer (residency), ICP, and municipality systems. | Create accounts, keep your login vault. Track all vouchers and timelines. | Typing fees 50–300 per form. | Same day to 3 days per step. | Emirates ID/UID, phone/email for OTPs. | Abu Dhabi: TAMM; Sharjah: SEDD. | A single PRO/consultant can coordinate all portals to avoid duplicated fees. |
| Cost snapshot (photography/creative example) | Mainland professional licence, 100% ownership, LSA, small office. | Name + initial + MOA/LSA + licence + Ejari + investor visa. | Licence bundle 10,000–18,000; LSA 2,000–6,000/year; Ejari/desk 8,000–20,000; investor visa 3,500–6,000. All-in first year commonly 25,000–45,000 excluding higher office rent. | 2–4 weeks to trade-ready. | Listed above. | Sharjah/Dubai Studio City (freezone) may be cheaper for export-only shoots; check client rules. | Quotes around 25,000 for company setup without visa exist; request a line-item scope before you sign. |
| Dual licensing (freezone to mainland) | Some freezones allow dual licensing with DED so you can sell on mainland without extra office or a local partner in Dubai. | Check if your freezone has a dual licence MoU with DED. | Add-on 2,000–10,000 depending on zone and activity. | 1–2 weeks. | Freezone licence, lease, approvals. | Abu Dhabi has similar arrangements via ADDED with select zones. | Confirm whether your activity is eligible and if a mainland quota/visa is included. |
| Popular mainland locations in Dubai | Business Bay and Sheikh Zayed Road for offices; Al Quoz and DIP (Dubai Investment Park) for warehousing/light industry; Deira/Bur Dubai for retail. | Pick based on client access and delivery logistics. | Rents vary widely; DIP warehouses from 35–55/sqft/year typical; offices from 80–160/sqft/year. | Lease 1–3 days. | KYC, corporate docs. | Sharjah offers lower industrial rents (SAIF vicinity). Abu Dhabi has Mussafah for industry. | Ask landlords for fit-out periods and power capacity in writing. |
| Government clients and tenders | Mainland companies can contract directly with Dubai and UAE government entities. Some tenders require specific classifications. | Register on e-procurement portals and pre-qualify. | Registration fees minimal; bid bonds may apply. | Varies by tender. | Trade licence, classifications, past performance. | Similar processes in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. | Keep your activity list aligned with the tender scope to pass compliance checks. |
| Consultants and services | Consultants handle end-to-end setup: activity mapping, names, approvals, MOA/LSA, office, visas, banking introductions, bookkeeping, and renewals. | Choose a consultant with transparent pricing and fixed SLAs. | Full setup service 5,000–15,000 on top of government fees. | Cuts total time by 20–40% in practice. | Standard KYC plus signed service scope. | Reputable networks exist across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. | Ask for a fixed-fee “no success, no fee” on risky external approvals. |
| DIY vs using a consultant | DIY is feasible if your activity is simple and you have time. Consultants save time when multiple approvals and visas are involved. | Price three consultants and compare to DIY official fee list. | DIY saves 3,000–10,000 but costs time. | DIY can add 1–2 weeks if you are new to portals. | Same as above. | Rules and queues vary by emirate. | Even if you DIY, consider a PRO day-rate for Tasheel/Amer submissions. |
| Golden Visa vs standard investor visa | Standard investor visa is shorter term and tied to the company. Golden Visa (10 years) is for qualifying investors/talents and is not tied to your company’s life cycle. | Check category (investor, specialist, outstanding talent) and apply via ICP/GDRFA. | Golden Visa government fees often 3,000–6,000; agency bundles 8,000–16,000. | 2–4 weeks. | Qualification proofs (education, salary, investment), medical, ID. | Available UAE-wide. | If you qualify, apply directly to save fees; you can still own a mainland company. |
| Renewal and ongoing compliance | Renew licence yearly, lease/Ejari yearly, visas as due. Keep VAT/CT filings on time. | Calendar all expiries; renew 30 days before due dates. | Licence renewal 8,000–15,000; office as per lease; bookkeeping/audit per above. | 1–5 days for licence renewal. | Same docs; add NOC if activity changed. | Same across emirates. | Late renewals attract fines and portal blocks; avoid last-week rush. |
| Closing or changing the company | For changes (name, activity, manager) amend the licence and MOA if needed. For closure, cancel visas, deregister taxes, liquidate, and publish notices if required. | Plan sequence: visas → tax → licence. | Amendments 500–3,000+; liquidation 5,000–15,000+. | 2–8 weeks depending on clearances. | Board/unit resolutions, audit (if needed), clearance letters. | Processes similar with local nuances. | Keep a clean tax position before you liquidate to avoid delays. |
| Sharjah vs Dubai vs Abu Dhabi (quick take) | Dubai: market reach, speed, brand value. Sharjah: lower costs, strong industrial/logistics. Abu Dhabi: government projects, energy/defense proximity. | Match location to client base and activity approvals. | Sharjah licences can be slightly cheaper; Abu Dhabi rents vary by district. | Comparable timelines. | Standard KYC and approvals. | RAK/Ajman/Fujairah can offer cost savings; check logistics. | Price the total cost of ownership (licence + rent + transport), not just licence fees. |
| Regional alternatives (Qatar, Saudi Arabia) | If your real market is Doha or Riyadh, consider local entities there. Both countries have their own licences, visas, and tax laws. | Evaluate whether a UAE company plus commercial agency in KSA/Qatar is enough or if on-the-ground presence is required. | KSA and Qatar setups often 20,000–60,000+ equivalents, plus higher ongoing payroll costs. | 3–8 weeks (varies by sector). | Legalised parent docs for branches, local addresses, tax registrations. | Not a substitute for Dubai mainland if your sales are UAE-based. | Use UAE as a hub only if contracts allow cross-border service delivery without permanent establishment risk. |
| Sample step-by-step checklist | 1) Choose activity and legal form. 2) Reserve trade name. 3) Get initial approval. 4) Draft and attest MOA/LSA. 5) Sign office lease and register Ejari. 6) Secure external approvals. 7) Pay and collect licence. 8) Open bank account. 9) Register VAT/CT. 10) Process visas. | Follow the sequence to avoid rework and extra fees. | Official fees for a simple LLC often total 10,000–18,000 before rent/visas; with consultant services, 15,000–28,000. | 2–4 weeks to live. | Listed per step. | Steps mirror in other emirates with portal differences. | Keep every payment voucher and approval letter; they unlock the next step. |
| Common pitfalls to avoid | Vague activity selection, no Ejari for visas/banks, missing external approvals, hidden PRO charges, and late tax registration. | Validate activity codes and approvals before paying big lease deposits. | Avoid rush fees by planning 3–4 weeks ahead. | — | — | — | Ask your consultant to supply a dated “activities and approvals matrix” and a full cost schedule upfront. |
| What good consultants and experts deliver | Clear scope, fixed fees, weekly updates, portal logins handed over, and post-licence support (banking, tax, payroll). | Use a single point of contact. Get SLAs and a change-order policy. | Consultant service fee 5,000–15,000 for end-to-end mainland setup. | Saves repeat visits and errors. | Engagement letter, KYC, power of attorney (if needed). | Strong networks exist across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. | Pay in milestones tied to government deliverables, not all upfront. |