Dubai is a hotspot for businesses, and setting up your company here is a dream for many global investors. When people talk about launching a business in the UAE, they often mean a Dubai Mainland Company, especially popular forms like the Limited Liability Company (LLC). Why? Because a mainland setup gives you the ultimate freedom: you can trade anywhere in the UAE and work directly with the local market and government clients. This open access and growth potential is why so many entrepreneurs prefer the mainland route.
However, a big question mark for anyone planning this exciting move is the Dubai mainland company formation cost. It's totally natural to feel a bit worried about the investment. You want to know exactly what you're signing up for before you start. So, to help you budget confidently, we're going to give you a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of the financial commitment.
We will walk you through all the necessary charges, from the essential trade license fees and mandatory government charges to other important one-off and annual key expenses.
What is a Mainland Company in Dubai?
A mainland company is a business registered under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which means it can operate anywhere in the UAE, not just in specific areas or zones. This setup is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to trade freely within the local market, work with government entities, and expand their operations both locally and internationally.
Business Activities Allowed Under a Mainland License:
A Dubai mainland license covers a wide range of business activities, including:- Commercial activities: Trading, retail, import/export, general trading, etc.
- Professional activities: Consultancy, accounting, marketing, IT, legal, and more.
- Industrial activities: Manufacturing, production, and related operations.
- Tourism activities: Travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality services.
Breakdown of Dubai Mainland Company Formation Costs
The Dubai mainland company formation cost in 2025 starts from approximately AED 15,000 to AED 35,000, depending on the business activity and specific requirements.
Here are the major cost components you should budget for when setting up a mainland company in Dubai.| Cost Component | Description | Estimated Cost Range (AED) | Frequency |
| Trade Name Registration Fee | Reserving and protecting your chosen company name with the DET. | AED 620 – AED 750 | One-Time |
| Initial Approval Fee | The government's preliminary approval to proceed with company setup. | AED 310 – AED 500 | One-Time |
| DED Trade License Fee | The core fee for the license itself, which varies significantly by activity. | AED 10,000 – AED 30,000+ | Annual |
| MOA & Notarization Fees | Cost for drafting and having the Memorandum of Association legally attested by the Notary Public. | AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 | One-Time |
| Office Space / Ejari Cost | Mandatory physical office space rent and its legal registration (Ejari). This is the biggest variable cost. | AED 15,000 – AED 50,000+ (Annual Rent) | Annual |
| Chamber of Commerce Fee | Mandatory registration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. | AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 | Annual |
| Foreign Trade Name Fee (if applicable) | An additional fee if your chosen trade name includes foreign/non-Arabic words. | AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 | One-Time |
| Establishment & Immigration Card | Mandatory card required to apply for visas, manage labor affairs, and open a corporate bank account. | AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 | Annual / Bi-Annual |
| Visa and Immigration Costs (Per Person) | Cost for medical testing, Emirates ID, and residency visa stamping for an investor or employee. | AED 3,500 – AED 7,000 | Every 2-3 Years |
| Other Administrative or PRO Charges | Fees paid to a business setup consultant (PRO services) for drafting paperwork, running errands, translations, and managing the process. | AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 | One-Time |
Note: actual amounts depend on your business activity, number of visas, office size and location, and whether any special approvals are required.
Average Cost of Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Based on the components above, the typical first-year cost for setting up a standard Dubai Mainland LLC or Professional Company with a small office space starts at:
- Approximate Total Cost Range (First Year, Basic Setup): AED 25,000 – AED 75,000+
- Lower End (AED 15,000 – AED 50,000): This usually covers a basic Professional License with minimal activity approvals and the most affordable annual office/shared desk space (Ejari).
- Higher End (AED 50,000 – AED 75,000+): This typically includes a Commercial (Trading) License, a dedicated small office in a good location, and the cost of the first investor's visa.
Shuraa India understands that one size doesn't fit all. We offer customisable setup packages tailored precisely to your budget, desired business activity, and visa requirements, ensuring you only pay for what your business truly needs.
Additional Costs to Consider for the Mainland Business Setup
While the main setup fees cover most of the essentials, there are a few extra costs that new business owners should keep in mind when planning their Dubai mainland company formation.
1. Local Service Agent or Sponsor Fees (if applicable)
While most mainland businesses are now allowed 100% business ownership, however, if your business activity requires a local service agent (for professional licenses) or a UAE national sponsor (for certain activities), there may be an annual fee involved. This can range anywhere from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000+, depending on the agreement.
2. Trade License Renewal Costs
Every year, your trade license must be renewed to keep your business legally active. The renewal cost is usually similar to your initial DET license fee, typically around AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, depending on your business type and size.
3. Additional Approvals from Other Authorities
Some business activities require extra approvals from relevant government departments, such as:- Dubai Municipality (for food, beauty, or construction-related activities)
- RERA (for real estate businesses)
- KHDA (for education-related businesses)
4. Insurance and Labour Card Fees
If you plan to hire staff, you’ll need to factor in employee insurance, labour cards, and work permit fees. These costs can vary but usually fall between AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 per employee, depending on the role and visa type.
How to Reduce Mainland Company Setup Costs in Dubai?
A mainland business setup in Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart moves, you can keep your costs under control and still set up your business smoothly.
1. Pick the Right Business Activity:
Choose a business activity that exactly matches what you’ll be doing. This helps you avoid paying extra for unnecessary approvals or licenses.
2. Use Shared or Virtual Offices:
Instead of renting a big office right away, start with a shared or flexi-desk space. It’s affordable and still meets the legal requirements for mainland setups.
3. Get Help from Experts like Shuraa:
Partnering with a professional setup firm can save you time and money. Shuraa India helps you find the best options, handle paperwork, and avoid costly mistakes or fines.
4. Plan for Long-Term Costs Early:
Don’t just focus on setup expenses - plan for renewals, visa fees, and office upgrades. Having a clear budget from the start helps avoid surprises later.
5. Take Advantage of Setup Packages:
Look for bundled setup packages that include trade license, visas, and PRO services. These are often cheaper than paying for each service separately.
Why Choose Shuraa India for Mainland Company Formation?
At Shuraa India, we make setting up your mainland company in Dubai simple, fast, and affordable. We've already helped thousands of entrepreneurs like you, and our team knows exactly how to turn your idea into a thriving UAE business.
We offer customised setup packages to fit every business need - from small startups to big companies. Our pricing is completely transparent, so you’ll always know what you’re paying for, with no hidden charges along the way.
From licensing and documentation to visas, PRO services, and banking assistance, we handle everything under one roof, saving you time and hassle.
Not sure how much your business setup will cost? Get a free consultation with our experts today and receive a clear cost estimate tailored to your business idea.