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 2026 starts from approximately AED 15,000 to AED 35,000, which is around ₹3.7 lakh to ₹8.6 lakh INR, depending on the business activity and specific requirements.
Here are the major cost components to consider when setting up a mainland company in Dubai.
| Cost Component | Description | Estimated Cost Range (AED) | Approx. Cost in INR (₹) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Registration Fee | Reserving and protecting your company name with DET | AED 620 – 750 | ₹15,300 – ₹18,500 | One-Time |
| Initial Approval Fee | Government’s preliminary approval to proceed | AED 310 – 500 | ₹7,600 – ₹12,300 | One-Time |
| DED Trade License Fee | Core license fee (varies by activity) | AED 10,000 – 30,000+ | ₹2.46L – ₹7.38L+ | Annual |
| MOA & Notarization Fees | Drafting and notarizing the MOA | AED 1,500 – 3,000 | ₹36,900 – ₹73,800 | One-Time |
| Office Space / Ejari Cost | Mandatory office rent & Ejari registration | AED 15,000 – 50,000+ | ₹3.69L – ₹12.3L+ | Annual |
| Chamber of Commerce Fee | Dubai Chamber registration | AED 1,000 – 3,000 | ₹24,600 – ₹73,800 | Annual |
| Foreign Trade Name Fee (if applicable) | If the trade name includes foreign words | AED 1,000 – 2,000 | ₹24,600 – ₹49,200 | One-Time |
| Establishment & Immigration Card | Required for visas, labor & bank account | AED 1,500 – 3,000 | ₹36,900 – ₹73,800 | Annual / Bi-Annual |
| Visa & Immigration Costs (per person) | Medical, Emirates ID & visa stamping | AED 3,500 – 7,000 | ₹86,100 – ₹1.72L | Every 2–3 Years |
| Other Admin / PRO Charges | Consultant & PRO service fees | AED 5,000 – 15,000 | ₹1.23L – ₹3.69L | One-Time |
Note: Actual costs depend on your business activity, office size & location, number of visas, and special approvals (if required). For accurate INR pricing, consultation with a professional business setup advisor is recommended.
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 for Dubai Mainland Company Formation (First Year, 2026): AED 25,000 – AED 75,000+ (₹6.15 lakh – ₹18.45 lakh+ INR)
- Lower-End Cost (AED 15,000 – AED 50,000 | ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.3 lakh INR): Ideal for startups and Indian entrepreneurs, this usually covers a basic Professional License, minimal activity approvals, and low-cost shared office or flexi-desk space with Ejari.
- Higher-End Cost (AED 50,000 – AED 75,000+ | ₹12.3 lakh – ₹18.45 lakh+ INR): Suitable for trading businesses, this typically includes a Dubai mainland Commercial License, a dedicated office in a prime location, and the first investor 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.
