Dubai Mainland Business Setup: How to Register with the DED
If you’re exploring business setup UAE opportunities, registering a company in Dubai Mainland is one of the most popular and advantageous routes for entrepreneurs. Governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), mainland registration enables you to do business across the UAE without restrictions. In this article, we provide an in-depth guide on how to register with the DED and successfully establish your UAE mainland business.
Why Choose a Dubai Mainland Business Setup?
A mainland license grants you flexibility and access to a broader customer base. Unlike free zones, Dubai mainland company formation allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE, trade directly with the local market, and bid on government projects.
- No restrictions on office location within Dubai
- No limits on the number of visas
- Access to both government and private sector clients
- Opportunity to trade across the UAE and internationally
Key Steps for Business Setup in UAE Mainland
1. Determine Your Business Activity
The DED lists over 2,000 business activities. Select one or more that align closely with your future operations. This choice impacts licensing, office space, and legal requirements.
2. Choose a Legal Structure
Popular options include:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – the most common structure
- Sole Establishment – suitable for solo entrepreneurs
- Branch of a foreign company – if expanding your overseas operations
3. Reserve Your Trade Name
Choose a unique name that reflects your brand and abides by UAE naming regulations. Submit to the DED for reservation.
4. Get Initial Approval from DED
Before proceeding with documentation, obtain DED’s initial approval confirming your business type and preliminary trade name are acceptable.
5. Draft and Notarize the MOA
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlines the structure, partners’ roles, and share distribution. This must be notarized in presence of all partners.
6. Select a Physical Office Location
DED requires that all mainland businesses have a physical office. Your office must meet local regulatory standards and tenancy must be registered via the Ejari system.
7. Submit Documents and Pay Fees
Submit final documents to DED including MOA, Ejari certificate, and trade name certificate. Upon approval, pay the license issuance fee.
8. Receive Your Mainland Trade License
Once processed, you’ll receive your commercial license and can legally start operations.
Documents Required for DED Registration
- Passport copies of all partners
- Entry Visa or Residency copies
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Initial approval certificate
- Notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Trade name reservation certificate
Common Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Mainland
DED covers a huge range of licenses, including:
- Commercial license: for buying/selling goods
- Professional license: for services like consulting and education
- Industrial license: for manufacturing and industrial work
Browse the complete activity list on the UAE Government Portal.
Costs Involved in Dubai Mainland Business Setup
Costs vary depending on your business type, office space, visa requirements, and number of partners. Estimated costs include:
- DED license fees: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
- Ejari registration: AED 2,000 – AED 6,000
- MOA notarization: AED 1,000 – AED 2,000
- Visa processing & medical tests: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa
Benefits of Registering with the DED
- 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors
- Eligibility for government contracts
- Wide choice of office locations
- Possibility to open corporate bank accounts
Post-Licensing Steps
After obtaining your license, ensure these follow-ups:
- Apply for visas (employee and investor)
- Open a corporate bank account
- Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Tips for a Smooth Business Setup Process
- Consider hiring a business setup service to navigate procedures
- Double-check all documents are up to date and compliant
- Ensure the trade name isn’t under restriction
Avoiding Delays and Fines
Late renewals or missing documentation can lead to penalties. For insights on avoiding this, read our detailed guide: How to Avoid Fines and Penalties When Renewing Your Trade License in Dubai.
Alternative to Mainland: Explore Free Zones
If your business doesn’t need to operate within mainland UAE, consider a free zone. They offer perks like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. Learn more about your options in our article on Best Industrial Areas in Dubai for Manufacturing and Trading Businesses.
Final Thoughts on Business Setup UAE
Dubai mainland business setup offers entrepreneurs a dynamic and profitable gateway into the UAE market. While the DED registration process involves multiple steps, it is a reliable and rewarding investment. By staying compliant and informed, you’ll be well-positioned to launch a successful venture in Dubai.
