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Dubai mainland
Dubai mainland company setup, step by step
The full process with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the documents you need and what comes after your license.
The process
8 steps to your trade license
- 1
Initial approval
DET confirms there is no objection to the business, its activity, legal form and partners. It lets you continue but does not allow trading yet.
Tip: Initial approval and trade name can be done in either order. - 2
Trade name reservation
A unique name for the company is reserved with DET. It must match the activity, end with the legal form (LLC, EST) and avoid restricted words.
Tip: Prepare three name options in case one is rejected. - 3
Follow-up
We track the approval and name with DET, collect the certificates and answer any requests for more documents.
- 4
MOA drafting
The Memorandum of Association sets out shareholders, capital, management and profit sharing. Required for LLCs and partnerships.
- 5
MOA signing & attestation
Signatures and notarisation are arranged and the attested MOA is collected.
- 6
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
Every mainland company needs a physical address. The office lease is registered with Ejari.
Tip: Sign the lease only after the initial approval is issued. - 7
Final submission
The full file goes to DET: approvals, trade name, MOA, Ejari, any external approvals and partner documents.
- 8
Payment voucher & license
DET issues a payment voucher for the license fees. Once paid (within 30 days), the trade license is issued.
Tip: Unpaid vouchers lapse after 30 days.
Documents for initial approval
- Passport copies of all partners and the manager (6+ months validity)
- UAE visa copy and Emirates ID, or entry stamp / visit visa
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- NOC from current employer, if a partner works for a mainland company
- Three proposed trade names
- Selected business activities
Documents for license issuance
- Initial approval certificate
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Signed and attested MOA (LLC / partnerships)
- Local Service Agent agreement, if required
- Tenancy contract registered with Ejari
- External authority approvals, if required
After the license
What comes next
The license makes the company legal. These registrations let it hire, bank and file tax.
| Task | Authority | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment (immigration) card | GDRFA / ICP | Needed to sponsor any visa, including the owner’s |
| MOHRE registration | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation | Work permits, labour contracts and WPS payroll |
| Investor and employee visas | GDRFA | Medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and visa stamping |
| Corporate bank account | Bank of your choice | License, MOA, Ejari and shareholder IDs usually required |
| Corporate Tax registration | Federal Tax Authority (EmaraTax) | Mandatory for every company, generally within 3 months |
| VAT registration | Federal Tax Authority (EmaraTax) | Mandatory above AED 375,000 taxable turnover a year |
Ready to start your company?
Estimate your costs or message us your activity and we’ll guide you through each step.