Cost Breakdown – Dubai Mainland Business Setup

  • Commercial License 15,000 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Professional License 12,500 AED+

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Industrial License 25,000 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

  • Tourism License 20,000 AED+

    1-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 5,750 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • Service License 8,050 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Trading License 9,200 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 15,500 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Shams vs. Other UAE Free Zones – Which One is Best for You?

Choosing the right free zone depends on your industry, business model, and expansion plans. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Rakez Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 13,500 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 18,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 25,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

RAKEZ vs. Other UAE Free Zones – Which One is Best for You?

Choosing the right free zone depends on your industry, business model, and expansion plans. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Avoid These Common IFZA Setup Mistakes

IFZA Business Setup Cost Breakdown

  • Freelancer/Consultant License 11,000 AED

    1-year license, No visa

  • E-Commerce License 13,000 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • General Trading License 15,500 AED

    1-year license, 1 visa

  • Multi-Year License 30,000 AED

    3-year license, 2 visas

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Fast Track Your Business Setup

UAE Mainland: Full Market Access and Business Growth Opportunities

The UAE Mainland offers one of the most flexible and powerful business environments in the world. Unlike free zones, Mainland licenses allow companies to trade directly with the local UAE market, government entities, and international clients without restrictions. Recent reforms such as 100% foreign ownership for most activities have made the Mainland even more attractive for both local entrepreneurs and international investors.


At Emifast, we simplify the entire process – from selecting the right activity to securing licenses, visas, and bank accounts. Our team ensures your business is set up efficiently, with full compliance and long-term sustainability in mind.

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Our Services

What is a UAE Mainland?

The term “Mainland” refers to businesses licensed under the Department of Economic Development (DED) of each emirate. These licenses give companies the freedom to operate across the UAE and internationally. Unlike free zones, Mainland companies are not limited by geography, making them ideal for businesses that want to expand across multiple sectors and client groups.

With Mainland setup, companies can engage in government contracts, retail trading, professional services, and industrial activities. This flexibility, combined with the UAE’s strong infrastructure, makes the Mainland an unmatched base for growth.

Company Formation

Most Popular

Tailored setup packages for consultancy, trading, industrial, and e-commerce businesses.

Visa Processing

Fast Track

Investor, partner, and employee residence visas with family sponsorship options.

Banking Solutions

Assistance with corporate bank account opening, ensuring smooth financial operations.

Office Solutions

Choose from flexi-desks, furnished offices, warehouses, or industrial land.

Legal & Compliance

Guidance with approvals, registrations, and government regulations.

E-Commerce Setup

Premium

Affordable packages for entrepreneurs selling products and services online.

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Get expert guidance from our mainland specialists and discover the best setup option for your business.

 

Nariman Eeckhout

Business Consultant

Meet Your Expert

What is a UAE
Mainland License?

A UAE Mainland License, issued by the Department of Economic Development, allows businesses to conduct a wide range of professional, commercial, and industrial activities. These licenses are versatile and designed to support companies of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporations.

The benefits of a Mainland License go beyond flexibility. They include:

1

Full trading rights across the UAE and internationally.

2

Eligibility for lucrative government tenders and contracts.

3

Access to industries and sectors not always available in free zones.

4

Streamlined visa allocations to support growing teams.

Simple Process

How to Get Started with UAE Mainland

UAE  Mainland licensing involves more steps than most free zones, but with Emifast it becomes a transparent and efficient process. We guide you through each stage, ensuring no requirement is overlooked. From the consultation to your final license issuance, we manage all paperwork and communication with the Department of Economic Development. Once your license is active, we support you with visas, banking, and office solutions, giving you a complete foundation for your business in Dubai.

Free Consultation

Outline your goals with our advisors.

01

Choose Your Activity

02

Retail, consultancy, trading, services, or industrial.

Submit Documentation

03

Passport copies, application forms, tenancy contracts (if required).

DED Approval

04

Mainland applications require extra steps but are managed by our team.

Get Started

05

Receive your license, apply for visas, and open your bank account.

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Start your business setup today with our expert guidance. Free consultation available to discuss your specific requirements.

Transparent Pricing

Who Should Consider a UAE Mainland License?

A Mainland company is particularly suited for businesses that:

Note: Prices may vary depending on business activity and additional services required.

Why Choose a UAE Mainland Company?

Setting up a UAE Mainland company provides several key advantages that cannot be matched by free zones. The ability to operate without geographical restrictions opens doors to broader markets and industries. Companies also benefit from closer ties to government initiatives, strategic industries, and private sector partners.

100% Foreign Ownership

Now available for most activities.

Access to Government Contracts

Bid for high-value tenders.

No Geographic Restrictions

Operate anywhere in the UAE.

Unlimited Visa Eligibility

Grow your workforce with ease.

0% Corporate Tax

Attractive fiscal environment for global investors.

Diverse Activities Permitted

Consultancy, trading, e-commerce, and industrial services.

What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Mainland Setup?

Choosing the wrong license or structure can lead to wasted time, higher costs, and compliance issues. For example:

✔️ Activities not listed on your license may result in fines or suspensions.

✔️ Visa misallocations can delay hiring and expansion.

✔️ Incorrect company structures may block participation in tenders or contracts.

At Emifast, we make sure this doesn’t happen. Our consultants carefully review your business model, recommend the correct license, and ensure compliance from the start. This saves you money, avoids delays, and sets up your company for long-term success.

How We Help You Set Up in the UAE Mainland

Our team provides end-to-end support for UAE Mainland setups:

✔️ Business activity consultation and license selection.

✔️ Company registration with the DED.

✔️ Trade name reservation and initial approvals.

✔️ Office space solutions (from flexi-desks to warehouses).

✔️ Banking assistance with leading UAE and international banks.

✔️ Visa processing for investors, employees, and dependents.

✔️ Ongoing compliance and renewal services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Common Questions

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Dubai Mainland business setup and our services.

Is Mainland more expensive than Free Zones?

While costs are higher, the benefits (government contracts, no restrictions, unlimited visas) make it a better choice for scaling businesses.

 

On average, 7–10 working days with complete documentation.

Yes – most business activities now allow full foreign ownership.

 

Construction, retail, logistics, healthcare, finance, consulting, and government contracting.

We provide expert guidance, ensuring you remain compliant while maximizing the benefits of a Mainland license.

Don’t miss out! Download the Freezone Guide now and unlock the insider strategies for starting your Dubai company the right way.

Don’t miss out! Download the Freezone Guide now and unlock the insider strategies for starting your Dubai company the right way.

Get in Touch

Start Your Business Setup Today

UAE Mainland is the right choice for businesses that want total freedom and growth potential in the UAE. With Emifast, the process is managed from start to finish, ensuring your license is issued smoothly and your business is ready for operations.

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Email

info@emifast.com

Phone

+971 58 584 4519

Our Office

Emifast Headquarters
Dubai South, UAE

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Why Choose Emifast?

  • Free initial consultation
  • 48-72 hour express setup
  • End-to-end support
  • Direct partner access
  • 5-star rated service
  • Transparent pricing
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