Dubai mainland license cost in 2026

A mainland licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and lets the company trade across the UAE, which is the main reason owners choose it over a free zone. The trade-off is cost: the licence fee is higher, and a registered office is a real recurring expense rather than an optional desk.

The figures below are typical October 2026 market ranges for a Dubai LLC, not quotes. Rules on ownership and approvals come from UAE government sources checked on 26 October 2026. Ask for an itemised quote, because the activity you choose can change both the fee and the approvals.

Typical first-year LLC costs on the Dubai mainland

Excludes activity approvals, extra shareholders and optional add-ons. Typical market ranges, October 2026.

Dubai mainland company setup cost by office type

On the mainland the office choice moves the total more than the licence does. With the same licence, visa, establishment card and setup support, a first year for one owner and one visa comes to about:

• {'Business centre office (AED 3,000–12,000)': 'AED 19,900–42,500'}
• {'Shared or co-working office (AED 6,000–15,000)': 'AED 22,900–45,500'}
• {'Private office (AED 25,000–60,000)': 'AED 41,900–90,500'}

Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland LLC?

Yes, for most activities. UAE government guidance says Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, consolidated by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, allows foreign investors to own up to 100% of onshore companies. The earlier 49% foreign cap and the 51% Emirati requirement for most activities no longer apply.

Some activities are still restricted, including security and defence, telecommunications, banks, exchange houses, financing and insurance, commercial agencies and Hajj and Umrah organising. Strategic sectors can also need approvals.

What the mainland licence process involves

The UAE government lists the standard path as: identify the activity, choose a legal form, apply for the trade licence, register the trade name, obtain initial approval, draft the Memorandum of Association, choose a location, collect any additional approvals, then submit documents and pay fees. Trade names must include the legal form, such as LLC.

Initial approval means the government has no objection to the business being established. It lets you continue with the next steps but does not authorise you to run the activity. Once you receive the payment voucher you have 30 days to pay for the licence, or the application is cancelled.

Mainland vs free zone corporate tax

Mainland and free zone companies are both within the scope of UAE corporate tax. The rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that, for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Qualifying Free Zone Persons are treated differently, with a 0% rate on Qualifying Income under the FTA free zone guide. This is general information, not tax advice.

How to get a firm mainland quote

1. 1

   Choose the activity

   It sets the licence fee and any approvals before the licence is issued.

2. 2

   Choose the office type

   A business centre office, shared office or private office, each registered with Ejari.

3. 3

   State the number of owners and visas

   Each shareholder and visa is a separate line.

4. 4

   Ask for year-one and year-two totals

   The tenancy, licence and establishment card all renew.

Typical documents for a mainland application

• Passport copies for each shareholder
• Proposed trade name and chosen business activity
• Memorandum of Association
• Office tenancy contract registered with Ejari (in Dubai)
• Any approvals required for the activity

Things to weigh up

• The Ejari office is a yearly cost that free zone flexi desks often avoid.
• Regulated and restricted activities can add approvals, fees and time.
• Prices are typical ranges, not government fee schedules; the activity changes the licence fee.
• Mainland is the usual route for businesses selling mainly to UAE customers.