Jurisdiction advice
Mainland or free zone — we compare the options against your activity, budget and customers.
Business setup in Dubai, done properly.
Form a professional or commercial company on Dubai mainland with 100% ownership, or choose the free zone that fits your activity. We guide you from the first idea to licence in hand.
AED 14,999Mainland setup from
100%Mainland ownership
15+Government departments
6Days a week open
Company Formation
Start your company with the right structure.
Dubai offers several routes to start a business, and the right one depends on your activity, where your customers are, the office you need and how many visas you plan to sponsor.
We explain the difference between mainland and free zone options in plain language, recommend a suitable route and then handle the trade name, initial approval, documents and licence application with the relevant authority.
At a glance
- Professional (sole/civil) or commercial (LLC) companies
- 100% foreign ownership on Dubai mainland
- Free zone setup in a zone that suits your activity
- Licence, MOA, Ejari and visa support in one place
What We Handle
Everything your new company needs to get started.
From choosing an activity to opening your doors, we coordinate each step so nothing is missed.
Activity & trade name
Selecting licensed activities and reserving a trade name that meets the naming rules.
Documents & MOA
Preparing application forms, the memorandum of association and supporting papers.
Approvals
Initial approval plus any external approvals your activity needs before licensing.
Office & Ejari
Finding suitable premises or a flexi-desk and registering the tenancy where required.
Visas after setup
Establishment card, investor and employee visas once your licence is issued.
How It Works
Our business setup process.
A clear sequence from first conversation to completion. Final decisions and timelines rest with the relevant authority.
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01
Consultation
We discuss your activity, ownership, budget and visa plans.
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02
Structure & activity
We recommend the jurisdiction, legal form and licensed activities.
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03
Name & approval
We reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval.
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04
Documents & premises
We prepare the MOA and arrange Ejari or a flexi-desk.
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05
Licence & next steps
We submit for licensing, then help with visas and bank documents.
Documents
What you may need to provide
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if applicable
- Proposed trade names and business activities
- Contact details for each shareholder
- Tenancy contract or Ejari for mainland premises
- No objection letter from a current sponsor, where required
Requirements vary with the authority, your activity and your circumstances. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Fees & Timelines
What affects cost and timing
- JurisdictionMainland and free zone fees are structured differently.
- Licence type & activitiesSome activities carry extra approval or licence fees.
- Office spaceRent depends on the type, size and location of your premises.
- Number of visasEach visa adds government fees, medicals and Emirates ID costs.
Mainland company packages fromAED 14,999
Why HDC
Why clients choose us for business setup.
Documents checked first
We review your paperwork before submission to avoid avoidable rejections and delays.
Clear, honest updates
Transparent quotations and regular progress updates — you always know what happens next.
One team for everything
Setup, PRO, visas, documents and approvals handled from our Al Nahda Centre office.
FAQ
Business setup questions.
Can't find your answer? Call or WhatsApp our team and we'll guide you.
Call us+971 4 591 9001Yes. Most professional and commercial activities on Dubai mainland can now be 100% foreign-owned. A small number of strategic activities have different rules, which we check for you at the start.
Mainland suits businesses that want to trade directly across the UAE market. A free zone can suit international trade or specific sectors. We compare both for your activity before you decide.
Mainland companies generally need registered premises with Ejari. Many free zones offer flexi-desk options. The office you choose can also affect how many visas you can apply for.
The package covers setting up a professional or commercial company on Dubai mainland. We confirm the exact inclusions, government fees and any extra costs for your activity in a written quotation.
Yes — visas, PRO services, renewals, MOA amendments, Ejari and approvals are all handled by the same team.
Related Services
Often needed alongside.
Get Started
Ready to start yourcompany in Dubai?
Tell us about your requirement and we'll explain the steps, documents and costs — in person at Al Nahda Centre, by phone or on WhatsApp.
