DED · mainland: company setup
Dubai Department of Economic Development
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
This is not a free zone. It is the ordinary regime, and the only one that lets you invoice the UAE domestic market directly without a distributor.
What to watch for
A registered commercial lease is mandatory: no flexi-desk, no address-only option. That is the real cost of the mainland, and it is structurally higher than a free zone.
Fee breakdown
The zone's schedule covers the licence, the establishment card and visa processing, billed separately. The itemised figures appear in your quote, after scoping.
Suited activities
- Selling into the UAE domestic market
- Public procurement
- Food service and retail
- Any activity requiring premises
Banking
Very good. A mainland company is the best regarded of all by UAE banks.
Setting up on the mainland: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
DED · mainland: what is specific to it
- Up to 100% foreign ownership of mainland commercial companies since 1 June 2021 (Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020), for the activities opened. Source: u.ae (to be checked)
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Dubai): dubaidet.gov.ae (to be checked)
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
DED · mainland: frequently asked questions
How much does a DED · mainland licence cost?
On quotation. The zone's schedule covers the licence, the establishment card and visa processing, billed separately. The itemised figures appear in your quote, after scoping.
How long does company setup in DED · mainland take?
2 to 5 weeks (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is DED · mainland in?
Dubai — Dubai Department of Economic Development.
What office does a DED · mainland company need?
Registered commercial lease mandatory (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with a DED · mainland company?
By floor area leased (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can a DED · mainland company open a bank account?
Very good. A mainland company is the best regarded of all by UAE banks. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in DED · mainland?
Selling into the UAE domestic market · Public procurement · Food service and retail · Any activity requiring premises.
What should I watch out for in DED · mainland?
A registered commercial lease is mandatory: no flexi-desk, no address-only option. That is the real cost of the mainland, and it is structurally higher than a free zone.