DED Mainland Company Formation in Dubai 2025: 100% Ownership & Full Market Access
Set up your DED mainland company in Dubai 2025 with 100% ownership, full UAE market access, and costs from AED 20,000. Complete in 2-4 weeks with Incorporate.ae.
Regulated by
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
Why Choose DED Mainland for Business Setup in Dubai?
In Dubai's vibrant economy, where over 8,000 businesses register monthly, DED mainland company formation in Dubai 2025 offers unparalleled access to the UAE's AED 1.5 trillion market. Overseen by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED), mainland setups allow unrestricted trading across the UAE, government tender eligibility, and 100% foreign ownership for 1,000+ activities under Federal Decree-Law No. 32/2021.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) governs mainland businesses, offering flexibility to operate anywhere in the UAE without free zone restrictions. Unlike free zones, DED mainland companies can directly serve local markets and bid on AED 100 billion+ government contracts, with 70% awarded to mainland firms. With 2025 reforms expanding 100% ownership to over 1,000 activities, mainland setups align with Dubai's D33 Agenda, driving 7% GDP growth targets.
Ideal for trading companies, retail businesses, professional services, and those targeting the local UAE market, DED offers a 2-4 week setup timeline with costs starting at AED 20,000. With unlimited visa quotas based on office size and access to the full UAE market, businesses can establish comprehensive operations while maintaining full ownership.
Key stats: Mainland firms contribute 60% to Dubai's non-oil trade, powering economic diversification.
6 Key Benefits of DED Mainland Company Formation
Unrestricted UAE Access
Trade freely across all emirates, serving local clients without free zone export limits—boosting revenue potential by 50%.
100% Foreign Ownership
Full control for 1,000+ activities (e.g., trading, services) without a local sponsor, per 2021 reforms.
Government Tenders
Bid on AED 100B+ contracts; mainland firms secure 70% of awards, per DET data.
Scalable Visa Quotas
Unlimited visas based on office size (1 per 8-9 sqm), supporting team expansion and family sponsorship.
Diverse Business Activities
Over 2,000 activities, from retail to manufacturing, combinable under one license for flexibility.
Digital Efficiency
2025 DET portal streamlines approvals, cutting setup time by 30% via remote applications.
Top Benefits of DED Mainland Company Formation
DED mainland setups provide unique advantages for 2025's competitive markets, enabling seamless growth in Dubai's dynamic economy:
- Unrestricted UAE Access: Trade freely across all emirates, serving local clients without free zone export limits—boosting revenue potential by 50%.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Full control for 1,000+ activities (e.g., trading, services) without a local sponsor, per 2021 reforms.
- Government Tenders: Bid on AED 100B+ contracts; mainland firms secure 70% of awards, per DET data.
- Scalable Visa Quotas: Unlimited visas based on office size (1 per 8-9 sqm), supporting team expansion and family sponsorship.
- Diverse Business Activities: Over 2,000 activities, from retail to manufacturing, combinable under one license for flexibility.
- Digital Efficiency: 2025 DET portal streamlines approvals, cutting setup time by 30% via remote applications.
- Economic Impact: Contribute to Dubai's 7% GDP growth, leveraging AED 1.5T market opportunities.
These benefits make DED mainland the top choice for local market penetration, per 2025 industry reports.
Step-by-Step Guide to DED Mainland Company Registration Process 2025
The DED mainland setup process 2025 is optimized for speed, taking 2-4 weeks via DET's digital portal or partners like Incorporate.ae. No physical presence is required for most steps, ensuring efficiency for global investors:
Activity & Structure Selection
Day 1-2
Choose from 2,000+ activities (e.g., trading, hospitality). Select LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch structure.
Trade Name Reservation
Day 2
Submit 3 unique names via DET portal; fee AED 660. Names must comply with UAE naming rules.
Initial Approval
Day 3
Obtain DET provisional approval (AED 310); submit business plan and passports.
Office Lease & MOA
Week 1
Sign Ejari-registered lease for zoning-compliant premises; draft MOA/AOA.
External Approvals
Week 1-2
Secure sector-specific nods (e.g., municipality for construction, health for F&B); then obtain final DET license.
License Issuance & Visas
Week 2-4
Pay license fees (AED 10,000+), process visas, open bank account, and register for VAT if turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
💡 Pro Tip:
Use certified consultants like Incorporate.ae for 80% faster approvals and compliance.
DED Mainland License Types and Costs in 2025
DED offers professional, commercial, industrial, and tourism licenses, with costs starting at AED 20,000 for basic setups. Fees include registration, license, and initial approvals; renewals are ~70% of setup costs. Office lease costs vary by location (e.g., AED 30,000+/year in Business Bay).
| License Type | Activities | Visa Quota | Setup Cost (AED) | Renewal (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | Consulting, Services | Office-based | 15,000-25,000 | 10,000-15,000 | Service firms |
| Commercial/Trading | Retail, Import/Export | Office-based | 20,000-40,000 | 15,000-25,000 | Traders |
| Industrial | Manufacturing | Office-based | 25,000-50,000 | 20,000+ | Factories |
| Tourism | Hotels, Events | Office-based | 30,000+ | 20,000+ | Hospitality |
Additional costs: Visa AED 3,000-5,000 each; Emirates ID AED 370; medical test AED 870.
DED Mainland vs. Free Zones: Comparison
| Feature | DED Mainland | IFZA | DIFC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | AED 20,000 | AED 12,900 | AED 50,000 |
| Ownership | 100% (most) | 100% | 100% |
| Timeline | 2-4 weeks | 1 week | 4-8 weeks |
| Best For | Local Trading | Startups/Exports | Finance |
| Market Access | Full UAE | Zone/Exports | Financial Focus |
| Tax | 9% over AED 375k | 0% | 0% |
DED mainland excels for UAE-wide operations and tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of DED mainland company formation in 2025?▼
Starts at AED 20,000 for basic setups; up to AED 100,000 with office/visas.
Can I get 100% foreign ownership in DED mainland?▼
Yes, for over 1,000 activities with no sponsor.
How long does DED mainland setup take?▼
2-4 weeks, fully operational.
What documents are needed for DED setup?▼
Passports, business plan, lease agreement, and trade name reservation certificate.
Is there corporate tax in DED mainland?▼
9% on profits over AED 375,000; exemptions available for qualifying income.
Can I add visas later?▼
Yes, based on office size (1 per 8-9 sqm).
What activities are allowed in DED mainland?▼
2,000+, including trading, services, and industrial activities.
DED mainland vs. Free Zone: Key differences?▼
Mainland: Full UAE access and local trading; Free Zone: Tax benefits and export focus.
Do I need a physical office in DED mainland?▼
Yes, leased premises with Ejari registration compliant with zoning requirements.
How to renew DED license?▼
Annually, with fees starting at AED 10,000+.
Is remote DED setup possible in 2025?▼
Partially; digital applications available via the DET portal.
What are DED's 2025 updates?▼
Enhanced digital approvals and expanded 100% ownership to more activities.
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Launch your DED mainland company in Dubai 2025 to access the UAE's full market with 100% ownership. With affordable costs, rapid 2-4 week setups, and expert support from Incorporate.ae, tap into government tenders and local growth opportunities now.
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