Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shareholders | One to fifty |
| Liability | Limited to capital |
| Management | A manager named in the MoA |
| Capital | Stated in the MoA — confirm any activity-specific requirement; banks may prefer a meaningful amount (advisers often suggest around AED 50,000) |
Steps
- Choose activity, licence type and legal formCommercial, professional or industrial licence; LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch.
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit name options and the activity to DET.
- Lease premises and register EjariA physical, Ejari-registered tenancy contract is generally required.
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets shareholders, capital and management; notarisation applies as required.
- Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities.
- Pay fees and receive the trade licenceGovernment fees are paid to DET and related bodies.
- Establishment card, visas, bank and taxImmigration card, residence visas, Emirates ID, bank account, corporate-tax and VAT registration.
LLC or something else?
Compare sole establishment, civil company and branch. General guide: LLC in the UAE.
Sources and verification
Government-fee figures are those published by Dubai’s authorities as compiled in public guides and reviewed July 2026; amounts marked indicative come from market guides and vary. Confirm every figure with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) before paying. Reviewed September 2026.
- UAE Government portal
- Federal Tax Authority
- Market guide: Mainland company formation Dubai cost (2026)
- Market guide: How to set up a company in Dubai (2026)
Fee-data status: Published (government) and Indicative (market) as labelled in each table.
Dubai mainland LLC formation: FAQs
Can an LLC have one shareholder in Dubai?
Yes, a single-shareholder LLC is allowed.
Do I need a UAE partner for an LLC?
For most activities, no; strategic activities may have conditions.
Get a written quote for Dubai mainland
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.