Company formation in UAE (Dubai mainland)
Mainland LLC
Legal minimum, year 1£9,650
Legal minimum, per year after£4,900
Typical year 1£21,350
Corporation tax9%Ease Banking
Every fee
Setting up
Government fee£4,200
About AED 20,000 DET licence and feesOffice lease (Ejari)£2,100 to 8,400
RequiredAED 10,000 to 40,000
Establishment card£300 to 500
Required
Investor visa and Emirates ID£650 to 1,250
Required
Formation agent£0 to 1,000
Optional
Share capitalUsually none
Time to form2 to 4 weeks
Running it, per year
Licence renewal£2,500 to 4,200
RequiredAED 12,000 to 20,000
Office lease (Ejari)£2,100 to 8,400
Required
Establishment card renewal£300 to 500
Required
Audit£0 to 2,100
Practically needed
Legal minimum after year 1£4,900
Audit: Required in practice for corporate tax and banksForeign ownersNo local director or sponsor for most activitiesVisit needed for visa, Emirates ID and bank
Tax0% up to AED 375k profit, 9% aboveDividend withholding: 0%VAT/GST: 5%
BankingUAE banks usually want a residence visa and visit
Can trade anywhere in the UAE, unlike free zones.
SourcesUAE setup cost index 2026
Questions
- How much does it cost to set up a company in UAE (Dubai mainland)?
- The legal minimum for the first year is £9,650, counting only what the law requires and doing every filing yourself. A typical first year, with an accountant, costs about £21,350. The government fee is £4,200 (About AED 20,000 DET licence and fees). Share capital is not included.
- How much does it cost per year to run a company in UAE (Dubai mainland)?
- The legal minimum after the first year is £4,900 a year. Running costs including optional and practically needed services range from £4,900 to 15,200. Audit: Required in practice for corporate tax and banks.
- Do I need a local director in UAE (Dubai mainland)?
- No. No local director or sponsor for most activities.
- Can a non-resident form a company in UAE (Dubai mainland) remotely?
- Not fully. Visit needed for visa, Emirates ID and bank.
- What is the corporation tax rate in UAE (Dubai mainland)?
- 0% up to AED 375k profit, 9% above. Dividend withholding: 0%. VAT/GST: 5%.
- How long does it take to form a company in UAE (Dubai mainland)?
- 2 to 4 weeks.
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