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UAE Business Setup
Setting Up a Mainland LLC in Dubai: The 2026 Checklist
6/2/2026 5 min read JAI MAHAMA Editorial
Mainland licensing reforms have simplified incorporation — but missteps still cost months. Use this checklist to move from idea to trade licence in 21 days.
Recent reforms now permit 100% foreign ownership across most mainland activities. The implication: more founders are choosing mainland over free-zone for unrestricted market access.
The 21-day path 1. Define activity codes (DED list). 2. Reserve trade name. 3. Initial approval. 4. MoA notarisation. 5. Office tenancy (Ejari). 6. Trade licence issuance. 7. Establishment card & visa quota. 8. Bank account opening (the longest pole — start early).
Our Company Formation desk handles the entire flow end-to-end.