Setting up a business in Dubai mainland is one of the fastest ways for foreigners and expats to build a long-term presence in the UAE. The challenge is figuring out which license gives you the lowest cost without sacrificing credibility, bank account access, or the ability to hire staff. Here’s the thing: cheap doesn’t mean limited. The right structure gets you full ownership, wide commercial freedom, and a smooth path to operating across the entire UAE.
Let’s break it down in a way that helps you pick the most affordable option that still fits your goals.
What counts as the cheapest mainland license?
The cost of a mainland license in Dubai varies depending on activity type, office space, government approvals, and visa requirements. When people talk about the cheapest license, they usually mean one with minimal mandatory approvals and flexibility to start from a small office or shared desk.
For most foreign entrepreneurs, the lowest-cost options fall into three categories:
- Service License
- Commercial License
- Professional License (now also 100 percent foreign-owned)
These licenses are straightforward, require fewer approvals, and allow you to operate anywhere in the UAE. If your business doesn’t need physical inventory or large premises, you can keep your startup cost very low.
Why a service or professional license is usually the cheapest option
A service or professional activity is ideal when your work doesn’t depend on moving goods or storing products. Think consulting, marketing, IT services, content creation, accounting, training, design, or management services. Since there’s no requirement for warehousing, import permits, or heavy infrastructure, the setup remains lean.
For expats and foreigners, this means:
- No additional Ministry approvals for many activities
- No need for a big office at the start
- Full ownership under current regulations
- Fast timelines for license issuance
What this really means is you get a fully legal mainland presence without the extra expenses that come with trading licenses.
Cost structure you should expect
Even the cheapest mainland license has several mandatory components. The key is understanding which ones you can minimize and which ones are fixed.
Here’s how the cost usually breaks down:
- Initial approval
- Trade name reservation
- License issuance fee
- Activity-based fees
- Office lease or Ejari (can be flexi-desk for low-cost setup)
- Establishment card
- Optional visas for you and your employees
The most affordable mainland setups often start from a small shared office or flexi-desk arrangement, which keeps Ejari and rental costs low. If you don’t need visas immediately, that cuts costs further.
Who benefits the most from a low-cost mainland license?
Foreigners and expats choose mainland over free zones when they want the freedom to operate across the UAE without restrictions. A low-cost license makes even more sense for:
- Consultants and freelancers who want a legal mainland presence
- Digital agencies and service providers
- Small startups testing the UAE market
- Solo founders who want to work with UAE government entities or private companies
- Entrepreneurs planning to scale later
A mainland license also lets you operate without local distributor restrictions, giving you more flexibility when dealing with clients or partners.
Full foreign ownership and why it matters
A few years ago, mainland companies required a local sponsor for most activities. That’s no longer the case for a large list of approved activities. Foreigners can now own the company outright without handing over shares or control. This shift is one of the main reasons mainland licenses have become more attractive than ever, including the low-cost categories.
How to choose the right activity for the cheapest setup
Your business activity determines the approval requirements, office space needs, and total cost. If your goal is to keep expenses low, focus on activities that avoid complex approvals. A few examples include:
- Marketing services
- Management consulting
- Web development
- IT services
- Training and coaching services
- Business setup consultancy
- Interior design consultancy
- Digital content creation
Trading activities cost more because they involve import/export, customs, and in some cases external approvals. Still, even some trading licenses can be affordable if you keep your office space minimal and limit visa requirements.
Mainland vs free zone: where’s the real savings?
Free zones often look cheaper on paper, but once you factor in:
- Limitations on UAE-wide business
- Mandatory office space in many zones
- Restrictions on working directly with mainland clients
You might find that the cheapest mainland option gives you more freedom and better long-term value.
A mainland license also makes banking easier, which is a major advantage for expats entering the UAE market for the first time.
Timeline for getting the cheapest mainland license
If your activity doesn’t need extra approvals, the process is simple:
- Choose your activity
- Reserve your trade name
- Get initial approval
- Sign the Memorandum of Association
- Arrange office space (flexi-desk or shared office accepted for many activities)
- Issue the license
- Apply for establishment card and visas if needed
Most setups can be completed in a few days once documents are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest mainland license for foreigners in Dubai?
A service or professional license is usually the most affordable because it requires fewer approvals and minimal office space.
Can expats own a mainland company 100 percent?
Yes. Many activities allow full foreign ownership with no local sponsor required.
Do I need an office to get a mainland license?
You need an Ejari, but you can use a flexi-desk or shared office for low-cost setups.
How long does it take to get a mainland license?
If your documents and activity are straightforward, you can get your license issued in a few days.
Is a mainland license better than a free zone license for foreigners?
If you want to trade or provide services across the UAE without restrictions, a mainland license gives you more flexibility and better long-term growth potential.