Shuraa Business Setup offers limited liability company formation services in the UAE. We assist businesses with LLC formation, restructuring, and repatriating profits. Our team helps clients understand licensing requirements, foreign ownership rules, and operational considerations to ensure compliant operations in the UAE.
All mainland UAE legal entities must be licensed by the Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) and are governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL). The primary benefit for foreign investors is the absence of territorial restrictions on business activities or office locations, unlike in Free Zones. Mainland companies can operate throughout the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including within Free Zones, and have access to a broader range of real estate options.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the standard company type in the UAE mainland. The DET is responsible for issuing LLC licenses and regulating permitted economic activities.
An LLC can trade anywhere in the UAE and GCC, unlike Free Zone companies. There are no restrictions on real estate ownership or the number of visas that can be obtained. No minimum share capital is required, and mainland companies are exempt from the standard 5% customs duty on imported goods.
UAE Foreign Ownership
Foreign investors can own 100% of a mainland LLC in the UAE for most sectors, following amendments to the Commercial Companies Law (CCL). Only a limited number of strategic activities (e.g., security and defense, banking, telecommunications, insurance) require a UAE or GCC national partner holding a specific percentage of shares. For the vast majority of commercial, professional, industrial, and trading activities, full foreign ownership is permitted without any local partner.
Most mainland LLCs now allow 100% foreign ownership without a local partner or sponsor. In the few restricted strategic sectors where a UAE/GCC national partner is required, Shuraa can assist with compliant structures, such as finding a suitable partner while ensuring you retain operational control. No Local Service Agent agreement is needed for standard 100% foreign-owned LLCs.
LLC Conversion to Full Foreign Ownership
Since the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL), foreign investors can establish new mainland Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) with 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. A local partner or sponsor is only required for a limited list of strategic activities, such as defence, security, banking, insurance, and telecommunications.
Owners of existing LLCs established under previous rules, which required a UAE national partner holding 51% of shares, may amend the company structure to achieve 100% foreign ownership if the business activity qualifies.
Most new mainland LLCs are now established with full foreign ownership, so conversions are mainly relevant for older companies. If your business falls into this category or if you are unsure about eligibility, Shuraa Business Setup can assist with the amendment process or help structure a compliant new LLC.
Key Benefits of LLC Company Formation in the UAE:
- Limited Liability Protection: Shareholders are liable for the company’s debts only to the value of their shares, safeguarding their personal assets.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Legal reforms permit foreign investors to fully own mainland companies in the vast majority of sectors, with no local partner required except in a limited list of strategic activities (e.g., defense, banking, telecom).
- Access to Local Market: LLCs can trade directly in the UAE mainland, bid on government contracts, and operate without the limitations imposed on some free zone entities.
- Tax Benefits: Dubai provides a favourable tax environment with 0% corporate and personal income tax. A 9% corporate tax applies to profits above AED 375,000.
- No Minimum Capital Requirement: Most emirates do not require a minimum capital investment to establish an LLC.
- Visa Sponsorship and Flexibility: Investors can sponsor their own visas and secure an unlimited number of staff visas, subject to office space.
- Operational Freedom: LLCs may rent office space anywhere in the UAE, open corporate bank accounts, and repatriate all capital and profits.
- Wide Range of Activities: LLCs may conduct a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, and trading activities, except in certain restricted sectors.
These advantages make the LLC structure the preferred option for businesses seeking to operate in the onshore UAE market.
Step-by-Step Guide to LLC Company Formation in Dubai (2026)
Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Dubai provides access to a dynamic economy. By following the UAE’s current legal requirements and business procedures, you can ensure a smooth setup. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for forming an LLC in Dubai in 2026.
Step 1: Define Your Business Activity
Begin by clearly defining your business activity. The Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) provides an updated list of approved activities across various sectors. Your selected activity determines your licensing process, visa quotas, and office requirements, making it a critical first step.
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name
Selecting a compliant trade name is essential. Under current regulations, your proposed name must:
- Avoid any religious or culturally offensive connotations.
- Do not include abbreviations or imply any government affiliation without approval.
- Be unique and not infringe on existing trademarks or registered businesses.
- Accurately reflect the nature of your licensed activity.
Name reservations are processed online through the DET portal. Approval is required before you can proceed.
Step 3: Secure Initial Approval & Choose a Location
Once your activity and name are defined, apply for Initial Approval from the DET. This certificate confirms there are no objections to your business. At this stage, choose your company’s legal location: Dubai Mainland or a Free Zone. This decision impacts ownership, taxation, and operational scope. For a Mainland LLC, you must secure a physical office address at this point.
Step 4: Finalise Your Office Space
Mainland LLCs must lease office space that meets DET and Dubai Municipality regulations. Options include traditional offices and flexible workspaces. Free Zones may offer virtual office or flexi-desk packages. A tenancy contract (Ejari) is required for licensing.
Step 5: Draft Legal Documents & Obtain Pre-approvals
Prepare and notarise your company’s constitutional documents. For a Mainland LLC with a foreign owner, this includes:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): Outlining the company’s shareholding structure. For most activities, this reflects 100% foreign ownership. In restricted strategic sectors, it may include a UAE/GCC national partner holding the required percentage.
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement: Only required in specific cases, such as certain restricted activities or sole establishments. For most mainland LLCs with 100% foreign ownership, no LSA is needed.
Obtain any additional pre-approvals from relevant government bodies, such as the Ministry of Economy, if required for your business activity.
Step 6: Apply for and Receive Your LLC Trade License
Submit all required documents, including application forms, passports, No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), lease agreement, and approved MoA, to the DET. After verification and payment of fees, you will receive your official LLC Trade License.
Step 7: Process Visas for Your Team
After obtaining your license, begin the visa application process. This includes:
- Investor/Partner Entry Permits and Residency Visas.
- Employee Labour Cards from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Employee Residency Visas and Emirates IDs.
Visa quotas depend on your office size and business activity.
Step 8: Open Your Corporate Bank Account
Once you have your trade license and company documents, you can open a corporate bank account. Dubai offers a range of local, international, and digital banks. Compare benefits, fees, online banking features, and minimum balance requirements to choose the best fit for your business.
By following these steps, you will establish your Dubai LLC on a strong legal and operational foundation, positioning your business to take advantage of opportunities in the UAE.
Required Documents for LLC Company Registration
A complete and organised set of documents is essential for the efficient formation of your Dubai LLC. The checklist below details the mandatory and supporting documents required by the Department of Economic and Tourism (DET) and related authorities in 2026.
Core Documents for All Applicants
All shareholders and managers must provide these documents.
- Passport Copies: Provide clear, colour scans of the biographical page for all foreign shareholders, managers, and directors. Passports must be valid for at least six months.
- Entry Stamp or UAE Residence Visa: Submit a copy of the UAE entry page if applying from within the country, or a valid UAE residence visa if you are already a resident.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent, professional photographs with a white background that meet UAE visa specifications for all proposed visa applicants.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Professional Profile: Submit updated CVs outlining the educational and professional backgrounds of shareholders and managers. These are often required for licensing approval.
Documents Specific to UAE Residents
Applicants who currently reside in the UAE must also provide the following:
- Emirates ID Copy (Front and Back): Provide a clear copy of the valid Emirates ID for resident partners or managers.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Submit a legally attested letter from your current employer or sponsor confirming no objection to your business ownership or managerial role in the new LLC. This document is essential for residents moving into business ownership.
Company Formation & Legal Documents
These documents establish your business structure and premises.
- Approved Trade Name Certificate: Official confirmation from the DET reserving your chosen company name.
- Initial Approval Certificate: DET-issued document granting preliminary permission to proceed with LLC formation.
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): Notarised legal document outlining shareholding percentages (100% foreign for most activities, or including UAE/GCC national ownership where required for restricted sectors).
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement: Only if applicable for specific restricted activities or structures. Not required for mainland LLCs eligible for 100% foreign ownership.
- Lease Agreement and Ejari Registration: Tenancy contract for your physical office space, registered with the Ejari system, Dubai’s official rental contract registration platform. A virtual office agreement from a free zone is acceptable for free zone LLC formations.
Supporting Business Documentation
These documents, while not always formally required, can strengthen your application and may be requested.
- Comprehensive Business Plan: Detailed plan outlining your market analysis, financial projections, operational strategy, and growth objectives. This is increasingly important for licensing certain professional or innovative activities.
- Previous Experience Certificates: Documents supporting the professional or technical qualifications of the management team, especially for licensed professional activities such as engineering, legal, or medical fields.
Pro Tip for 2026: Start preparing your documents early. Ensure all copies are clear, all forms are signed as required and consider having documents translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator to prevent delays. Working with a licensed business setup consultant can provide valuable guidance in preparing a complete application package tailored to your business activity.
Note: Specific activities (e.g., commercial, professional, industrial, tourism) may require additional clearances from sector-specific government authorities, such as the Dubai Tourism Authority, Dubai Health Authority, or the Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology.
Main Types of LLC Licenses in Dubai
The appropriate license depends on the specific business activity.
- Commercial License: Required for trading activities such as buying and selling goods, importing and exporting, and general trading.
- Professional License: Intended for service-based businesses, including consultancies, legal firms, accounting, and educational services.
- Industrial License: Necessary for manufacturing, production, and other industrial activities.
- Tourism License: Mandatory for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector, such as travel agencies and hotels.
- Crafts License: Issued to individuals practising a specific craft for profit, such as carpentry or plumbing.
- Agricultural License: Required for farming and related agricultural activities.
Specialised License Options
- E-Trader License: Permits individuals or home businesses to sell products or services online.
- Dual License: Enables businesses to operate in both the mainland and free zones.
- Instant License: A fast-track option for certain activities, issued in under 10 minutes (terms and conditions apply).
Key Jurisdictional Differences
- Mainland LLC (DET): Permits business operations across the UAE and GCC and requires a physical office.
- Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC): Suitable for international and export-oriented businesses, offering 100% foreign ownership. Direct sales within the UAE market require a local distributor.
Other Requirements
- License Validity: Licenses are typically valid for one year and must be renewed.
- Approvals: Additional approvals from government entities, such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority for education, may be required depending on the business activity.
Each license type serves distinct business needs, so it’s advisable to consult with a business setup advisor just like Shuraa for guidance to your particular business model.
Understanding Dubai LLC Company Registration Costs (2026)
Dubai LLC company registration costs vary based on several factors.
License fees typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 45,000 or more. Total setup costs, which include office space, visas, and legal fees, usually range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 or more for mainland companies and from AED 12,500 for Free Zones. Actual costs depend on business activity, jurisdiction, and office requirements.
Key Cost Components for Mainland and Free Zone Companies
- Trade License: AED 10,000 – AED 30,000+ (varies by activity and jurisdiction).
- Office Space: AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 or more annually for physical offices, or AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for a flexi-desk.
- Investor Visa: Approximately AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per visa.
- Initial Approvals and Name Reservation: Approximately AED 1,550 or more.
- Legal Documents (MOA/AOA): Approximately AED 500 to AED 2,000.
Mainland vs. Free Zone Considerations
- Mainland: Setup costs are generally higher, ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 45,000, but mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE market.
- Free Zone: With packages starting from AED 12,500. However, operations are limited to within the Free Zone or international markets.
These costs are for reference only. For an exact amount, please use our license cost calculator.
LLC Formation Opportunities in Other Emirates
While Dubai is a major hub, each UAE emirate provides distinct advantages. Explore the specific requirements, costs, and benefits of forming an LLC in other parts of the UAE:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the full form of LLC?
LLC stands for Limited Liability Company. This structure protects owners’ personal assets from business debts and liabilities and is recognized internationally.
2. What is an LLC in the UAE context?
In the UAE, an LLC is the main legal structure for mainland businesses. Governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL), it allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors without a UAE national partner. LLCs have full access to the local market, including the UAE and GCC states. Only certain strategic sectors, such as defense, banking, insurance, and telecommunications, require a UAE or GCC national partner. Since 2021, full foreign ownership is standard for most activities.
3. What’s the difference between a Mainland LLC and a Free Zone LLC?
- Mainland LLC: Licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). Can trade across the UAE, GCC, and with government entities. Allows 100% foreign ownership for most activities, except in restricted strategic sectors. A physical office is required, and there are no territorial restrictions on operations.
- Free Zone LLC: Licensed by a specific free zone authority (such as DIFC, DMCC, or Meydan). Offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and customs benefits. Operations are generally limited to the free zone, exports, or international markets. Direct access to the UAE mainland requires a local distributor or agent.
4. What is the total cost of an LLC license in Dubai?
The first-year cost for a Mainland LLC typically ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 80,000 or more, depending on business activity, office size, visa needs, and external approvals. This includes license fees, government charges, office setup, and professional services. Free Zone LLC costs usually start from AED 12,500 to AED 30,000. These are estimates; use official DET calculators for precise quotes.
5. How much does an LLC trade license cost in Dubai?
The main government fee for a trade license ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 or more, depending on business activity, required external approvals, and declared share capital. Additional fees may apply for name reservation, initial approvals, and document notarization.
6. Is there a minimum capital requirement for a Dubai LLC?
Most LLCs in Dubai do not require a federal minimum share capital. The amount is stated in the Memorandum of Association (MOA) but does not need to be deposited for standard activities. Some regulated activities or emirates may recommend or require a practical threshold, typically AED 50,000 to AED 300,000, for credibility or visa purposes, though this is often not strictly enforced.
7. What are the basic requirements for forming an LLC?
- Shareholders: Minimum of 1 (including single shareholder as a One Person Company), maximum of 50.
- Local Partner/Agent: Not required for most activities, as 100% foreign ownership is allowed. Only restricted strategic sectors require a UAE or GCC national partner or Local Service Agent (LSA).
- Physical Office: A leased office space registered through Ejari is mandatory for mainland companies. Flexi-desks or virtual options are available in some free zones.
- Legal Documents: Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining ownership and structure, share certificates, and an approved lease contract. LSA agreement is required only if applicable.
- Business Plan: Often required for professional or regulated activities to demonstrate business viability.
8. How long does it take to set up an LLC in Dubai?
With complete documentation and a defined business activity, setup usually takes 1 to 4 weeks from name reservation to license issuance. Instant licenses are available for some activities, reducing the time to less than a day. Delays may occur for regulated sectors that require additional approvals.
9. What is a Local Service Agent (LSA), and how are they different from a partner?
An LSA is a UAE national, or a fully UAE-owned company appointed to meet local presence requirements in specific cases, such as certain professional services or restricted activities. An LSA does not own shares, invest capital, claim profits, or have operational control, and receives a fixed annual fee for administrative support. Unlike a partner, who holds shares and may have rights, an LSA is not required for most LLCs, since the 2021 reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
10. Can an LLC firm own property in Dubai?
Yes. A mainland LLC can purchase and own commercial property in any designated area and residential property in approved freehold areas. These properties may serve as the company’s address or as investments. Free Zone LLCs have similar rights within their respective zones or designated areas.
11. How do I start an LLC in UAE?
You can start an LLC company formation in Dubai by identifying your business activity, registering a trade name, obtaining initial approval, and drafting a Memorandum of Association for submission to the authorities.
12. How many visas can an LLC sponsor?
The visa quota depends on office size and business activity. Typically, one visa is allowed for every 8 to 10 square meters (about 80 to 100 square feet) of office space. The DET approves the final quota during licensing, with no strict upper limit beyond space constraints. Investor visas are usually granted to shareholders.
13. Can I convert my Free Zone company to a Mainland LLC?
Yes, this process is called “redomiciliation” or “inward continuation.” It allows a free zone entity to move its legal seat to the mainland, subject to approvals from the free zone authority and DET and compliance with all mainland LLC requirements, such as maintaining a physical office and aligning its business activities.
14. Do I need to be physically present in Dubai to set up an LLC?
No. The entire process can be completed remotely by granting a Power of Attorney (POA) to a trusted business setup consultant. Physical presence may be required later for visa medicals or Emirates ID issuance if sponsoring residency.
15. Can foreigners start an LLC company in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can start and fully own an LLC in Dubai without a local partner under current regulations, which allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Only strategic activities, such as defense, banking, insurance, and telecommunications, require a UAE or GCC national partner. Check your specific activity on the DET or Ministry of Economy positive list for eligibility.
Start Your Dubai LLC with the Right Partner
Forming an LLC in Dubai supports global growth, but navigating jurisdiction, documentation, and compliance requires a trusted partner, not just a guide.
At Shuraa, we simplify the process. With 26 years of UAE experience and over 100,000 businesses established, we offer more than setup services. We serve as your foundation in the market.
Why Choose Shuraa: UAE’s Market-Leading Business Setup Company
- 100% Operational Ownership and Profits: As your Local Service Agent on the mainland, we ensure your legal compliance while you retain full control and profits. In Free Zones, we advise you on the most suitable jurisdiction for complete ownership.
- End-to-End Expertise: Our certified consultants oversee every stage, from activity selection and licensing to visas and corporate bank accounts, with precision and local expertise.
- Tailored, Transparent Solutions: We deliver a clear, customised plan with transparent pricing and no hidden fees, ensuring your investment drives business growth instead of administrative burdens.
Are you ready to launch your Dubai LLC with confidence and clarity?
Let us help you build your success story.
Schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today.
- Call: +971 44081900
- WhatsApp: +971 50 777 5554
- Email: info@shuraa.com
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Business setup regulations, costs, and procedures in the UAE may change. Please consult licensed business setup consultants, legal advisors, or relevant government authorities, such as the DET or the relevant Free Zone, for the most up-to-date and personalised advice before making decisions or initiating any processes.
