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  2. Dubai Mainland (DET licence)

Dubai Mainland (DET licence): company setup cost, visas and office (2026)

Official prices and rules for a Dubai Mainland (DET licence) company, checked 2026-10-19.

Key facts

Emirate
Dubai
Licence (no visa)
AED 15,000*
First visa
AED 4,850*
Office
physical office with a registered lease (Ejari) required
Setup time
not published

Best for

Businesses that sell directly to UAE customers or the government, or need a shop or physical office.

  • Since 1 June 2021 (Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020) most activities allow 100% foreign ownership of onshore companies; some strategic sectors remain restricted.
  • Third-party guides put DET and related government fees for a zero-visa licence at about AED 13,900–16,200, plus about AED 4,850 for the first investor visa; office rent is extra and usually the largest cost.

Sources

  • pinsentmasons.com — 100% foreign ownership onshore from 1 June 2021 (Decree-Law 26/2020), checked 2026-10-19 (* third-party figure — confirm with the zone)
  • avyanco.com — Government fees about AED 13,900–16,200; investor visa about AED 4,850 (third-party guide), checked 2026-10-19 (* third-party figure — confirm with the zone)

Compare all UAE free zones

First-year cost calculator

Licence
AED 15,000*
Visas
AED 4,850*
Estimated first year
AED 20,500

An estimate from published prices; your quote may differ. * = third-party figure.

After the licence: what you still need

Each step is optional. We pass your contact only to one provider for the step you choose, and only with your consent.

  1. Business bank account

    A local account is required to trade; banks run their own compliance checks.

  2. Medical insurance

    Mandatory for every residence visa in Dubai; the basic DHA plan is about AED 550–750 a year.*

  3. Hiring staff

    Hire in the UAE or abroad through an employer-of-record service.

  4. Accountant

    Bookkeeping, 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 profit, VAT registration.

  5. Office or business address

    Offices, co-working and virtual offices in Dubai from our network.

    Offices in Dubai
    Virtual office in the UAE

* blog.wego.com, checked 2026-10-19