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Dubai Mainland Company + Employment Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 2 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: AED
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • Mainland
  • Employment Visa
  • Company Formation
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

0/4 answered
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1Question 1 of 4 — Have you selected your business activity and trade name?
2Question 2 of 4 — Ready with a valid office lease or Ejari contract?
3Question 3 of 4 — Do you have attested documents and KYC for shareholders?
4Question 4 of 4 — Need residence or employment visas soon?

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Company snapshot

Employment VisaMainland FormationCorporate Residency
Entity type
Mainland LLC (DED)
Ownership
100% foreign ownership
Office / facility
Physical or shared space under DED rules
Indicative visa quota
5
Bank account readiness
Yes

Program overview

Overview

The Dubai Mainland Company + Employment Visa allows entrepreneurs to operate under the Department of Economy & Tourism (DED) with 100% foreign ownership. Businesses can trade across the UAE, sponsor staff, and obtain residence visas valid for 2–3 years.

Sponsorship & Salary Rules

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Skilled EmployeesAED 5,000Varies by designation and category.
Manager / InvestorAED 10,000Required for dependants and higher quotas.
  • Salary defines visa quota and dependant eligibility.
  • Labour card and e-signature registration mandatory.
  • Degree attestation needed for managerial roles.

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (AED): AED 16,500
  • DED trade license & setup

    Includes business registration, MoA, and initial approvals.

    AED 12,000
  • Establishment card & labour file

    Enables visa sponsorship and labour registration.

    AED 1,500
  • Entry permit & status change

    Required for new visa applicants or in-country conversion.

    AED 1,200
  • Medical & Emirates ID

    Covers medical fitness test and biometric registration.

    AED 1,000
  • Visa stamping (2–3 years)

    Digital residence visa issued after all clearances.

    AED 800

Eligibility

  • Valid passport and photograph.
  • Trade license, MoA, and Ejari lease.
  • Establishment card and labour registration.
  • Medical fitness and Emirates ID process.
  • Active immigration and compliance records.

Key benefits

  • Trade anywhere in the UAE with a DED license.
  • Sponsor employees and family under your company.
  • 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
  • Access to UAE tenders and government contracts.
  • Strong compliance and digital registration systems.

After Visa Issuance

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Open corporate bank account and activate WPS.
  2. Arrange health insurance for all staff.
  3. Maintain VAT and monthly accounts if applicable.
  4. Sponsor dependants after meeting salary criteria.
  5. Renew trade license and establishment card annually.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Business Activity & Name Approval

    Select activity and reserve trade name with DED.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: License & MoA Issuance

    Sign MoA, lease office, and receive trade license.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Immigration & Labour Setup

    Get establishment card and labour file registered.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Entry Permit

    Apply online for residence/work permit.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Medical & Emirates ID

    Complete test and biometrics.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Visa Stamping

    Receive residence visa and activate banking.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DED)

Authority-specific notes

  • 100% ownership allowed for most commercial activities.
  • Office space or flexi-desk required under DED.
  • Mainland license permits trade across all Emirates.

Who this program is NOT for

  • Restricted or externally approved activities.
  • Incomplete or unverified shareholder documents.
  • Expired license or non-renewed establishment card.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United Arab Emirates.

Frequently asked questions

Typically 3–6 weeks depending on license type and office readiness.

Yes, most DED activities allow full foreign ownership.

Yes, physical or flexi-desk space is required for license issuance.

Yes, DED license allows trading throughout the UAE.

Yes, after obtaining your visa and meeting income requirements.
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