Why set up a mainland company in Dubai?
Mainland companies are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). They are the most flexible structure for businesses that want to sell to the UAE market without restrictions.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE without a local distributor
- Eligible for government and semi-government contracts
- Choose any office location in Dubai
- Visa quota grows with your office space
- 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities
Types of mainland trade licenses
- Commercial license: trading, general trading, import and export
- Professional license: consultancy, services and skilled professions
- Industrial license: manufacturing, processing and assembly
- Tourism license: travel agencies, tour operators and related activities
Ownership rules and legal forms
Since the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can own 100% of a mainland company for most activities. A short list of strategic-impact activities still requires UAE national participation or extra approvals, and some professional licenses may need a local service agent. We confirm the rules for your exact activity before you apply.
The most common legal forms are the Limited Liability Company (LLC), the sole establishment, the civil company for professionals, and a branch of a UAE or foreign company. We help you choose the form that fits your ownership, liability and visa plans.
What's included
- Business activity selection and ownership check
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval from DET
- Memorandum of Association drafting and notarisation
- Office search guidance and Ejari registration
- Trade license issuance
- Establishment card and MOHRE registration
- Investor and employee visa processing
- Corporate bank account assistance
Our process
- 01
Consultation
We confirm your activities, legal form, ownership and budget.
- 02
Trade name & initial approval
We reserve your trade name and obtain DET initial approval.
- 03
MOA & office
We prepare and notarise the MOA and register your tenancy on Ejari.
- 04
License issued
Fees are paid and your mainland trade license is issued.
- 05
Immigration & labour
We open your establishment card and MOHRE company file.
- 06
Visas & bank
We process residence visas and support your bank account opening.
Documents usually required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa or entry stamp, or Emirates ID if available
- Proof of residential address
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution
- Ejari-registered tenancy contract (we help you arrange this)
Requirements vary by authority and activity. We send you a tailored checklist after your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does mainland company formation take in Dubai?
Once your documents are ready, many mainland licenses can be issued within one to two weeks. Activities that need approvals from other authorities, or delays in finalising an office, can extend this. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. A limited number of strategic activities still have ownership conditions, and some professional licenses may need a local service agent. We check this for your activity before you apply.
Do I need a physical office for a Dubai mainland license?
Yes. Mainland companies need an Ejari-registered tenancy contract. The size of the office also affects how many employment visas the company can apply for.
Should I choose mainland or free zone?
Choose mainland if you want to sell directly to customers across the UAE or bid for government contracts. A free zone is often better for international business, consultancy or a lower-cost start. We compare both for your plan during the consultation.
Can a mainland company work on government projects?
Yes. Mainland companies can register as vendors with government and semi-government entities, which free zone and offshore companies usually cannot do directly.
