Setup Business in
Mainland Dubai
Register your company with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and gain unrestricted access to the entire UAE market — with the freedom to trade locally, nationally, and internationally.
100%
Foreign Ownership
What Is a Mainland Company?
A Mainland company is a company registered with one of the UAE's Departments of Economic Development (DED). When you choose to conduct business in UAE Mainland, you register a business entity with the DED, which then provides you a business license to start operations.
Mainland companies can practice any industrial, commercial, trading, export/import, professional, or tourism activity. Some professional activities are excluded as per DED's business regulations, and others require approvals from authorities that regulate these activities.
Foreign investors may start their business in a partnership where 51% ownership belongs to UAE nationals, or choose a Sole Establishment to own 100% of shares. However, some business activities are reserved for UAE nationals only.
Why Setup a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Mainland Dubai offers unparalleled access to the UAE's booming economy, direct government contracts, and the ability to trade freely across all emirates.
Unrestricted Market Access
Trade freely anywhere in the UAE and beyond — no geographical limitations on your business operations.
Government Contracts
Only mainland companies can bid on lucrative UAE government tenders and public sector contracts.
No Office Restrictions
Set up your office anywhere in the emirate, choose from flexible co-working spaces to premium commercial towers.
Unlimited Visa Quota
No cap on employee visas — scale your team as your business grows without artificial limitations.
100% Foreign Ownership
Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership for most commercial activities — no local sponsor required.
Banking Flexibility
Open accounts with any UAE bank, access full banking services, and benefit from the UAE's robust financial infrastructure.
Ownership Structures
Choose the ownership structure that best fits your business goals and investor profile.
Sole Establishment
100% foreign ownership for a single investor. Ideal for professional and service-based activities. The owner has full control of the company.
- 100% ownership by one person
- Ideal for consultancies
- Full management control
LLC Partnership
Limited Liability Company with 2-50 partners. The most common structure for commercial and trading activities with shared liability.
- 2 to 50 partners allowed
- Best for trading activities
- Limited liability protection
Civil Company
Partnership between professional practitioners. Perfect for law firms, engineering consultancies, medical clinics, and audit firms.
- For professional services
- 100% foreign ownership
- Partner-managed structure
Types of Mainland Business Licenses
The DED issues different license types based on the nature of your business activities.
Commercial License
For trading, buying, selling, import/export, and general commercial activities within and outside the UAE.
Professional License
For service-based businesses including consultancies, IT companies, marketing agencies, and other professional services.
Industrial License
For manufacturing, processing, and industrial production activities. Requires additional approvals from relevant authorities.
Tourism License
For travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and all tourism-related activities. Issued in coordination with DTCM.
Formation Requirements
Key documents and requirements to register your mainland company in Dubai.
Registration Process
A streamlined 5-step process to get your mainland company licensed and operational.
Choose Activity & Structure
Select your business activity, legal structure, and trade name. We guide you through the optimal setup.
Initial Approval
Obtain initial approval from DED and any required external authority approvals for regulated activities.
Draft Legal Documents
Prepare the Memorandum of Association or Service Agreement, appoint managers, and notarize all documents.
Lease & Ejari
Secure your office space and register the lease agreement through the Ejari system for DED compliance.
License Issuance
Submit all documents to DED, pay the license fee, and receive your mainland business license.
Ready to Launch Your Mainland Business?
Get expert guidance from our team of mainland business setup specialists. We handle the entire process — from initial approval to license issuance.