A mainland company is an onshore entity licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that can operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Unlike free zones, mainland firms have no geographic trading restrictions and may work directly with government clients. Recent legal reforms allow full foreign ownership across hundreds of activities, making mainland incorporation ideal for international investors seeking complete control.
Mainland businesses can rent commercial space, offices, or warehouses in any area across the UAE. Unlike Freezones, they’re not confined to specific jurisdictions — allowing full domestic reach and global expansion.
Following landmark reforms, over 1,100 business activities now allow complete foreign ownership with no UAE partner required. Investors retain full control and can repatriate all profits and capital.
Dubai mainland companies can scale their workforce freely. Visa quotas are flexible and based on your office space, not a capped number — ideal for growing startups, SMEs, and enterprises.
Only DED-licensed mainland entities can bid for UAE government and semi-government tenders, unlocking high-value public sector opportunities.
Most business types require no minimum paid-up capital, and corporate tax (9%) only applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax.
You’re not locked into high-cost offices. DSA offers Virtual Office & Ejari packages that fulfill DED’s physical space requirement, complete with tenancy contracts and postal services — at a much lower cost.
Mainland companies are preferred by UAE banks due to their flexibility, transparency, and full operational rights.
This license applies to businesses engaged in trading, including buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods. It covers general trading, specialized retail in areas like fashion, electronics, and automotive parts, as well as wholesale distribution and e-commerce. Holders can trade within the UAE and internationally, open showrooms, lease warehouses, and establish branches across the country.
An Industrial License is mandatory for businesses involved in manufacturing, assembly, or industrial production. It applies to sectors such as food, textiles, plastics, metals, chemicals, construction materials, and packaging. Companies must operate from a physical facility and obtain approvals from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
This license is designed for service-based firms offering intellectual or skill-driven expertise. It covers consultancy, IT, marketing, auditing, design, legal advisory, training, education, and wellness services. Professional licenses also allow 100% foreign ownership for individuals, making them ideal for consultancy and specialized practices.
The LLC is the most common structure for commercial, service, and industrial activities. It allows full foreign ownership in most sectors and limits shareholder liability to their capital contributions. With 2 to 50 shareholders permitted, an LLC can obtain unlimited visas and multiple office locations, making it a flexible option for businesses seeking local and international reach.
This entity gives complete ownership and control to a single individual, often used by consultants, freelancers, and small service providers. It is inexpensive and easy to set up, but the owner carries unlimited personal liability—meaning business debts extend to personal assets.
A Civil Company is designed for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers who wish to form partnerships to deliver specialized services. Partners remain personally liable for obligations, and foreign investors may require a local service agent for compliance.
Foreign companies can establish a branch or representative office in Dubai. A branch operates as an extension of the parent company, conducting the same commercial activities without forming a new legal entity. A representative office is limited to promoting and marketing the parent’s services and cannot generate revenue. Both require a local service agent and approvals from the Ministry of Economy.
These structures suit large enterprises aiming to raise significant capital. A Private Joint Stock Company requires at least three shareholders and is often used by industrial firms or investment vehicles. A Public Joint Stock Company can be listed on stock exchanges, subject to stricter governance, minimum capital requirements, and board structures.
For individuals and high-net-worth families, special formats provide tailored ownership and asset management solutions. A Single-Person LLC offers full control with limited liability, while a Family Office enables wealthy families to consolidate investments, businesses, and real estate under one regulated entity to support long-term succession and wealth management.
Start by choosing your business activity from DED’s list of 3,000+ categories, which determines your license type Commercial, Professional, or Industrial and related compliance. Then select the right legal entity, such as LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch as this affects liability, ownership and visa eligibility.
Although most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, restricted sectors like oil, defense, or legal services may still need a UAE sponsor or LSA. In LLCs, sponsors may hold 51% shares; for professional licenses, LSAs hold no equity. DSA provides government-cleared sponsors and agents with secure agreements.
Submit your trade name to DED for approval, ensuring it reflects your activity and avoids restricted words. Once approved, you’ll receive a reservation certificate valid for six months, which is mandatory for further approvals.
The Initial Approval Certificate confirms DED has no objection to your chosen activity and structure. Some sectors—like healthcare, media, or education—also require external authority approvals before proceeding.
Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association to define shareholding, capital, and governance. These must be notarized, and where sponsors or LSAs are involved, service agreements and powers of attorney secure investor independence.
Mainland companies must have a registered office. Your tenancy contract must be recorded in Dubai’s Ejari system for license issuance and visa quotas. DSA offers compliant virtual office solutions for businesses not ready for full leases.
With trade name, approvals, MoA, and Ejari in place, submit your documents to DED and pay the applicable fees. Once approved, you’ll receive your Dubai Mainland Trade License, enabling full operations.
A trade license allows you to open a corporate account. Required documents include license, shareholder details, MoA, and proof of address. DSA facilitates fast-track banking with leading UAE and international banks.
New companies must register with MOHRE for labour cards, GDRFA for immigration files, and the e-Channel portal for visa processing. These registrations are mandatory for hiring and residence visas.
Mainland firms enjoy flexible visa quotas based on office space. You can apply for investor, employee, and dependent visas. DSA manages the full process including quota approvals, Emirates ID, medicals, and stamping.
After setup, businesses must handle annual license renewals, VAT and bookkeeping, WPS payroll, ESR and UBO filings, and labour inspections. DSA provides ongoing compliance support to ensure smooth operations.
To initiate and complete your Dubai mainland company formation, you’ll need to prepare the following documents. Our team at DSA manages all preparation, attestation, legal translation, and government submission on your behalf:
Clear copies of valid passports for all company shareholders, directors, and appointed managers are mandatory as identity verification requirements for all government filings.
Copies of UAE residency visas or the latest UAE entry stamp (if on a visit visa) are required to confirm your legal presence in the country during setup for immigration file opening and visa eligibility.
Recent, high-resolution photos (white background, 45mm x 35mm) are required for all partners and managers for Emirates ID processing, visa files, and DED records.
A recent utility bill or bank statement (dated within 90 days) from your country of residence is needed to establish international address proof, required by banks and for compliance records.
This document confirms that your selected company name has been approved and reserved by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
The DED issues this once your chosen activity and legal structure are preliminarily approved. It indicates the government has “no objection” to you proceeding with the setup.
This legal document outlines your company’s internal structure, shareholding, voting rights, profit distribution, and operational guidelines. It must be signed and notarized before license issuance.
A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) for your business premises is mandatory for DED licensing and visa quotas. If you're using our Virtual Office & Ejari solution, we provide a compliant contract for submission.
If any shareholder or manager already holds a UAE residency visa sponsored by another employer or entity, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be provided. In some cases, a Power of Attorney (POA) may also be needed for legal representation.
Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey — from initial planning to long-term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on-ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.
At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates:
Yes. The UAE allows 100% foreign ownership for over 1,100 activities in Dubai mainland, meaning you don’t need a UAE national as a partner in most cases. This gives international investors full control and freedom to repatriate profits.
For a few regulated or strategic sectors (e.g. legal, defense, oil & gas), a Local Sponsor (UAE national shareholder) or Local Service Agent (LSA) may still be required. These sponsors don’t have to share in profits or operations.
DSA provides vetted Emirati sponsors with contracts that ensure you retain 100% operational control and profit rights.
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE and globally, sponsor unlimited visas, and bid on government contracts.
Freezone Company Formation provides tax perks and sector-specific benefits but limits trade within the UAE.
Offshore Company Formation is best for holding assets or international structuring — not local trade.
With complete documentation, most Dubai mainland companies can be established within 2-3 weeks. DSA coordinates directly with DED, MOHRE, and immigration to fast-track your setup.
Yes. Dubai mainland companies require a physical office address registered through Ejari (Dubai’s tenancy contract system).
Our Virtual Office & Ejari plans help you meet these legal requirements without renting full office space.
Mainland companies can sponsor:
• Investor visas for founders or shareholders
• Employment visas for staff
• Dependent visas for family members
Visa quotas are unlimited and scale with your office size.
Yes. Investors, business owners, and professionals may qualify for 5- or 10-year UAE Golden Visas. DSA manages the entire process — from eligibility checks to medicals, Emirates ID, and approval.
Dubai companies must stay compliant with:
• License renewals
• VAT filings
• Bookkeeping
• UBO/ESR filings
• MOHRE & immigration rules
Our PRO & Legal Documentation team ensures ongoing legal compliance and labour support.
Yes. A mainland holding company can own shares in multiple entities, manage family wealth, hold assets, or structure IP rights — with full legal standing in the UAE and internationally.
Our Business Support Packages allow you to outsource accounting, tax filing, payroll, HR and compliance — saving you time, cost, and risk while you focus on scaling your business.