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Mainland company formation in Dubai through DED
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Register a mainland company in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership, full UAE market access, and the commercial flexibility to operate anywhere in the country. We manage the complete mainland formation process from initial approval to trade licence issuance.

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Mainland company formation in Dubai means registering a business entity with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), giving you the broadest possible commercial footprint in the UAE. A mainland company can trade directly with UAE consumers and businesses, bid on government and semi-government contracts, operate from any location in the country, and work with an unlimited range of clients across all sectors. This is the most flexible company structure available in Dubai — and following the landmark 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021), it is now accessible to foreign nationals with full ownership rights for most business activities, without the need for a UAE national sponsor or service agent. For a direct comparison with the free zone option, see our mainland vs free zone guide. The 100% foreign ownership framework introduced by Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 represents one of the most significant regulatory reforms in UAE corporate history. Previously, foreign nationals setting up a mainland company in most sectors were required to have a UAE national shareholder holding at least 51% of shares — the so-called 'local sponsor' requirement. This requirement has now been removed for the vast majority of commercial and professional activities. Read our full guide to foreign ownership in Dubai for details. A residual category of strategically sensitive activities — including certain oil and gas, utilities, and defence-related sectors — may still require UAE national participation, but these represent a narrow and specific set of activities. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your primary market is the UAE itself, when your business requires a physical commercial presence accessible to local customers, when you want to pursue government tenders, or when your activity falls into a category that is restricted to mainland licensing. It is also the preferred structure for businesses in regulated sectors like healthcare, education, legal services, and food and beverage, where a DET licence is specifically required by the relevant regulator. Our team manages the complete mainland formation process: from selecting the right legal structure (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, Branch, or Representative Office) and obtaining initial DET approval, through MOA notarisation, office selection and Ejari registration, and trade licence issuance, to investor visa processing and corporate bank account opening. We also advise on the post-formation compliance calendar — corporate tax registration, VAT assessment, annual licence renewal, and accounting obligations.

Mainland Company Structures in Dubai

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The most widely used mainland structure for commercial and trading businesses. An LLC can have between two and fifty shareholders. Under current regulations, 100% foreign ownership is available for most commercial and professional activities. Shareholders' liability is limited to their capital contribution.

Sole Establishment

A single-owner structure where the proprietor bears full personal liability. Suitable for individual professionals, freelancers, and consultants operating under their own name. 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

Civil Company

A professional partnership structure designed for licenced professions including doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. All partners must hold the relevant professional qualifications recognised in the UAE.

Branch of a Foreign Company

Allows a foreign company to operate in the UAE under its parent company's name, conducting the same activities as the parent entity. A UAE national service agent is required for mainland branches, though the service agent has no ownership or management role.

Representative Office

A limited presence structure that allows a foreign company to promote its products and services in the UAE without engaging in direct commercial activity or revenue generation.

Mainland Company Formation Process in Dubai: Step by Step

1

Initial Consultation and Activity Selection

We review your business model, confirm the correct DET activity codes, and check whether your activities require additional pre-approvals from other government bodies (Ministry of Health, KHDA, Dubai Municipality, etc.). We advise on the most appropriate legal structure and provide a detailed cost estimate.

2

Trade Name Reservation

We check name availability, ensure compliance with DET naming rules including Arabic equivalent requirements, and reserve your chosen trade name. The name must not conflict with existing registrations or violate UAE naming guidelines.

3

Initial Approval from DET

We apply for initial approval from DET, which confirms that your proposed activities and structure are eligible for a mainland licence. This approval is a prerequisite for proceeding to MOA drafting and notarisation.

4

MOA Drafting and Notarisation

We prepare the Memorandum of Association specifying shareholder details, share distribution, and company governance. The MOA must be notarised at a registered notary public in Dubai — a mandatory step for mainland LLC formation.

5

Office Lease and Ejari Registration

A mainland company must have a physical commercial premises. We advise on suitable office options for your budget and business type, and ensure your tenancy contract is properly registered through the Ejari system — a requirement for DET licence issuance.

6

Trade Licence Issuance

We submit the complete documentation pack to DET, coordinate on any follow-up requirements, and collect your mainland trade licence. Once issued, your company is legally authorised to operate in Dubai.

7

Investor Visa and Emirates ID

Following licence issuance, we process the investor visa for all shareholders, including the entry permit, status change if applicable, medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping.

8

Corporate Bank Account Opening

We prepare and submit your corporate bank account application to suitable UAE banks. Mainland companies generally have a broader range of banking options than free zone entities, though documentation requirements and due diligence remain thorough.

Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation

  • Valid passport copies of all shareholders and directors (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Proof of residential address for all shareholders (utility bill or bank statement)
  • UAE entry stamp or valid UAE residence visa if already in the UAE
  • Description of proposed business activities
  • Signed and notarised Memorandum of Association
  • Physical office tenancy contract registered via Ejari
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed under a UAE residence visa
  • For corporate shareholders: certified certificate of incorporation, MOA, and articles of association
  • Additional approvals from sector regulators where required (healthcare, education, food, etc.)

Indicative Costs

Costs are indicative and vary based on licence type, number of activities, share capital, and specific circumstances. Contact us for a tailored, itemised estimate.
Item Cost
DET trade licence fee (commercial or professional) AED 10,000 – 20,000
Trade name reservation (DET) AED 600 – 1,000
Initial approval fee (DET) AED 100 – 200
MOA drafting and notarisation AED 1,500 – 3,000
Establishment card AED 1,200 – 2,000
Office lease (small commercial unit, annual) AED 30,000 – 80,000+
Ejari registration AED 200 – 400
Investor visa per shareholder (government fees) AED 4,000 – 7,000
Emirates ID biometrics and issuance AED 300 – 500
Medical fitness test (per person) AED 300 – 500
Health insurance (per person, basic annual plan) AED 700 – 3,000+
Corporate bank account support AED 3,000 – 5,000

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company in Dubai?
No, not for most activities. Under Federal Law No. 32 of 2021, foreign nationals can own 100% of mainland LLCs for the vast majority of commercial and professional activities. The historic requirement for a 51% UAE national shareholder has been removed. Read our guide to foreign ownership in Dubai for the full legal picture. A small residual category of strategically sensitive activities may still have UAE national requirements — we confirm eligibility for your specific activity during the consultation. Contact us to get started.

Can a mainland company trade anywhere in the UAE?
Yes. A mainland company registered with DET can operate from any location in the UAE, trade with any client or customer, bid on government contracts, and open multiple offices or branches without restriction. This is the defining advantage over free zone companies, which are restricted from direct UAE mainland commercial activity without additional licensing.

Is mainland better than free zone for company formation in Dubai?
It depends on your business model. Mainland is better if you need direct access to the UAE market, want to bid on government contracts, require a physical retail or commercial presence, or have activities restricted to mainland licensing. Free zone is often better for international businesses, consulting, tech, or e-commerce where the UAE local market is not the primary target. We evaluate both options against your specific commercial objectives.

How long does mainland company formation in Dubai take?
Mainland company formation typically takes five to ten working days from when all documents are submitted, including MOA notarisation, Ejari registration, and DET processing. Activities requiring pre-approval from sector regulators (DHA, RERA, KHDA) may extend this timeline by one to four weeks. We provide a realistic estimate for your specific situation during the consultation.

How much does mainland company formation in Dubai cost?
Total first-year costs for a mainland LLC typically range from AED 60,000–130,000 depending on licence type, office size, and shareholders requiring visas. This includes DET licence fees (AED 10,000–20,000), trade name reservation, MOA notarisation, office lease (AED 30,000–80,000+), Ejari registration, establishment card, investor visas, Emirates IDs, health insurance, and banking support. See our full guide to company registration costs in Dubai for a detailed breakdown.

What is the minimum share capital for a mainland LLC in Dubai?
There is no mandatory minimum paid-up share capital for most standard mainland LLCs. The MOA specifies an authorised capital figure which can generally be set at a nominal amount. Some regulated activities — financial services, healthcare — may have specific capital requirements imposed by the relevant sector regulator. We confirm exact requirements for your specific activity.

Can a mainland company in Dubai have foreign corporate shareholders?
Yes. A mainland LLC can have corporate shareholders including foreign companies. The corporate shareholder will need to provide certified and apostilled constitutional documents — certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association, articles of association, and certificate of good standing — as part of the formation process. A board resolution authorising the UAE investment may also be required.

What activities still require a local partner or UAE national on the mainland?
Following the 2021 reforms, the list of activities requiring UAE national participation is very limited — primarily certain oil and gas, utilities, security, and defence-related sectors. We verify your specific activity's ownership eligibility during the consultation before any engagement begins.

Do mainland companies pay corporate tax in the UAE?
Yes. UAE corporate tax at 9% applies to mainland companies' taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 per financial year. Income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%. Small Business Relief allows businesses with annual revenue below AED 3 million to elect for zero taxable income through the end of 2026. All mainland companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority regardless of projected tax liability.

Can I convert a free zone company to a mainland company?
Converting an existing free zone company to a mainland company is not a straightforward administrative transfer — it effectively involves setting up a new mainland entity while the free zone company remains in existence unless you choose to close it. We advise on the most practical and cost-efficient transition approach for your specific situation.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.