Who issues a mainland license in Dubai?

Mainland license in Dubai is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously called the Department of Economic Development (DED).

What is a mainland company in Dubai?

A mainland company, also known as an onshore company, is a company licensed by DET in Dubai that can conduct its operations in the local market of the city as well as international markets.

How much does it cost to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

The cost of mainland company formation in Dubai starts from AED 24,500* (if applying for commercial license ). For more cost details, you can contact our experts.

What does mainland mean in UAE?

Mainland in the UAE is a jurisdiction, an economic zone, regulated by the DED of the related Emirate, where businesses can be established.

What is the difference between mainland company and a freezone company?

A free zone company cannot operate in non-free zone areas, whereas a mainland company can freely operate its business operations anywhere across the UAE. A freezone business setup is regulated by the respective governing authority of that freezone, whereas all mainland companies are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective Emirate.

Can I have full ownership of my business setup in Dubai mainland?

Yes, you can now have 100% ownership of more than 2000 commercial and industrial activities on the mainland as a foreign entrepreneur.

Can I convert a free zone company to a mainland company?

Technically, you cannot convert a Dubai free zone license directly into a mainland license because each has its own governing body. Rather, you can set up a new mainland company under DET and transfer your free zone assets, employees, and contracts under the new entity.

Mainland Business Setup in Dubai | Dubiz Business Setup

Dubai gives you full UAE market access, tax advantages, and now 100% foreign ownership for most business activities through business setup in Dubai mainland.

Dubiz Business Setup is an authorized business setup consultant, helping entrepreneurs register mainland companies with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Our Dubai mainland business setup services cover initial business activity consultation, trade license registration, visa applications, approvals, and document clearance, along with tax and legal compliance.

Through our strong ties with local mainland authorities and the DET, you can expect most of the business formalities to be completed at the earliest, usually within 4 - 5 days, depending on the activity requirement.

What is the process of business setup in Dubai mainland?

Mainland business setup in Dubai can be very simple, completed within a few days with the right support. At Dubiz, we guide you through every step:

Initial consultation

Visit our office anytime during working hours or book your appointment in advance. You will meet one of our experts and can simply explain your needs to get started. The same can be done over an online consultation.

Picking the right structure

Based on your requirements, our experts will guide you on what works best for your mainland business setup in Dubai: LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch, ensuring the right balance of control, flexibility, and compliance.

Trade name and approvals

As part of the process, we will next register your trade name with the DET and secure the initial approvals under our expert supervision.

Document preparation

We take care of preparing and reviewing all required documents, including the MOA/AOA and necessary approvals. Everything will be submitted to official bodies in a timely and accurate manner.

Applying for the mainland license

Next, our team will initiate the mainland license application process with the authorities. It is a hassle-free experience, with minimal involvement from your side.

UAE visa and bank account

To finalise your business setup in UAE mainland, we will help you obtain the necessary residency visa for yourself and your team, along with opening a corporate bank account.

What is the cost of business setup in Dubai mainland?

Dubai mainland company formation cost starts from AED 17,900* (professional license) and AED 22,000* (commercial license), with one investor visa included.

Since every investor requirement and business specification is different, the total setup cost adapts accordingly.

Typically, here is what you will be paying for:

Mainland license fee: annual DET fee

Initial approval fee: for NOC from the licensing authority

Trade name fee: differs between foreign vs Arabic

MOA or LSA document fee: attestation and drafting

External approval fee (if applicable): DHA, KHDA, Municipality, RTA, Civil Defence

UAE residence visa (for foreign investors): visa processing, Emirates ID, medical tests

Office cost: depends on rental charges, space location

Company registration fee: with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce

Top mainland business setup offer

From just AED 17,900*

Services Included:

Initial Approval
Tradename Registration
Memorandum Of Association
Company Incorporation
PRO Services Inc. VAT
Establishment Card
Investor Visa & Medical Test
Emirates ID & Status Change
Tax Consultation
Bank Account Assistance

Get the right type of Dubai mainland business license

With over 3,000 DET-approved activities in the Dubai mainland, you get the flexibility to select multiple activities under a single mainland business license.

License for commercial activities

If your business involves buying and selling goods or services, locally or internationally, you will need a commercial license.

Permit for industrial operations

Businesses that manufacture or assemble products and goods and then sell finished goods to others, require an industrial license.

Professional services license

For offering specialized services like IT consulting, tax, and legal advisory, based on expertise and qualifications, a professional license is required.

Tourism business license

A tourism license allows you to operate in Dubai’s tourism and hospitality sector, such as tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, and accommodation services.

Documents required for mainland company setup Dubai

For a company setup in Dubai mainland, here are the common documents that accompany the license application form:

Identification documents:

You will need to provide shareholders’ and managers’ passport copies with at least 6 months' validity, along with recent passport-size photographs.

Corporate documents:

Includes a business plan, trade name registration, and attested MOA and AOA. A local service agent (LSA) contract may be required in some cases.

Office lease contract:

For mainland business setup Dubai, a physical office space is often mandatory. The tenancy contract for the leased space is registered on the Ejari portal.

Approvals and permits:

Initial approval from the DET is required. Additional approvals may be needed from specific government bodies, depending on the nature of the business.

Fast-tracked mainland company formation in UAE

Get a complete business setup solution with Dubiz

Through Dubiz Business Setup, investors start their mainland company in Dubai in just a few visits – with complete expertise and resources to support them.

UAE mainland company incorporation
Trade license and renewal services 
Dedicated legal and PRO support
Corporate bank account setup
Visa and immigration support
Accounting and taxation consulting 
Activity and structuring consultation
Ongoing legal compliance
Business center solution

Understanding the meaning of a mainland company in UAE

A mainland company is a legal business entity registered under the mainland jurisdiction of the UAE and regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DET). Mainland companies offer strong trade flexibility, allowing you to conduct professional, industrial, and commercial activities across the UAE and even internationally. Unlike free zones, which are limited to their respective areas.

Under Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2020, mainland companies can now be 100% owned by foreign entrepreneurs across more than 2,000 activities. This has led to complete freedom from the need for a local service agent, except for a few strategic sectors or certain professional services.

Apart from working on government tenders, you can apply for multiple visas under a mainland business established as an LLC, a branch, a joint stock company, or a sole proprietorship. Each is subject to DET regulations, along with additional approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, or healthcare authorities, as required.

Benefits of mainland company formation in Dubai

As an entrepreneur or an investor, you enjoy the following benefits of a Dubai mainland business setup: 

Freedom to operate anywhere in UAE and globally.
Easy access to European, Asian, African, and GCC markets.
More than 3000 business activities across diverse industries.
Simplified licensing, registration, and permit processes.
Zero capital requirement for the Dubai mainland license.

Eligibility for multiple UAE visas based on office size.
Work directly on profitable public sector contracts.
Send 100% capital and profits to the home country freely.
Qualify for 0% corporate tax on meeting FTA conditions.
Keep 100% ownership of your mainland company.

Types of legal structure for UAE mainland company formation

The common types of business legal structures established on the UAE mainland include: 

Sole Proprietorship

A single individual can start and run a business in Dubai mainland. It is a one-man show. One person manages all the profits, liabilities, and even risks of the business. 

GCC/Foreign Company Branch

Companies from other Gulf countries and certain foreign nations can expand their operations to the Dubai mainland by opening branch offices.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLC has one or a maximum of 50 shareholders, where their liability is limited to their respective share in company – a shield between personal assets and company liabilities. 

Civil Company

A civil company is a special type of partnership between professionals in a particular field. For example, engineers or consultants start a business together. 

Branch of a free zone company

Free zone companies can spread their wings outside their designated free zones, on the mainland, after acquiring a trade license from DET. 

Public/private joint stock company

A joint stock company is a legal entity where the shares can be bought and sold by shareholders. It can be either a private or a public joint stock company.

About Dubiz

Recognized by the DET and major UAE authorities, Dubiz Business Setup has been operating as a company formation specialist in the UAE for the past 8 years, achieving a 99% client satisfaction rate with more than 7,000 clients.

We consolidate all UAE business setup and related services under a single roof. Based in Business Bay, Dubai, we provide convenient access to investors through both physical and 24/7* online channels.

Why set up your mainland company with Dubiz?

Officially regulated with transparent fee structures

Priority service processing with no waiting queues

Expert team for licenses, visas, accounting, and taxation

Friendly ties with local government authorities and banks

Most processes completed with minimal visits to the office

100% remote guidance available for initial stages

Book a free consultation

And get started with your mainland company formation Dubai now!

Seamless business setup in Dubai mainland