Mainland company setup in Dubai
A mainland licence lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, work with government entities and open physical premises without restrictions.
What a mainland company is
A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's economic department, in Dubai the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It can trade directly with UAE customers anywhere in the country, bid for government contracts and open shops, showrooms or branches in any emirate.
Ownership
Since the 2021 reforms to the Commercial Companies Law, most commercial and industrial activities can be 100% foreign-owned on the mainland. A short list of activities with strategic impact still requires Emirati participation. Some professional licences need a local service agent, who is a UAE national paid a fixed fee and has no ownership or control. See 100% foreign ownership.
Legal forms
- Limited liability company (LLC): the standard form for most businesses, with 1 to 50 shareholders. See LLC in Dubai.
- Sole establishment: one individual owner with unlimited liability, common for professional licences. See Sole establishment.
- Civil company: a partnership of professionals such as consultants or engineers. See Civil company.
- Branch of a foreign or UAE company: no separate legal personality. See Branch office in Dubai.
Office requirements
Mainland companies need a registered tenancy contract, registered through Ejari in Dubai. The size of the office drives the number of visas the company can sponsor. Business centres offer smaller registered offices that meet the requirement for many activities. See Ejari registration.
The process
- Choose the activity and legal form.
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval from DET.
- Obtain any external approvals the activity needs, for example from a sector regulator.
- Sign the memorandum of association before a notary.
- Sign the tenancy contract and register it with Ejari.
- Pay DET fees and receive the trade licence.
- Register with immigration (establishment card) and MOHRE.
- Apply for residence visas and open the bank account.
Timeline
Typically one to three weeks from complete documents to licence, longer where external approvals are needed.
When mainland is the right choice
- You will sell directly to UAE consumers or businesses
- You need a shop, showroom, restaurant or clinic
- You want government or semi-government contracts
- You need many visas for staff
Common questions
Can a mainland company trade internationally?
Yes. A mainland licence covers trade inside and outside the UAE.
Is corporate tax different for mainland companies?
Mainland companies pay the standard 9% above AED 375,000 of taxable profit. The 0% qualifying free zone regime is only for free zone companies. See UAE corporate tax.
Can I get a mainland licence without an office?
A registered lease is required, but a business centre office or, for some licences, a DET-approved virtual arrangement can meet it at lower cost.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.