Dubai mainland company setup
Register an onshore company in Dubai and trade across the whole UAE market, with up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
Dubai mainland
What is a Dubai mainland company?
A Dubai mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It can serve customers anywhere in the UAE and abroad, with no geographic limit on where you sell or work.
Since the 2021 reforms, most commercial and professional activities no longer need a local partner. A few strategic or regulated sectors still do, so we confirm your activity before you commit.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Eligible to bid for government and semi-government work
- Choose your office location within Dubai
- Visa quota linked to your office space
Why mainland
Benefits of a mainland licence
Trade across the UAE
Sell to anyone in all seven emirates and abroad, with no zone boundary limiting your market.
Up to 100% ownership
Most activities no longer need a local partner. We confirm the rules for your activity.
Government contracts
Mainland companies can bid for government and semi-government work.
Choose your location
Place your office where your customers and team are, anywhere in the emirate.
Scalable hiring
Your visa quota grows with your office space as the business grows.
Wide activity range
Commercial, professional and industrial activities under one licensing framework.
Why Dubai?
- The region's deepest customer base and talent pool
- Major banks, auditors and advisers close by
- A hub for trade expos and international conferences
Compare
mainland or free zone?
Both routes give you a UAE company. The right one depends on where your customers are and how you plan to operate.
| Feature | mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | All emirates and international markets | Within the zone and export; UAE sales usually via a distributor |
| Government contracts | Eligible to bid | Generally not eligible |
| Office | Physical premises and registered tenancy | Flexi-desk or virtual often possible |
| Ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% foreign ownership |
| Corporate tax | 9% on profit above AED 375,000 | Qualifying Free Zone Persons may pay 0% on qualifying income |
| Visa quota | Linked to office size | Linked to the zone package |
Licence types
Licences in Dubai
Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The licence has to match your actual activity.
Commercial licence
Trading, retail, import and export, e-commerce and distribution.
Professional licence
Consultancy, IT, marketing and other service businesses.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing, processing, packaging and storage.
Regulated-sector approvals
Healthcare, education, transport and security activities need extra approval from bodies such as DHA, KHDA, RTA and SIRA.
Popular sectors
Set-up process
8 steps to your Dubai licence
Choose activity and legal structure
We match your business to the right licence and structure, such as an LLC, sole establishment or branch.
Reserve your trade name
We check availability and reserve a compliant name with the economic authority.
Get initial approval
We file your application so the authority can approve your activity and shareholders.
Lease and register your office
We help you find suitable premises and register the tenancy with the right authority.
Prepare and notarise documents
We draft the Memorandum of Association and gather all shareholder documents.
Secure external approvals
Regulated activities such as healthcare, education or transport need extra clearances. We handle them.
Pay fees and receive your licence
We submit the final application, pay the fees and collect your trade licence.
Bank, visas and tax registration
We open your corporate account, process visas and register you for corporate tax and VAT.
Office requirements
A Dubai mainland licence needs a registered tenancy (Ejari). Options range from a flexi-desk or serviced office to a full office or warehouse. Your visa quota depends on the space.
Corporate tax and VAT
Corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Below that, 0%.
VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. We handle corporate tax and VAT registration and ongoing filings. Rules can change, so we confirm current thresholds when you apply.
Pricing
Dubai mainland costs
Indicative pricing only. Government fees and final costs may vary.
Documents
What you need to provide
We prepare, translate and submit everything. This is what we'll ask you for.
- Completed application form
- Passport copies for all shareholders and managers
- Approved trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Notarised Memorandum of Association (where applicable)
- Ejari for your premises
- External approvals for regulated activities
- NOC from your current UAE employer, if employed
Other emirates
Compare mainland locations
Dubai mainland FAQ
Typically 1–4 weeks. The full process, including premises, visas and a bank account, usually takes longer. We give you a timeline once we know your activity.
For most activities you can own up to 100% of the company. Certain strategic or regulated sectors may still need a local partner or service agent, and we confirm this for your activity.
Yes. A mainland licence lets you trade across all emirates and internationally, subject to your licensed activity and any local permits.
Physical office with Ejari. A Dubai mainland licence needs a registered tenancy (Ejari). Options range from a flexi-desk or serviced office to a full office or warehouse. Your visa quota depends on the space.
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. VAT of 5% applies once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Cost depends on your activity, office, visa count and any external approvals. After a short consultation we send a written quote with every government fee itemised.
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