Dubai Mainland Company Formation
A Dubai mainland licence lets you trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, take government contracts and open a shop or office anywhere in the city. Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership.
- DET DubaiAuthority
- 100% for most activitiesOwnership
- AED 15,999Packages from
- Based on office sizeVisas
About Dubai Mainland
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism and can trade without restriction inside the UAE. Since the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, most commercial and industrial activities no longer need an Emirati shareholder; professional licences for sole establishments use a local service agent who has no ownership.
Dubai mainland suits businesses that sell to UAE consumers, need retail or warehouse premises, or want to bid for government and semi government work. Visa quotas follow the size of your registered office.
Authority
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
Best suited to
Retail, restaurants and trading with UAE customers; Contractors and service companies bidding for government work; Businesses that need premises outside free zones.
Benefits of Dubai Mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE
No restriction on customers or locations.
Government contracts
Eligible for most public sector tenders.
Flexible premises
Offices, shops and warehouses anywhere in Dubai.
Unlimited activities growth
Add activities and branches as you grow.
100% ownership
For most activities after the 2021 reforms.
Visa capacity
Larger offices support more visas.
Licence types available
Commercial licence
Trading of goods, import and export.
Professional licence
Consultancy, services and skilled professions.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing and processing.
Tourism licence
Travel agencies, tour operators and holiday homes.
E-commerce licence
Online trading from a mainland base.
Occupational and specialised
Specialist activities with extra approvals.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Establishment, Civil Company (professional), Branch of a UAE or foreign company |
| Visa allocation | Visa quota depends on the size of your Ejari registered office. A flexi desk usually supports a small number of visas; larger offices allow more. |
| Office | Ejari registered office required: business centre, flexi desk or commercial lease. |
How setup works
Activity and legal form
Choose activities and legal form with the economic department.
Trade name and initial approval
Reserve the name and obtain initial approval.
Office and Ejari
Lease an office or flexi desk and register the tenancy.
Memorandum and licence
Sign the memorandum of association and pay licence fees.
Visas and registrations
Establishment card, visas, corporate tax and VAT.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport photographs and Emirates ID or visa copy for residents
- Proposed trade names (three options)
- Selected business activities
- Tenancy contract and Ejari for the office (after initial approval)
- No objection letter from a current sponsor, where applicable
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
Dubai Mainland packages
Commercial Starter, 0 visa
AED 15,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Professional Growth, 1 visa
AED 19,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Local service agent coordination, where required
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Industrial or E-commerce Premium, 2 visas
AED 26,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial or e-commerce licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination (industrial) or online trade licence setup (e-commerce)
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Mainland companies pay corporate tax at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. Small Business Relief is available for revenue up to AED 3 million for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
Dubai Mainland questions
How long does Dubai mainland setup take?
Typically one to three weeks for the licence once documents are ready, depending on activity approvals.
Is a local sponsor needed in Dubai?
Not for most activities. A local service agent is needed for some professional licences held by foreign individuals.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities since the Commercial Companies Law was amended in 2021. A small list of strategic activities still needs Emirati participation.
Do I need a physical office?
Mainland licences need a registered office with Ejari. A business centre or flexi desk is accepted for many activities and sets your visa quota.
Speak to our setup manager about Dubai Mainland
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.