Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Start a business on the Dubai mainland with Momentum. Get complete foreign ownership, access to the UAEтАЩs diverse customer base, and the freedom to easily scale your business.
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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
A mainland company is a business entity registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that can operate anywhere in Dubai and the wider UAE. Unlike free zone companies, which are restricted to a designated zone, mainland companies can trade directly with the local market, government entities, and international clients. Business setup in Dubai mainland gives you unrestricted access to the local market, no limits on office location, and the ability to bid for government contracts. Setting up a mainland company in Dubai can take between 2 to 5 weeks.
Benefits of Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
A mainland business in Dubai allows entrepreneurs complete access to the UAE market, full foreign ownership, eligibility to bid for government contracts, and unlimited visa quotas. They have to be registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism and can set up their office anywhere in the Emirate.
Unrestricted Market Access
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in Dubai and the wider UAE, with no restrictions on location or client base.
100% Foreign Ownership
After an amendment in 2022, most mainland business activities now allow full foreign ownership without a local Emirati sponsor.
Eligibility for Government Contracts
Only mainland companies in Dubai and UAE can bid for government projects and public sector tenders.
No Visa Quotas
Mainland companies face no restrictions on the number of employees they can sponsor, making it easier to scale your team.
Stronger Local Credibility
Mainland companies are widely seen as more established and credible since they are subject to DET regulations.
Flexible Office Locations
You can set up your office anywhere in Dubai, unlike free zone companies which are limited to within the free zone.
Types of Legal Structures for Mainland Companies
Mainland companies can be set up as an LLC, civil company, sole proprietorship, Private Joint Stock Company, or a branch of an existing company.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC can have up to 50 shareholders, with liability limited to each ownerтАЩs capital contribution. This is the most common structure for foreign investors.
Civil Company
A civil company is owned by two or more individuals and is common for professional services like consulting, engineering, accounting, and coaching.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole establishment is owned by a single person, who holds full responsibility for the businessтАЩs liabilities and finances. Choose this structure if youтАЩre setting up on your own.
Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
A Private Joint Stock Company can have up to 200 shareholders, each holding an equal number of shares. It can also be set up and owned by a single shareholder.
Branch of an Existing Company
You can register a branch of a local, free zone, or foreign company on the mainland. The branch must carry out the same activities as its parent company and stays legally tied to it.
Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses
Professional License
Consultancy, IT, and other service-based businesses
Commercial License
Trading, import/export, and general business activities
Industrial License
Manufacturing, production, and packaging activities
Cost of Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
Mainland company formation in Dubai starts from around AED 40,000, depending on your business activity, office requirements, and number of visas. The total cost includes three main components: the license fee, the office rent, and visa fees if youтАЩre sponsoring employees.
| Package | Price (AED) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Mainland License | AED 13,999 | 100% ownership Trade license Physical bank account Instant License within 4 hours One year tenancy free |
| RAKEZ Freezone | AED 18,999 | 100% ownership Trade license Tenancy contract Physical bank account MOA Unlimited labor inspection |
Steps to Start a Mainland Business in Dubai
Starting a mainland company in Dubai involves picking a business activity, registering a trade name, getting initial approval, signing an office lease, applying for a trade license, and opening a bank account.
- 01.
Choose Business Activities
Select a business activity that matches your idea. The UAE offers over 2,500 activities to entrepreneurs.
- 02.
Register your trade name
Present three name options in English and Arabic to the DET and register the approved trade name.
- 03.
Get initial approval from the DET
Submit your business plan to the DET and get approval. You can only apply for a license after approval.
- 04.
Secure an office address
Choose an office space and sign an Ejari. Every mainland business needs a physical office in the UAE.
- 05.
Apply for trade license
Choose the license that matches your activity, submit the necessary documents and pay the fees.
- 06.
Open a bank account
Work with our local consultants and open a corporate bank account for your business.
Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation
You will need to submit your personal identification documents, trade name reservation, initial approval certificate, and Ejari (tenancy contract) to start a mainland business in Dubai. Corporate shareholders will also be required to submit their incorporation documents.
For Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy
- Visa page copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Trade name reservation
- Business plan
- Office tenancy contract
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board Resolution
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Power of Attorney
- Passport copy of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
Start a Mainland Business in Dubai With Momentum
Momentum handles every part of your mainland company setup in Dubai, from choosing the right business activity, getting initial approval, applying for the license, to opening your bank account.
A Growing Ecosystem
Momentum operates within a wider group supporting over 25,000 clients across the UAE. This ecosystem gives your mainland company access to every corporate service it needs.
Human-First Approach
Choosing the right legal structure and business activity is rarely just a paperwork decision. We understand your full picture before we recommend a structure or license type.
Execution with Speed
Need your mainland license processed fast, or your visa issued in under a week? We have the right advisors in place to meet your deadlines.
Subject Matter Specialists
MomentumтАЩs senior advisors bring over a decade of experience in navigating UAEтАЩs local business and legal regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most mainland business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, so you don't need a UAE national sponsor. Some regulated activities still require local participation.
Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax, but only on taxable income above AED 375,000. Income below this threshold isn't taxed.
It takes around 2 to 5 weeks to get a mainland license from the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism).
You can own a mainland and free zone company at the same time in Dubai under one residency visa.
