Mainland company setup in Dubai
A mainland company is licensed by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It can trade anywhere in the UAE, work directly with local customers and bid for government contracts — and most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
Why choose mainland
- Sell to customers anywhere in the UAE, with no distributor needed
- Open a shop, showroom or office anywhere in Dubai
- Bid for government and semi-government contracts
- No fixed cap on visas — the number depends on your office size
- 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities
Legal forms
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) — the most common choice for trading and services
- Sole establishment — one owner, often used for professional activities
- Branch of a UAE or foreign company
When you need a local partner or agent
Since 2021, most mainland activities no longer need a UAE national shareholder. A small number of strategic activities still have ownership rules, and some professional licences need a local service agent — a UAE national who has no share in your business. We arrange this through our local sponsorship service when it applies.
How mainland setup works
- Choose the activity and legal form — this decides your fees and approvals.
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approval from DET.
- Sign the Memorandum of Association (for an LLC).
- Lease an office and register the tenancy contract (Ejari).
- Licence issued, then the establishment card and labour file.
- Visas and bank account — we handle both.
What it costs
Mainland costs more than a free zone because the licence fee depends on your activity and you need an office lease. We give you one fixed quote once we know your activity, office and visa count — see business setup cost in Dubai.
Tax
Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and register for VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. See tax and accounting.