Quick summary

• Mainland companies are registered with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and are permitted to operate fully across the UAE.
• You can now have 100% foreign ownership for most business activities.
• The formation process involves selecting an activity, reserving a name, obtaining approvals, signing legal documents, renting an office, and securing the necessary licenses.
• A physical office is mandatory, and your visa quota depends on its size.
• Timely renewal and compliance with DET rules are essential for smooth operations.

A step-by-step guide to mainland company formation in Dubai

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai is one of the best ways to access the UAE’s thriving local market. With recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, Dubai Mainland companies has become an attractive destination for entrepreneurs worldwide.

This guide outlines the complete step-by-step process, requirements, and key considerations for establishing a mainland company in Dubai, UAE.

What Is a mainland company in Dubai?

A mainland company is a business entity registered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)—formerly known as DED. It allows you to:

• Do business anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
• Open a physical office or retail store.
• Apply for unlimited employee visas (depending on office size).
• Trade directly with government and private clients in the UAE.

Benefits of forming a mainland company

Here are some of the benefits assosiated with setting up in Mainland Dubai:

Benefit	Details
100% Foreign Ownership	No need for a local partner for most activities
Full UAE Market Access	Trade freely without Free Zone restrictions
No Capital Repatriation Limits	Repatriate profits and capital with ease
Flexible Business Activities	Choose from thousands of permitted professional and trading activities
Visa Scalability	Apply for unlimited visas (based on office space size)
Government Contracts Eligibility	Bid for public sector projects and large enterprise deals

Step-by-step process of mainland company formation 

Step 1: Define your business activity

Dubai Mainland allows thousands of licensed activities, including trading, professional services, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and more.

Some regulated activities may need special approvals from government bodies like:

• Dubai Municipality.
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• Ministry of Education.
• Food Safety Department.

Step 2: Choose a legal structure

Select the appropriate legal form based on your business type and number of shareholders. Common options include:

• LLC (Limited liability company): Most sought after option due to limited liability of partners.
• Sole establishment: For individual professionals.
• Civil company: For consultancy or service businesses.
• Branch of a foreign company: To expand your existing business into Dubai.

Step 3: Reserve your trade name

Choose a unique name that:

• Matches your business activity.
• Doesn’t include religious or offensive terms.
• Avoids abbreviations (unless part of a brand).
• Is available for registration with DET.

Approval typically takes 1–2 working days.

Step 4: Apply for initial approval

Submit the basic details of your business (activity, shareholders, name) to get preliminary approval from DET. This step confirms that the government has no objections to your proposed business.

Step 5: Draft and notarize the MOA

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA), which outlines activities of the company, manager and directors details, share capital, shareholding, governance terms and other terms important to the functioning of the company. 

• The MoA must be notarized through the notary public.
• If required, sign a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement for certain professional activities.

Step 6: Lease office Ssace & get ejari

A mainland company must have a physical office in Dubai.

• Sign a rental agreement for a commercial space.
• Register the tenancy contract through Ejari (Dubai’s rental registration system).

The size of the office determines your visa quota (number of employees you can sponsor).

Step 7: Submit final documents & pay license fees

Once all documents are ready, submit them to the Dubai DET for final approval and issuance of a payment voucher. Pay the applicable license issuance fee.

You’ll receive your Trade License, the official document that authorizes your company to commence operations.

Documents required for mainland company formation

Here’s a quick look at the key documents you’ll need:

Document	Purpose
Identification documents of the shareholders (passports and EID if any for individuals, license and MOA for entities)	Identity verification
Identification documents of appointed manager (passport, EID and UAE residence visa if any)	Identity verification
Trade name reservation certificate	Proof of approved business name
Initial approval certificate	Required to proceed with final licensing
MoA or LSA agreement	Outlines shareholding structure or service agent arrangement
Ejari (Tenancy Contract)	Proof of office space in Dubai Mainland

Mainland license types

Dubai DET offers various license types. The most common are:

License Type	Suitable for
Commercial License	Trading, e-commerce, import/export
Professional License	Services, consulting, freelancers
Industrial License	Manufacturing and production

Visa & employment services

Once your company is licensed, you can apply for:

• Investor visa: For shareholders.
• Partner visa: For co-founders.
• Employment visas: For staff based on your office size.

You’ll also be registered with the Ministry of Labour and Immigration Department, which enables you to issue labor contracts. You will be required to issue an establishment card.

Bank account opening

After license issuance, you’ll be eligible to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Requirements vary slightly between banks, but typically include:

• Trade license copy.
• MoA.
• Passport copies of owners if individuals and corporate document if entities.
• Office lease agreement.

Compliance & renewal

Mainland licenses must be renewed annually. To renew, you’ll need:

• Valid Ejari (updated tenancy contract).
• Audit report (if required).
• Visa renewal and establishment card updates.
• Payment of renewal fees.

Late renewal may result in penalties.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I own 100% of my mainland company?
Yes, for most activities, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed.

2. Do I need a local sponsor for all businesses?
No. A local service agent is only needed for select professional activities.

3. Can I operate from a virtual office in the mainland?
No. A physical office with Ejari is mandatory.

4. How long does the setup process take?
Approximately 7–10 business days, provided the documents are complete and approved promptly.

5. Can I apply for a UAE Golden Visa through my mainland company?
Yes, if your investment meets the required threshold and eligibility criteria set by UAE authorities, you may qualify for a long-term Golden Visa.

7. Is there a minimum capital requirement to set up a mainland company?
For most business activities, there is no fixed minimum capital requirement. However, the capital amount must be stated in the Memorandum of Association and is typically based on the nature of the business.

8. Can I sponsor family members through my mainland business?
Yes. Once you have a valid Investor or Partner Visa, you can sponsor dependents, including spouses, children, and parents, provided you meet the salary and accommodation criteria.

9. Can I convert my Free Zone company into a mainland company?
Not directly. You would need to deregister the Free Zone entity and establish a new mainland company. However, certain assets and approvals may be transferred with the help of a professional setup agent.

10. Are there any industries that are restricted from 100% foreign ownership?
Yes. A few strategic sectors, such as defense, oil and gas, and certain media and telecom activities, may still require a local partner or special approvals. Always consult with the DET or a setup consultant before proceeding.

Start your mainland business with a solid plan

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai provides unparalleled access to the local economy and offers long-term scalability and growth opportunities. With the proper guidance, the process is smooth, transparent, rewarding.

At Kanoony, we help you every step of the way—from selecting the right activity to handling legal paperwork and licensing.