Quick summary

• Mainland companies in Dubai offer 100% foreign ownership for most business activities.
• You can operate anywhere in the UAE, including with local clients and the government.
• Eligible for government tenders, long-term residency visas, and easier expansion.
• Ideal for retail, consulting, healthcare, education, real estate, and service-based businesses.

Key benefits of mainland company formation in Dubai

Are you thinking about forming a business in Dubai? One of the most strategic moves you can make is to form a mainland company. With a rapidly growing economy, robust infrastructure, and flexible company laws, Dubai mainland offers unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top benefits of mainland company formation in Dubai and explain why it may be the perfect option for your business growth.

What Is a mainland company in Dubai?

A mainland company refers to a business licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)—formerly known as DED. It enables you to operate your business across the entire UAE without geographic or client restrictions.

Unlike Free Zones, a mainland setup provides the flexibility to collaborate with local markets, government entities, and global partners from a single, central location.

1. 100% foreign ownership in most activities

Thanks to recent UAE reforms, most commercial and professional business activities no longer require a local sponsor.

You can now:

• Retain 100% control and profits.
• Simplify your business structure.
• Operate with complete autonomy.

It is especially beneficial for entrepreneurs who want decision-making authority.

2. Full access to the UAE market

A mainland license allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE, including directly with the local companies, individuals and government bodies. This is something some Free Zone companies cannot do without appointing a local distributor or agent.

If your business model involves:

• Retail stores.
• Restaurants or cafes.
• Construction and real estate.
• Legal or consulting services.
• Healthcare or education.
• Then, a mainland setup is your best option.

3. Unlimited employee visas

Mainland companies can sponsor unlimited employee visas, depending on the size of your office space. This is ideal for businesses planning to expand their team and scale operations quickly.

Visa sponsorship benefits:

• Hire as many employees as your business needs.
• Sponsor dependents and family visas for staff.
• Easy access to labor and immigration services.

Flexibility in office locations

Unlike Free Zones, which restrict you to operating within a designated area, a mainland company gives you the freedom to open your office or store anywhere in Dubai or other Emirates.

Whether you want to operate in a prime location, such as Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, or Deira, the mainland model offers complete flexibility.

Examples of permitted locations:

• Downtown Dubai.
• Jumeirah.
• Al Quoz.
• Dubai Silicon Oasis.
• Abu Dhabi or Sharjah (expansion possible).

Eligibility for government contracts

Government tenders and contracts in the UAE are often restricted to companies based on the mainland. By setting up on the mainland, your business becomes eligible to:

• Bid on large public projects.
• Collaborate with semi-government entities.
• Join national infrastructure or innovation initiatives.

No capital repatriation restrictions

Dubai mainland companies enjoy full capital and profit repatriation. You can transfer profits and revenues to your home country without any restrictions or taxes.

Key financial advantages:

• 0% personal and corporate income tax (below AED 375,000).
• No currency restrictions.
• Transparent banking and audit systems.

Easier expansion and branching

Mainland licenses offer more flexibility for business expansion across the UAE and beyond. You can easily:

• Open branch offices in other Emirates.
• Change or add new activities.
• Upgrade to a larger space or team.
• Collaborate with local and foreign partners.

This makes it ideal for long-term growth strategies.

Wide range of business activities

Dubai mainland companies can choose from over 2,000 approved business activities, including:

• Trading and commercial services.
• Industrial and manufacturing.
• Medical and pharmaceutical.
• Education and training.
• IT and digital services.
• Tourism and hospitality.

You can even combine multiple activities under one license (if compatible).

Long-term residency options for investors

Mainland company owners are eligible for:

• Investor visas (renewable every 2 years).
• Golden Visas (10-year residency for qualifying investors).
• Family sponsorship for spouses, children, and dependents.

This allows you to live, work, and grow your business in Dubai without restrictions.

Professional image and trustworthiness

Having a registered physical office in Dubai builds brand trust, especially among local clients, banks, and B2B partners. It also makes it easier to:

• Open a corporate bank account.
• Build local partnerships.
• Get listed on local business directories.
• Join industry networks and events.

Mainland company benefits at a glance

Benefit	Mainland Dubai
100% foreign ownership	Available for most activities
Operate across UAE	Full market access
Unlimited employee visas	Based on office size
Government contracts	Eligible
Flexibility in office locations	Any location in Dubai or UAE
Local sponsorship requirement	Not required for most activities
Capital repatriation	100% allowed
Wide range of activities	2,000+ options
Brand trust and credibility	Strong local presence
Residency options	Investor & Golden Visa eligibility

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is a mainland company better than a Free Zone company?
If you want to trade locally, hire more staff, and scale operations, the mainland option is better.

2. Can I own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes. Most business activities in the UAE now permit 100% foreign ownership under new laws.

3. Do I need an office for a mainland company?
Yes. You must lease physical space and register it through Ejari.

4. How long does it take to set up?
Typically, 7–10 working days, depending on the approval process and document completeness.

5. Can a mainland company apply for government projects?
Yes. Only mainland companies are eligible for UAE government tenders.

6. Can I sponsor employees and dependents?
Yes. You can sponsor an unlimited number of employees and provide dependent visas.

7. What are the tax benefits?
0% corporate tax on profits under AED 375,000 and no repatriation restrictions.

Set your business up for success in Dubai mainland

Dubai mainland company formation is more than just a license—it’s a gateway to long-term success in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. With full ownership rights, unlimited growth potential, and access to the entire UAE market, the mainland route is ideal for ambitious entrepreneurs.

At Kanoony, we assist you with every step of the process—from selecting the right activity to managing licenses, approvals, and office space.

Book your free consultation today

Build your future on solid ground. Choose Dubai Mainland and grow without limits.