Why Choose Dubai Mainland?
Unlock unlimited business potential with unrestricted market access
Unrestricted Trading
Trade anywhere in UAE and internationally without geographical limitations
Government Contracts
Access to government tenders and projects across all emirates
Unlimited Visas
No visa quota restrictions - sponsor as many employees as needed
Local Market Access
Direct access to UAE consumers and B2C business opportunities
Wide Business Activities
Engage in multiple business activities under one license
100% Foreign Ownership
Full ownership without UAE national partner requirement
Mainland License Types
Choose the right license for your business activity
Commercial License
For trading, import/export, and retail activities
Minimum Capital
AED 300,000
Permitted Activities:
Professional License
For consultants, freelancers, and service providers
Minimum Capital
AED 50,000
Permitted Activities:
Industrial License
For manufacturing and production facilities
Minimum Capital
AED 1,000,000
Permitted Activities:
6-Step Mainland Setup Process
From initial approval to visa stamping in 5-10 working days
Choose Business Activity
Select your business activity from approved DED categories
Trade Name Approval
Register unique trade name with Department of Economic Development
Initial Approval & MOA
Get initial approval and draft Memorandum of Association
Office Space & Ejari
Secure office space and register tenancy contract (Ejari)
License Issuance
Receive trade license from DED after final approvals
Visa & Immigration
Process investor/employee visas and Emirates ID
Approved Business Activities
Wide range of business activities available for Mainland companies
Trading
- General Trading
- Import/Export
- Wholesale/Retail
- E-commerce
Services
- Consulting
- Marketing
- IT Services
- Event Management
Professional
- Legal Services
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Architecture
Manufacturing
- Food Production
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Packaging
Real Estate
- Property Sales
- Leasing
- Management
- Development
Tourism
- Travel Agency
- Tour Operator
- Hotel Services
- Transport
Mainland Setup Packages
Transparent pricing with all-inclusive packages
* Prices exclude government fees, office rent, and visa costs. Final pricing based on specific requirements.
Mainland vs Freezone vs Offshore
Compare all company setup options in UAE
| Feature | Mainland | Freezone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% Foreign | 100% Foreign | 100% Foreign |
| UAE Market Access | ✓ Full Access | ✗ Restricted | ✗ No Access |
| International Trade | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Office Space | Required | Optional/Flexi | Not Required |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (if applicable) | 0% (qualifying) | 0% |
| Visa Quota | Unlimited | Based on space | Limited |
| Setup Time | 5-10 days | 3-5 days | 2-4 days |
| Min. Capital | AED 50K-1M | No minimum | AED 15K |
Mainland Setup FAQs
Common questions about Dubai Mainland company formation
Q:What is the difference between Dubai Mainland and Free Zone company?
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in UAE and internationally, access government contracts, and have no geographical restrictions. Free Zone companies are limited to trading within their free zone or internationally, cannot directly access UAE local market without a distributor, but enjoy tax benefits and simpler setup.
Q:Do I need a physical office for Mainland company setup?
Yes, all Mainland companies require a physical office address with valid Ejari (tenancy contract). Office space can range from flexi-desks and coworking spaces to dedicated offices or warehouses, depending on your business activity and visa requirements.
Q:What is the minimum capital requirement for Dubai Mainland company?
Minimum share capital varies by license type: Professional License (AED 50,000), Commercial License (AED 300,000), Industrial License (AED 1,000,000+). No actual deposit required - it's declared capital in company documents.
Q:How many business activities can I add to my Mainland license?
You can add multiple business activities (typically 10-15) under one license, provided they fall under the same category (commercial, professional, or industrial). Additional activities may incur extra fees during licensing and renewal.
Q:Can I get 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland company?
Yes! Since 2021, UAE law allows 100% foreign ownership for most business activities in Dubai Mainland. Only a few restricted sectors (like oil & gas, utilities) may still require UAE national partnership. A local service agent is required for administrative purposes only.
Q:What is a Local Service Agent and do I need one?
A Local Service Agent is a UAE national individual/entity who facilitates government relations for your Mainland company. They have no ownership stake, management control, or profit sharing. Required for most Mainland companies, annual fee ranges from AED 3,000-10,000.
Q:How long does Mainland company setup take?
Complete setup takes 5-10 working days for license issuance, plus 7-14 additional days for visa processing. Timeline depends on document readiness, office space availability, and specific approvals required for your business activity.
Q:What are the annual costs for Mainland company?
Annual costs include license renewal (AED 10,000-25,000 depending on activity), office rent, local service agent fee (AED 3,000-10,000), chamber of commerce registration, and PRO services for visa renewals. Total typically ranges from AED 30,000-100,000 annually.