Dubai Mainland
Dubai Mainland
No territorial limits — trade across the UAE and win public-sector work.
100%
Foreign ownership on most activities
UAE-wide
Trading rights
2,000+
Permitted business activities
0%
Personal income tax
Overview
Set up your Dubai mainland company with Evolva — 100% foreign ownership, a DED trade licence, and visa and PRO services included. Book a free consultation to get started.
A Dubai Mainland company is a business entity registered and licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), now operating as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — the official governing authority for all commercial activities in Dubai. Unlike free zone companies, a mainland company gives you the freedom to conduct business anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts, local markets and international trade, without any geographical restrictions.
With the UAE's landmark Commercial Companies Law amendments, foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership in most business activities without requiring a local sponsor — making mainland company formation in Dubai one of the most attractive business setup options in the entire Middle East.
At Evolva, we help entrepreneurs and corporations establish their mainland businesses in Dubai. Our team of legal experts, PRO specialists and business consultants handles every step — from selecting your business activity to opening your corporate bank account.
Why Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Dubai's mainland offers advantages that free zone companies cannot match — here is why thousands of entrepreneurs choose mainland company formation every year.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Following the UAE's Foreign Direct Investment law reforms, foreign nationals can own 100% of their mainland company in most sectors — no local sponsor or Emirati partner required.
UAE-wide
No Restrictions on Business Location
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate — with no geographical limitations like those imposed on free zone companies.
Eligible
Access to Government Contracts
Only mainland-licensed companies can bid for UAE government tenders and contracts — an exclusive opportunity unavailable to free zone businesses.
Unlimited
Visa Quotas
Unlike free zone companies with fixed visa packages, mainland companies can sponsor employee visas based on office space — making workforce scaling simple and cost-effective.
Easier
Bank Account Opening
DED mainland licences are preferred by UAE and international banks for corporate account opening, with smoother and faster processing than many free zone entities.
0%
No Currency Restrictions
No foreign exchange controls — freely transfer funds in any currency in and out of the UAE, with full repatriation of profits.
2,000+
Business Activities
With over 2,000 DED-permitted business activities, mainland companies have far greater flexibility in what they can legally operate compared to any single free zone authority.
9%
Corporate Tax Above AED 375,000
UAE mainland companies enjoy one of the world's most business-friendly tax environments — 0% personal income tax and 9% corporate tax only above AED 375,000 in annual profit.
None
No Minimum Capital Requirement
Dubai does not require a minimum paid-up capital for most mainland business structures, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for new and growing businesses.
Mainland vs Free Zone — Which Is Right for You?
This is one of the most important decisions in your UAE business setup. Here is a direct comparison to help you choose the right structure for your goals.
| Feature | Mainland Company | Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% |
| Trade within UAE | Unrestricted | Needs mainland distributor |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Not eligible |
| Office requirement | Physical address required | Flexi-desk options available |
| Visa quotas | Unlimited (office size based) | Fixed (package-based) |
| Customs duties | Standard UAE rates | Often 0% within free zone |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 9% above AED 375,000 on non-qualifying income |
| Bank account opening | Easier with major UAE banks | Can be more complex |
| Business activities | 2,000+ options | Limited to free zone scope |
| Best for | Local trading, services & government work | Import/export & international business |
Not sure which option is right for you? Evolva will analyse your business model, revenue goals and operational needs, then recommend the most cost-effective and legally compliant structure — free of charge.
Types of Mainland Business Licences in Dubai
The type of licence you need depends on the nature of your business activity. Choose the right licence from DED's approved categories to legally operate in Dubai mainland.
Commercial Licence
For businesses involved in buying and selling of goods, trading, import/export and general trading activities — the most widely issued licence type by DED. Covers general trading, retail shops, wholesale distribution, import/export, real estate trading and construction materials.
Professional Licence
For individuals and companies offering skill-based or knowledge-based services. Professional licence holders can retain 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor — popular with management consultants, accounting firms, legal services, IT companies, marketing agencies and engineering consultancies.
Industrial Licence
For businesses involved in manufacturing, production or industrial activities that transform raw materials into finished goods, issued in coordination with relevant industrial regulatory authorities. Covers food production, packaging, garment manufacturing, furniture production and chemical processing.
Tourism Licence
For businesses operating in Dubai's travel and hospitality sector, issued in coordination with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Covers travel agencies, tour operators, hotel management, event management and MICE services.
E-Commerce Licence
For businesses conducting online selling and digital transactions within and outside the UAE — one of the fastest-growing licence categories. Covers online retail, dropshipping, digital marketplaces, subscription services and SaaS products.
Business Structures for Dubai Mainland Companies
Choosing the right legal structure affects your liability, ownership and operational flexibility. Evolva helps you select the structure that best fits your business goals.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most popular and recommended structure for mainland company formation — suitable for trading, services and manufacturing businesses of all sizes. 1 to 50 shareholders, liability limited to share capital, up to 100% foreign ownership, no mandatory minimum capital.
Sole Proprietorship
A business owned and managed by a single individual — ideal for freelancers and independent professionals. 100% ownership by one person, unlimited personal liability. Foreign nationals can own 100% of professional activities with a Local Service Agent (LSA).
Civil Company
A partnership structure for professionals offering specialised services, designed for qualified professionals in regulated industries working together — medical clinics, law firms, engineering firms and accounting partnerships.
Branch of a Foreign Company
An extension of an existing company registered outside the UAE. The parent company retains full ownership and liability for the branch's operations, and activities must match the parent company's activities.
Branch of a UAE Company
An extension of a UAE-registered company into Dubai or another emirate, allowing established businesses to expand their footprint across the UAE under one parent entity.
Quick Structure Comparison
| Structure | Shareholders | Foreign Ownership | Liability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC (most popular) | 1 – 50 | Up to 100% | Limited | All business types |
| Sole Proprietorship | 1 only | 100% (professional) | Unlimited | Freelancers, consultants |
| Civil Company | 2 or more | With LSA | Unlimited | Professionals, clinics |
| Foreign Branch | Parent company | 100% | Parent liable | International expansion |
| UAE Branch | Parent company | Same as parent | Parent liable | UAE expansion |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm the current position for your activity with your consultant.
How Do You Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks when all documents are in order. Here is Evolva's complete step-by-step process.
- 1
Choose your business activity (Day 1–2)
DED recognises over 2,000 business activities across commercial, professional, industrial and tourism categories. Evolva identifies the exact activity codes for your business.
- 2
Choose your legal structure (Day 1–2)
Based on your business activity, number of partners and ownership requirements, select the appropriate structure — LLC, sole proprietorship, civil company or branch office.
- 3
Reserve your trade name (Day 2–3)
Your company name must comply with UAE naming regulations — it cannot match an existing registered name, and cannot include offensive, religious, political or government-entity terms. Evolva checks availability and reserves your preferred name through the DED portal.
- 4
Apply for initial approval (Day 3–5)
Submit your application to DED for initial approval — the official confirmation that DED approves your proposed business activity and structure. Requires passport copies of all shareholders, visa copies (if UAE residents), the proposed trade name and activity details.
- 5
Secure your office space (Day 5–10)
All mainland companies must have a registered office address in Dubai, registered with Ejari — Dubai Land Department's official tenancy registration system. Options range from flexi-desks to private offices to warehouse or commercial space for industrial activities.
- 6
Draft legal documents (Day 7–12)
Evolva handles all legal drafting, translation and notarisation on your behalf — Memorandum and Articles of Association for an LLC, or Board Resolution, Certificate of Incorporation and Power of Attorney for a branch office.
- 7
Submit documents and apply for the trade licence (Day 12–16)
Submit your complete documentation package to DED — initial approval certificate, trade name certificate, notarised MoA/AoA, Ejari tenancy contract, shareholder passport copies and photographs, and any activity-specific approvals.
- 8
Obtain external approvals if required (Day 10–20)
Certain activities require approval from additional government bodies — healthcare from DHA, education from KHDA, financial services from the UAE Central Bank/SCA, food and beverage from Dubai Municipality, and real estate from RERA. Evolva manages all external approvals as part of our PRO services.
- 9
Pay licence fees and collect your trade licence (Day 16–20)
Once all approvals are received, pay the required government fees and collect your official DED trade licence — your legal authorisation to operate in Dubai mainland.
- 10
Open your corporate bank account and apply for visas (Day 20–30)
With your trade licence in hand, complete your setup by opening a corporate bank account and applying for investor and employee visas. Evolva provides bank introductions and manages all visa paperwork end to end.
External Approvals by Activity
Certain regulated activities require sign-off from an additional government body before your trade licence can be issued.
| Business Activity | Required Approval From |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) |
| Education | Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) |
| Financial services | UAE Central Bank / Securities and Commodities Authority |
| Food & beverage | Dubai Municipality |
| Legal services | UAE Ministry of Justice |
| Security services | Dubai Police |
| Media & advertising | National Media Council |
| Real estate | Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) |
What Documents Are Required for Dubai Mainland Company Formation?
The documents required depend on your chosen legal structure and business activity.
Initial Approval Stage
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- UAE visa copies (if shareholders are UAE residents)
- Proposed trade name (up to three options)
- Business activity details
- No Objection Certificate (if currently employed in the UAE)
LLC Formation
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Notary Public notarisation
- Ejari tenancy contract
- Shareholder photographs
Branch Office Formation
- Board Resolution authorising the branch
- Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
- Parent company MoA/AoA
- Power of Attorney
- Certificate of Good Standing
Why Choose Evolva for Your Dubai Mainland Setup?
Setting up a mainland company involves government portals, legal documents and a multi-step process that — done incorrectly — can cause costly delays. Evolva removes every obstacle between you and your DED trade licence.
End-to-End Service
From initial consultation to licence collection, bank account opening and visa processing — we handle every step of your Dubai mainland setup without exception.
Fast Processing
Our established relationships with DED, government entities and banks ensure fast processing times, with company registration possible in as little as 7 working days.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprise charges. We provide a complete, itemised quote before you sign anything — full cost transparency from day one.
Multilingual Team
Our consultants communicate clearly throughout your entire business setup journey, regardless of your background or first language.
PRO Services Included
Government liaison, document attestation, legal translation and official submissions are all handled by our qualified PRO professionals.
Banking Assistance
We have established relationships with major UAE banks and provide formal introductions, improving your chances of smooth and fast corporate account opening.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Our relationship doesn't end when your licence is issued — we support licence renewals, visa renewals, ESR compliance, corporate tax registration and VAT filing.
Dedicated Consultant
From your first consultation to the day you receive your licence, you work with one dedicated consultant who knows your case inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your Dubai Mainland setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
خدمات ذات صلة
Sharjah Mainland
Set up a Sharjah mainland company with lower overheads than Dubai and full access to the UAE market.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Establish in the UAE capital with an Abu Dhabi mainland licence and direct access to government and energy-sector contracts.
Ajman Mainland
Register an Ajman mainland company — among the most affordable routes to a fully tradable UAE licence.
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