Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

What is a Dubai mainland company?

A Dubai mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the DED. That's why a mainland license is often still called a "DED license."

Unlike a free zone company, a mainland company can usually trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. It can also open offices across the country and bid for government contracts. This makes mainland company setup in Dubai a popular choice for businesses that want to serve the local market.

Who is a mainland license right for?

A Dubai mainland license usually suits businesses that:

• sell directly to customers in the UAE, like retail shops, restaurants and service providers
• want to work with government entities
• need a physical shop, showroom or office in the city
• plan to hire staff and need several visas
• want the freedom to operate across the UAE without free zone restrictions

Not sure if mainland is right for you? Read our guide: Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Benefits of mainland business setup in Dubai

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Sell your products or services directly to the UAE market, with no need for a local distributor.

100% foreign ownership for many activities

Many commercial and industrial activities now allow full foreign ownership. A few strategic activities have different rules, so your consultant will confirm what applies to your activity.

Government contracts

Mainland companies can bid for government projects, which free zone companies usually can't do directly.

Visa flexibility

Your visa allocation is generally linked to your office space. A larger office can usually support more visas.

No restriction on location

Choose your office anywhere in Dubai, and expand to other emirates as your business grows.

Types of mainland license in Dubai

Commercial license

For trading activities, like buying, selling, importing and exporting goods.

Professional license

For service-based businesses and skilled professionals, like consultancies, IT services and design. Some professional licenses may need a local service agent, and your consultant will confirm whether this applies to you.

Industrial license

For manufacturing, processing and industrial activities.

Learn more about license options on our trade license page.

Common legal structures

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): the most common structure for mainland businesses.
• Sole establishment: owned by one person, often used for professional activities.
• Civil company: for professional partnerships.
• Branch office: for foreign or UAE companies expanding into Dubai.

The right structure depends on your activity, number of owners and long-term plans.

What your consultant can help with

The consultant you work with can help you with each part of your Dubai mainland setup, including:

• choosing your business activity and legal structure
• trade name reservation
• initial approval from the DET
• MOA drafting, where required
• office space and Ejari registration
• external approvals for regulated activities
• trade license issuance
• establishment card and residence visas
• corporate bank account assistance
• VAT and corporate tax registration

For services after setup, see our business support services.

How mainland company setup in Dubai works

1. Share your requirements: tell us your business activity, number of shareholders and how many visas you need.
2. Get connected with a consultant: we connect you with a consultant who handles Dubai mainland setups. They'll explain your options and give you a quote.
3. Choose your activity and structure: your consultant helps you choose the right activity, legal structure and trade name.
4. Approvals and office: your consultant gets the initial approval, helps you secure an office with Ejari, and gets any external approvals needed.
5. Get your license: once your documents and fees are complete, your mainland license is issued.
6. Visas and banking: next come the establishment card, residence visas and your corporate bank account.

Want the full step-by-step process? Read: How to Start a Business in Dubai

Documents usually required

• passport copies of all shareholders
• passport-size photos
• UAE visa or entry stamp, if you're in the UAE
• Emirates ID, if you're a UAE resident
• a tenancy contract or Ejari for your office
• corporate documents, if the shareholder is a company (these usually need to be attested)

Requirements vary by activity and structure. See the full checklist: Documents Required to Start a Business in the UAE

Office requirements

Dubai mainland companies generally need a physical office with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari). The size of your office usually affects how many visas your company can apply for. Some activities may qualify for smaller or shared office options, and your consultant can advise on what's allowed.

Read more: What Is Ejari and Do You Need It for a Mainland License?

Visas for mainland companies

Once your license is issued, you can apply for an establishment card and then residence visas for yourself, your partners and your employees. As a resident, you may also be able to sponsor your family.

See our visa services for more details.

What affects the cost of a Dubai mainland license?

The cost of mainland company setup in Dubai depends on:

• your business activity and license type
• the legal structure
• office size and location
• the number of visas
• any external approvals needed
• extra services like banking, VAT or corporate tax registration

Your consultant will give you a quote based on your exact needs.

Why use Company Setup Consultant?

• One enquiry, the right consultant: tell us what you need, and we'll connect you with consultants who handle mainland setups.
• Compare before you commit: discuss options and fees before you decide.
• Mainland and free zone covered: if a free zone suits you better, we can help with that too. See free zone company setup.