عربي
Earn 2,000 AED
A business setup in Dubai mainland means registering a company with Dubai Economy and Tourism that allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE without restrictions. Mainland companies can be 100 percent foreign-owned, operate across all Emirates, bid for government contracts, and hire unlimited employees based on office size.
Any foreign or local investor can establish a mainland business by choosing the right license type, securing approvals, and obtaining a trade license through DET. ExpressPRO manages the entire process, from license and visas to banking and tax, making mainland setup clear and straightforward.
Why Choose a Dubai Mainland Company
Setting up on the mainland means your company is licensed by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), enabling full access to the UAE market. Businesses still deciding between jurisdictions should review our detailed mainland vs free zone company comparison in Dubai to understand the structural differences before committing.
Benefits of a Mainland License in Dubai
- 100 percent foreign ownership in most activities.
- No geographic restrictions, operate in Dubai and across all Emirates.
- Unlimited visas linked to your office space.
- Eligibility to bid for government tenders.
- Ability to open multiple branches in Dubai and across the UAE.
- No minimum capital requirement in most cases.
At ExpressPRO we manage all approvals directly with:
- Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
Who Can Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs
Foreign investors can now own 100 percent of most mainland Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). This reform removed the old requirement for a 51 percent local shareholder in many sectors. Both individuals and corporate entities can establish an LLC, making it the most popular choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
UAE and GCC Nationals
UAE citizens and GCC nationals can set up any legal form, including sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and LLCs. Nationals also have access to license categories reserved for Emiratis, such as the Intelaq license for home-based businesses.
Role of Local Service Agents
For some company types, particularly professional sole establishments, civil companies, or branches of foreign entities, expatriates must appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA). The LSA holds no shares or profit rights but acts as a representative with government authorities for administrative purposes.
Restricted Sectors
A handful of strategic sectors, such as oil and gas, telecom, and banking, may still require partial local ownership or special approvals. ExpressPRO reviews your chosen activity to confirm whether these rules apply.
Types of Licenses for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Commercial License
Covers trading, contracting, retail, logistics, and related activities.
Professional License
Covers consultancy, IT, legal, and other services.
Industrial License
Required for manufacturing or production-based activities.
Tourism and Other Special Licenses
Covers travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels. ExpressPRO secures external approvals when needed.
ExpressPRO ensures your activities are correctly mapped to DET’s license framework and secures additional no objection certificates (NOCs) when required.
Legal Structures for Dubai Mainland Companies
Choosing the right legal form is one of the first decisions in a business setup in Dubai mainland. Each structure comes with specific rules for ownership, liability, and operations.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The LLC is the most common structure for mainland businesses. It can be formed by 1 to 50 shareholders, and liability is limited to each shareholder’s share capital. Thanks to recent reforms, most LLCs can now be 100 percent foreign-owned, eliminating the old requirement for a 51 percent local partner.
An LLC is suitable for both commercial and industrial activities, allows you to sponsor visas for investors and employees, and is widely accepted by banks and government tender committees.
Sole Establishment and Civil Company
A Sole Establishment is owned by one individual and is typically used for professional activities. Expatriates can operate as sole proprietors but must appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA). A Civil Company allows two or more professionals, such as doctors, engineers, or consultants, to form a partnership.
Civil companies can be fully foreign-owned but also require an LSA for government liaison. Unlike LLCs, the owners of sole establishments and civil companies have unlimited liability, meaning personal assets could be at risk in the event of debts.
Branches and Joint Stock Companies
Branch of a Foreign Company
Allows an overseas parent company to establish a direct presence in Dubai mainland. The branch can carry out the same activities as its parent but must appoint a Local Service Agent.
Branch of a UAE Free Zone Company
Enables a free zone entity to extend operations to the mainland while remaining under the ownership of the free zone parent. Businesses considering this structure should understand the rules governing free zone companies operating on the mainland before proceeding.
Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC)
Requires at least two shareholders and is typically used for larger businesses seeking outside investment.
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
Suited for enterprises that want to list on the stock exchange. These require higher capital and a larger shareholder base.
ExpressPRO prepares the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other documentation required for these structures, ensuring your company’s legal foundation matches your activity and growth plans.
Step-by-Step Process of Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
1. Choose Activities
ExpressPRO helps you select business activities from DET’s catalog, which includes over 2,000 options.
2. Choose Structure and License
We advise on the best legal form, such as LLC, sole establishment, or branch, based on ownership, liability, and activity.
3. Reserve Trade Name
ExpressPRO reserves your trade name with DET, ensuring compliance with UAE naming conventions.
4. Obtain Initial Approval
We submit shareholder details, activity, and structure to DET for clearance. For foreigners, approvals from the ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) may be required.
5. Draft MOA and LSA Agreements
ExpressPRO drafts and notarizes MOA and LSA agreements with authorized notaries and Dubai courts.
6. Secure Office and Ejari
All mainland companies require a registered office. ExpressPRO helps secure cost-effective flexi-desk, serviced, or dedicated offices and registers your lease through Ejari.
7. Obtain External Approvals
If your activity is regulated, for example healthcare, education, legal, or tourism, ExpressPRO liaises directly with the relevant authority to secure the required approvals. This may include the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for medical and clinical activities, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for training and education, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for legal services, or the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for travel and hospitality.
8. Pay and Issue Trade License
ExpressPRO handles DET payments, collects your trade license, and delivers your company documents.
After Licensing: Visas, Banking, and Tax Compliance
Immigration and Labor Registration
ExpressPRO registers your company with MOHRE and ICP so you can sponsor employees.
Investor and Employee Visas
The package includes one investor visa. Employee visas are available without limit, subject to office size and MOHRE approvals.
Corporate Bank Account Opening
ExpressPRO assists with preparing compliance packs and liaising with banks to open your company account.
Tax Compliance and FTA Registration
We assist with corporate tax registration in the UAE and VAT registration as required, ensuring full compliance from the outset.
We register your company with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for corporate tax and VAT as required. Our accounting and tax services in Dubai also cover filings and ongoing compliance, ensuring you stay aligned with UAE tax laws without administrative burden.
Cost of Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
ExpressPRO’s Dubai Mainland License with UAE Residency package costs AED 21,999. Entrepreneurs primarily focused on budget considerations may also explore the cheapest free zone options in the UAE before deciding on a mainland structure.
Mainland License with Residency Visa
- Mainland trade license
- One UAE residency or investor visa
- Medical test, Emirates ID, and status change
- Free bank account opening assistance
- Free VAT consultation
Additional Costs (case-by-case):
- Office lease, flexi-desk, serviced, or dedicated space
- Extra employee visas
- External approvals for regulated activities
ExpressPRO provides a full quotation before setup, so there are no surprises.
How Long Does it Take to Set Up a Dubai Mainland Company?
The timeframe for a business setup in Dubai mainland depends on your activity and approvals, but with ExpressPRO managing the process, most companies can be operational quickly.
Standard LLC Setup Time
A Limited Liability Company is usually licensed within 1–2 weeks, covering trade name, approvals, MOA, Ejari, and license issuance.
Regulated Activity Approvals
Healthcare, education, tourism, or legal activities may require approvals from DHA, KHDA, MOJ, or DTCM, extending the process to about 3–4 weeks.
Visa Issuance Timelines
Investor visas are typically completed in 3–7 working days after license issuance. Employee visas take about 1–2 weeks per staff member.
Bank Account Opening
Most corporate bank accounts are opened in 1–3 weeks, depending on the bank’s compliance checks.
Overall Timeline: For most businesses, a Dubai mainland setup can be completed in as little as 2–4 weeks from start to finish, including license, visa, and bank account.
ExpressPRO Tip: Preparing documents in advance helps keep your setup on the shortest possible timeline.
Compliance Checklist for Dubai Mainland Companies
Compliance Checklist for Dubai Mainland Companies
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DET license renewal
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Ejari renewal and office compliance
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Corporate tax registration and filings (9% on profits above AED 375,000). Unlike certain free zone entities that may qualify under the free zone qualifying income rules, mainland companies are generally subject to the standard 9 percent corporate tax rate.
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VAT registration (if turnover exceeds AED 375,000)
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MOHRE compliance for employee contracts and visas
Special Filings
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Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Required for certain activities like holding companies or distribution businesses.
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Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO): Mandatory disclosure of the real owners of every company. ExpressPRO manages both ESR and UBO compliance.
Partner with ExpressPRO for Your Mainland Company in Dubai
A business setup in Dubai mainland through ExpressPRO gives you full market access, growth flexibility, and transparent costs. With our AED 21,999 package, you get your trade license, residency visa, banking support, and VAT consultation, all managed seamlessly by ExpressPRO in coordination with the relevant UAE government authorities.
Book a free consultation with ExpressPRO today. Our specialists will design the fastest, most cost-effective route for your Dubai mainland company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I expand my Dubai mainland company to other Emirates?
Yes. A Dubai mainland license allows you to open branches across the UAE. ExpressPRO manages registration with the relevant Emirate authorities.
Can a Dubai mainland company operate internationally?
Yes. Mainland companies can trade freely inside the UAE and also expand operations abroad. Additional export or import registrations may be required, and ExpressPRO can advise on international trade compliance.
What happens if my Ejari lease is not renewed on time?
Your trade license cannot be renewed without a valid Ejari certificate. Delays can result in fines and suspension of government services, including visas. ExpressPRO tracks renewal dates and assists with timely lease updates.
Can I switch from a free zone license to a mainland license?
Direct conversion is not possible. You must either establish a new mainland entity or open a mainland branch of your free zone company. ExpressPRO structures the best route for a smooth transition.
Can I change my business activity after the license is issued?
Yes. Mainland companies can amend their license to add or remove activities, subject to DET approval and sometimes external authority NOCs. ExpressPRO handles these amendments to keep your license compliant.
Do I need audited accounts?
Audits are not mandatory for all SMEs. However, banks, corporate tax compliance, and larger tenders may require audited financial statements. ExpressPRO provides accounting and audit services when needed.
What are ESR and UBO filings?
Certain activities, such as holding companies or distribution, may require Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) reporting to prove substantial presence in the UAE. All companies must also submit Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) details to disclose real ownership. ExpressPRO reviews your obligations and manages these filings.
Can I sponsor my family if I set up a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. With an investor visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents if you meet the salary and accommodation requirements set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Is Arabic documentation mandatory for Dubai mainland businesses?
Yes. Core company documents, such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA), must be in Arabic or bilingual. ExpressPRO ensures all documents are correctly drafted and notarized.
Can a Dubai mainland company own property?
Yes. Mainland companies can purchase property in designated areas. This is common for offices, warehouses, or staff housing. ExpressPRO advises on suitable zones for corporate ownership.
