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Setup Dubai Business handles your Dubai mainland company formation from start to finish — trade name reservation, DET approvals, MOA notarization, office registration, and license issuance. You get a fully operational mainland company without dealing with government departments yourself.
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can trade anywhere in the UAE, take on government contracts, and operate without the restrictions that apply to free zone entities. As of 2026, 100% foreign ownership is available for the majority of activities — no local partner required.
If your business needs to sell directly to UAE customers, supply local businesses, or bid on government tenders, a mainland license is the only structure that covers all of this without additional permits. See how the two compare in our mainland vs free zone breakdown.
Trade with any business or consumer across all seven emirates with no additional permits or restrictions.
Only mainland companies can bid for public sector tenders — a requirement for construction, supply, and professional service firms targeting government work.
Scale your team without the fixed visa quotas that constrain most free zone licenses. Allocation is tied to office space, not a preset ceiling.
For most commercial and professional activities, you retain full ownership of your mainland company — no UAE national partner required under current 2026 regulations.
We handle formation across all three DET license categories. Each links to a dedicated service page with full details on activities, costs, and requirements.
Trading, import/export, distribution, wholesale, and retail businesses
Consultancies, agencies, IT firms, healthcare, and service-based businesses
Manufacturing, processing, and production operations requiring dedicated facilities
The most common legal structure for commercial mainland businesses is the Limited Liability Company (LLC). Foreign companies with an existing international entity can also register a branch office in Dubai instead of forming a new entity.
From the moment you engage us to the day your license is in your hands, our team manages every government touchpoint. You stay focused on your business — we handle the paperwork, approvals, and follow-ups.
| Activity and trade name registration | DET activity selection, name reservation, and initial approval submission |
| MOA drafting and notarization | Preparation and court notarization of the Memorandum of Association for LLC and multi-shareholder structures |
| Office setup | Assistance sourcing and registering a compliant office address, including serviced office options where a full lease is not required |
| Sector-specific approvals | Liaison with relevant ministries for regulated activities including healthcare, education, and financial services |
| Visa and Emirates ID processing | Investor and employee visa applications, medical, Emirates ID, and labor card processing |
| Bank account opening | Preparation and submission support for corporate bank account opening with UAE banks |
| Ongoing PRO and renewal services | Annual license renewal, government liaison, and document processing through our dedicated PRO services team |
100% Foreign Ownership Is Now Standard
Following the UAE’s amendment to the Commercial Companies Law, most mainland business activities no longer require a UAE national partner. The old 51/49 ownership model has been replaced for the vast majority of commercial and professional activities. A small number of restricted sectors — primarily strategic industries and government-linked activities — still require local participation. We confirm your activity’s status before any application is filed.
For activities that still benefit from a local service agent for specific government dealings, our local sponsorship service provides vetted UAE national agents under formal agreements that protect your ownership and operational control.
Explore the full picture of what a mainland structure offers in our Dubai mainland company advantages guide.
Most mainland formations require the following. Regulated sectors may need additional approvals from relevant ministries — we advise you upfront on everything specific to your activity.
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Emirates ID (for UAE-resident applicants)
Ejari-registered tenancy contract for a Dubai office address
No Objection Certificate (if currently on a UAE work visa)
Business plan (required for regulated activities and bank account opening)
Sector approvals where applicable (healthcare, education, financial services)
Business ownership is open to applicants from age 18. Shareholders do not need to be UAE residents to form a mainland company.
Standard mainland formations are completed in 7 to 15 business days once all documents are submitted. Activities requiring specialist ministry approvals take longer — we give you a realistic timeline for your specific activity before you commit.
After your license is issued, we also support your post-formation compliance: VAT registration (mandatory at AED 375,000 annual turnover), corporate tax registration, UBO filings, and annual license renewal. From July 2026, businesses above AED 50 million revenue must comply with the UAE’s mandatory e-invoicing rollout — our VAT and accounting team handles this transition as part of our ongoing service.
Note: UAE business regulations and government fees are subject to change. Information on this page is current as of early 2026. Requirements may vary based on your specific activity and circumstances. This page does not constitute legal or financial advice — contact our team for advice tailored to your situation.
for more details call +971 55 378 8000 or e-mail us in info@ebsuae.com
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