A Dubai Mainland company is a legally registered business entity operating under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike free zone companies, a mainland business can trade freely across Dubai, all seven UAE emirates, and internationally, without geographic restrictions or the need for a local distribution partner.
Governed by Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, Dubai Mainland now permits 100% foreign ownership across most commercial and industrial activities, making it one of the most open and accessible business environments in the region. It is the preferred structure for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and corporations seeking long-term operational presence, government contract eligibility, and direct access to the UAE’s local market.
Dubai Mainland offers distinct legal structures designed to accommodate different ownership arrangements, activity types, and business scales.
The most widely used mainland structure, available to two or more shareholders. Personal liability is limited to each shareholder’s capital contribution. Suitable for trading companies, consultancies, and multi-investor businesses. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most activities.
A single-owner structure where the individual bears full personal liability for the business. Commonly used for professional and specialist activities, and available to both UAE nationals and eligible foreign investors, depending on the activity.
Designed exclusively for licensed professionals such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants. Partners share unlimited liability, and the structure requires a Local Service Agent (LSA) for certain regulated professions.
Allows an overseas company to operate in Dubai under its parent entity’s name and liability, conducting the same activities as the parent. A registered local service agent is required. No separate share capital is needed.
enables an existing UAE free zone company to extend its operations onto the mainland, gaining access to the broader UAE market beyond its original jurisdiction.
For businesses engaged in trading, retail, import, export, and distribution of goods. A general trading license under this category permits dealing in multiple product types under a single license.
Issued to individuals and firms providing skilled or knowledge-based services, including consultancy, IT, marketing, design, legal advisory, accounting, and engineering services. Permits 100% foreign ownership.
For companies involved in manufacturing, processing, assembling, and production of goods. Requires DET approval and, in most cases, additional clearance from Dubai Municipality.
Issued to travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality-related businesses operating within the tourism and leisure sector.
permits the sale of goods and services through online platforms to UAE and international customers. Suitable for digital-first businesses, online retailers, and marketplace operators.
Note: Certain activities require external approvals from sector-specific authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), KHDA, RERA, or the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). A consultant can confirm requirements before the application.
Exact costs depend on your business activity, legal structure, number of shareholders, and office requirements. Contact us for a tailored cost breakdown.
Select your activity from DET’s list of 2,000+ approved options. Your choice determines the license type, legal structure, and any external approvals required.
Choose between an LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch, based on your ownership arrangement, activity type, and number of shareholders.
Propose a trade name compliant with DET’s naming guidelines. The name must be unique, not already registered, and must not include restricted or offensive terms.
Submit an initial approval application to DET. This confirms that the proposed activity and structure meet regulatory requirements and authorises you to proceed with setup.
Prepare the MoA outlining shareholder details, capital structure, and business activities. This document must be notarised through an approved UAE notary.
Secure a physical office space and register the tenancy contract through Ejari, Dubai’s official tenancy registration system. A valid Ejari is mandatory for license issuance and renewal.
Activities in healthcare, education, food, real estate, or transport may require additional approvals from sector regulators such as DHA, KHDA, Dubai Municipality, or RERA.
Submit the complete document set to DET and pay the applicable license fees. Upon approval, your mainland trade license is issued, typically within 3 to 5 working days.
Apply for investor and employee residency visas based on your office size and visa quota. Each visa requires a medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration.
With your trade license and MoA, proceed with corporate bank account opening at one of Dubai’s major banks, including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, or RAKBANK.
Mainland setup involves more regulatory touchpoints than a free zone, from DET approvals and MoA notarisation to Ejari registration and sector-specific clearances. At CorpLex, we manage the entire process on your behalf, ensuring accurate documentation, timely approvals, and full compliance from day one, with transparent pricing and a dedicated consultant assigned to your case.
Most Dubai Mainland licences are issued within 3 to 5 working days once your documents are in order. Tell us your business activity and we’ll confirm the right legal structure, licence type, and any external approvals you need — along with a cost breakdown for your setup.
A DET-licensed business entity that can operate freely across the UAE, trade with local clients, and bid on government contracts without geographic restrictions.
Yes, for most commercial and professional activities under Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2020. A local partner is only required for a limited list of strategically classified activities.
Most licenses are issued within 3 to 5 working days, provided all documents are in order, and no external approvals are required.
Yes, a physical office lease registered through Ejari is mandatory for license issuance and annual renewal.
Mainland companies can trade across the UAE and with government entities without restrictions. Free zone companies are limited to intra-zone or international trade unless additional mainland licensing is obtained.
DET issues commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and e-commerce licenses based on the nature of your business activity.
Yes, mainland license holders are accepted by all major UAE banks for corporate account opening.
It depends on your activity. Sectors such as healthcare, education, food, real estate, and transport require additional approvals from relevant UAE federal or emirate-level authorities.
