Market access
Sell directly to customers and businesses across all seven emirates.
- No distributor needed
- Government contract eligibility
- Retail outlets allowed
Mainland company formation
Mainland company setup in Dubai and the UAE
Trade anywhere in the UAE, open retail outlets and bid for government contracts — with full foreign ownership for most activities.
Is a mainland company right for you?
A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's economic department — the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai — and can do business directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. It's the natural choice if you plan to sell to UAE consumers, run a shop, restaurant or clinic, take on contracting work, or work with government entities.
Since 2021, most mainland activities can be 100% foreign-owned. Some professional licences use a local service agent (LSA), who acts as a facilitator with no share in the company, and a short list of strategic activities still needs UAE national participation.
Most mainland businesses are formed as a limited liability company (LLC) or a single-owner LLC; sole establishments and civil companies are also available. Your activities decide the trade licence type — commercial, professional or industrial.
What we handle
- Choosing the legal form: LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch of a foreign company
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Activity selection and any external approvals your activity needs
- Memorandum of Association, office lease and Ejari registration
- Licence issue, establishment card and immigration file
- Residence visas, Corporate Tax registration and VAT where required
- Bank account file preparation and introductions
Mainland advantages
Flexibility
Wide choice of commercial, professional and industrial activities.
- Multiple branches across emirates
- Broad activity list
- Scale visas with office space
Credibility
A mainland licence is familiar to UAE customers, landlords and banks.
- Simple to explain to banks
- Strong local presence
- Clear regulatory framework
How does mainland company setup work in the UAE?
Consultation & activity
We confirm the activity, legal form and ownership rules for your business.
Approvals
Trade name, initial approval and any external approvals are obtained.
Office & licence
Office lease and Ejari, MoA signing, then licence issue.
Visas & bank
Establishment card, residence visas, tax registration and bank account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes for most commercial and industrial activities, following the 2021 changes to the UAE Commercial Companies Law. A limited list of strategic-impact activities still needs UAE national participation, and some professional licences use a local service agent (LSA) who has no ownership. We confirm the position for your activity.
Who issues a mainland licence?
The economic department of the emirate — in Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); in Abu Dhabi, ADDED; and the equivalent departments in the other emirates. Some activities also need approval from another authority, such as health, education or media regulators.
Do I need an office for a mainland company?
Yes, a mainland company normally needs a commercial office lease registered with Ejari (or the emirate's equivalent). The office size also affects how many visas the company can sponsor.
How long does mainland setup take?
Typically a few weeks: trade name and initial approval, office lease, licence issue and then the establishment card and visas. Activities that need external approvals take longer.
What is minimum share capital for a mainland LLC?
Most activities have no fixed paid-up capital requirement in practice, but the MoA states a share capital and some activities have specific minimums. We'll tell you what applies to your activity.
Planning a mainland company?
We'll confirm the ownership rules and approvals for your activity in a short online meeting, then send a written quote.
Tax and accounting after a mainland setup
A mainland company registers for Corporate Tax, keeps proper books and files an annual return, and registers for VAT once it crosses the threshold. Our pbz.ae team covers Corporate Tax and monthly bookkeeping on fixed fees.
Important: This page is provided for general information and knowledge purposes only, as at 11 October 2026. It is not legal, tax, immigration, financial or other professional advice, and it is not a recommendation or suggestion to take, or not take, any action. UAE laws, government requirements, fees and processes change frequently and can depend on your specific facts, so verify the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before making any decision. Any service from ProBiz Setup is provided only under a written engagement. See our full disclaimer.