Mainland Company Formation in Dubai Welcome to
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai Set your Dubai Mainland Company
Fast, Simple, and Fully-Supported
Looking to start a business in Dubai? A mainland company lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and overseas, with access to over 3,000 business activities. With our expert guidance, you can launch quickly, easily, and confidently.
Start Your Business Right with a UAE Mainland Company
A mainland company is a company that has been licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant Emirate of the UAE. Choosing a mainland company allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE, accept government contracts, and freely deal with the domestic market.
Here is a quick overview of the advantages of registering a company in the UAE mainland, as well as the step-by-step guide to getting your business started on the Dubai mainland.
Advantages of Registering a Company in the UAE Mainland
Establishing a mainland business in Dubai offers several benefits that will support the expansion and success of your enterprise.
Wider Business Prospects
Free trade opens up access to a wider market and more possible customers in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Complete Ownership and Control
Take pride in having full control over your business, which allows you to mold it into your own vision.
Flexible Areas
Choose from a range of corporate spaces in Dubai to make sure your company is positioned in the best area for its operations.
These benefits can make Dubai mainland company formation an ideal choice for entrepreneurs ready to grow, compete, and thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Operate Freely Across the UAE
Opening a Dubai mainland company gives you complete trading freedom, no regional restrictions, and no limitations. You can do business with any company or any consumer across the UAE and even work directly with government entities.
Expand Your Business with Easet
Mainland licenses provide a large operational reach. Diversifying your services or introducing new activities is simple. Just register the changes with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and begin trading right away.
Acquire High-Value Public Contracts
Businesses on the mainland have direct access to government bids and major infrastructure projects valued at billions of dirhams each year in the United Arab Emirates. Your business is well-positioned to take advantage of these profitable prospects and promote long-term growth with a mainland Dubai structure.
100% Foreign Ownership, Complete Control
Foreign investors can now acquire 100% of mainland enterprises in the UAE, thanks to a transformative policy implemented under HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Previously, full ownership was restricted to free zone businesses or certain professional service structures. Today, multinational entrepreneurs can create and operate mainland businesses without a local partner.
This reform allows for better flexibility, faster setup, and more control over your operations in one of the world’s most dynamic business settings. (Note: Some vital sectors, such as oil and gas, may still require a local pattern.)
Moving from Free Zone to Mainland Setup
If your business has outgrown its free zone structure, moving to a mainland company is a natural next step, and we’re here to help you.
Free zones provide an excellent basis for new companies, with built-in support and easy implementation. However, their trade prohibitions may suppress growth. Establishing a mainland company eliminates these obstacles, providing you with complete access to the UAE market, more flexibility, and the ability to expand.
With experienced advice and the proper local sponsor or formation partner, switching from a free zone to the mainland may be a simple, strategic move that prepares your company for long-term success.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Setting Up a Mainland Business in Dubai
Let’s go over the necessary measures to guarantee that your mainland company setup goes smoothly and successfully.
1. Select Your Business Activity
Begin by selecting your company activity from the Department of Economic Development (DED) list of more than 2,000 permitted possibilities. Trading, manufacturing, hospitality, and agriculture are all possible activities. Unlike free zone enterprises, mainland businesses can engage in all DED-listed activities regardless of location.
2. Choose the Right Business Location.
Mainland corporations can establish themselves anywhere in the UAE, with no geographic restrictions. Choose a location depending on your industry and logistical requirements. Establishing a presence near major ports such as Jebel Ali or Mina Zayed provides strategic benefits to import/export enterprises. You can even establish additional branches to increase your local presence.
3. Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Business
Choosing the appropriate legal structure is a vital step in setting up your business on the UAE mainland. Foreign entrepreneurs can choose from several options, each designed to suit different business activities and ownership goals.
The most common and flexible option is the Limited Liability Company (LLC). It is an independent legal entity owned by two or more shareholders. This structure is best for businesses engaged in commercial or industrial activities, including trading, manufacturing, or production. Establishing an LLC on the UAE mainland requires a local sponsor, in line with UAE business regulations.
On the other hand, if your focus is on professional or consultancy services, you can set up a professional service company, which allows for 100% foreign ownership and does not require a local sponsor.
Choosing the right structure ensures full legal compliance while aligning with your operational goals and future growth plans.
4. Partner with a Local Sponsor or Service Agent
Previously, foreign entrepreneurs could only set up a mainland business in Dubai by partnering with a local sponsor or local service agent (LSA).
If you’re forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) under a commercial or industrial license, a local sponsor is required. This sponsor, either a UAE national or a UAE-based company, will legally hold 51% ownership, while you retain full operational control.
We are your Corporate Nominee Partner, allowing you to maintain 100% financial and operational control while safeguarding your business interests.
For professional companies, only a local service agent is needed. The LSA does not own any shares and serves purely as your representative for government and administrative matters.
5. Choose a Company Name
Your company name is the cornerstone of your brand identity. In the UAE, it must reflect professionalism and comply with strict naming guidelines. Avoid offensive language, religious references, or names of existing organizations. If using a personal name, it must be written in full. Additionally, all trade names must be transliterated, not translated, across different languages.
6. Apply for Your Mainland Trade License
Once your business structure is in place, apply for your mainland trade license through the Department of Economic Development (DED). The process involves submitting key documents such as:
- License application form
- Memorandum of sponsor arrangements
- Ownership distribution among partners.
- Shareholder visas and identification
This license officially authorizes your business to operate on the UAE mainland.
7. Secure Your Workspace
Establishing a physical presence is the next step once your trade license has been authorized. Businesses on the mainland need a registered office address.
You can choose from:
- Services offices: Fully equipped, move-in-ready spaces with rent, utilities, and facilities included.
- Shell and core offices: Unfurnished units allowing for complete customization.
- Pre-fitted offices: Partially equipped spaces where you bring your own equipment.
8. Get Visas for You and Your Team
The UAE mainland offers flexible visa options with no upper limit; the number of visas typically corresponds to your office size (around 100 sq ft). Exceptions apply to industries with large off-site workforces.
As a business owner, you can also sponsor a visa for dependents, such as family members and domestic staff. Additionally, foreign investors are eligible for an investment visa, allowing them and their families to live and work in the UAE for up to three years.
9. Work with a Business Setup Consultant
Navigating the UAE’s company formation process can be complex. Partnering with a trusted business setup consultant ensures a simple, compliant, and efficient process.
At Oasis Start, our experts handle every step from documentation to government approvals so you can focus on growing your business with confidence and peace of mind.