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Dubai Mainland Company Setup
Set up a company licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and trade anywhere in the UAE, with direct access to local customers and government contracts.
Why businesses choose the Dubai mainland
A mainland company is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can work with clients across the UAE without the geographic limits that apply to most free zone companies. It can open retail outlets, rent offices anywhere in the emirate and bid for government projects.
Since the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership. A small list of strategic activities still needs a UAE national partner, so we check your activity before anything is filed.
At a glance
- Licensing authority: Dubai DET
- Trade across the whole UAE market
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Physical office with Ejari required
- Visa quota linked to office size
Everything needed for a Dubai mainland licence
- Activity selection and ownership check
- Legal structure advice (LLC, sole establishment, branch)
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval application
- Memorandum of association drafting and notarisation
- Office search and Ejari registration
- External approvals where the activity requires them
- Licence issuance and payment
- Establishment card and immigration file
- Investor and employee visas
- Corporate bank account introduction
- VAT and corporate tax registration
Why set up with Emna Capital
01
One point of contact
A single advisor manages your file from the first call to the day your licence, visas and bank account are ready.
02
The right jurisdiction
We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options against your activity, clients and budget before you commit.
03
Paperwork done properly
Applications, attestations and translations are prepared and checked by our team to avoid rejections and delays.
04
Support after setup
Accounting, VAT, corporate tax, renewals and PRO work continue with the same team once you are trading.
How a Dubai mainland setup works
Step 1
Choose the activity
We match your plans to the correct DET activity codes and confirm the ownership rules that apply.
Step 2
Pick the structure
LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch. We explain liability, capital and partner implications.
Step 3
Reserve the name and get initial approval
The trade name is reserved and the initial approval issued, so you can lease premises.
Step 4
Sign the MOA and lease
The memorandum of association is notarised and the office tenancy registered through Ejari.
Step 5
Collect the licence
Fees are paid, any external approvals obtained and the trade licence issued.
Step 6
Visas and banking
We open the immigration file, process visas and support your corporate bank account application.
Documents you will need
Exact requirements depend on the authority, the activity and the shareholders involved. We confirm the final list with you before anything is submitted.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport size photographs
- UAE visa or entry stamp for residents
- Proposed trade names in order of preference
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for the office
- Attested corporate documents for corporate shareholders
Frequently asked questions
Yes for most commercial and industrial activities. A limited number of activities with strategic impact still require Emirati participation. We confirm this for your exact activity before you apply.
Yes. Mainland licences need a registered tenancy contract (Ejari). The size of the office also influences how many visas the company can sponsor.
Straightforward applications can be completed in a few weeks. Activities that need external approvals, or documents that must be attested abroad, take longer. We give you a realistic timeline at the start.
Mainland suits businesses that sell directly to the UAE market or want government work. Free zones can be more economical for international trading, consulting and holding activities. We compare both for your case.
Talk to an Emna Capital advisor
Tell us what you are planning and we will map out the route, the paperwork and the timeline. The first consultation is free.