Main Land Company Setup
What is a Mainland Company in Dubai?
- A mainland company in Dubai is a business entity registered under the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Unlike free zones, mainland companies can do business anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
- Ideal for retail, services, trading, and industrial businesses.
- Yes, since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership for most activities (except strategic sectors).
- No need for a local sponsor in most cases.
- Some activities still require a UAE national as a service agent or shareholder.
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Emirates ID (if any partner is a UAE resident)
- Trade name options (3 suggestions)
- Business activity selection
- Initial approval from DED
- MOA (Memorandum of Association)
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai
Choose business activity
Reserve trade name
Get initial approval
Draft and sign MOA
Get tenancy contract (Ejari)
Submit documents to DED
Pay license fee and get business license
Apply for visas and corporate bank account
Cost of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai (2025)
Trade License Fee: AED 12,000 – 15,000+
Ejari/Office Rent: AED 10,000 – 25,000/year
Visa Cost: AED 3,000 – 5,000/person
PRO & Government fees: AED 3,000+
Total Approximate Cost: AED 20,000 – 35,000+ (depends on activity & visa quota)
Mainland vs Free Zone – Which is Better?
Feature | Mainland | Free Zone |
Market Access | UAE + International | Only within Free Zone & Intl |
Foreign Ownership | 100% (mostly) | 100% |
Office Requirement | Mandatory | Optional (virtual allowed) |
Visa Eligibility | Unlimited (space-based) | Limited (package-based) |
Government Involvement | High (DED, Ministries) | Moderate (Free Zone Authority) |
Do I Need a Physical Office to Open Mainland Company?
Yes, a physical office is mandatory (minimum 200 sq. ft.)
Virtual offices are not accepted for mainland licenses
Office must have an Ejari (tenancy contract)
How Many Visas Can I Get with a Mainland Company?
Based on office size:
200 sq. ft. allows approx. 1–2 visas
Bigger space = more visas
Can sponsor family & employees
Investor visa valid for 2 years
Types of Licenses for Mainland Companies
Commercial License – For trading and retail
Professional License – For consultants, IT, services
Industrial License – For manufacturing
Tourism License – For travel agencies, tour operators
Popular Business Activities for Mainland Setup
General trading
E-commerce
Real estate
Restaurants & cafes
Advertising agencies
IT consultancy
Building maintenance
FAQs on Dubai Mainland Company Setup
What is the minimum capital required?
Most businesses don’t require a paid-up capital (as per MOA only).
How long does it take to register a mainland company?
Typically 5–7 working days after document submission.
Do I need a UAE national as a partner?
For most activities, no. 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
Can I convert my free zone company to a mainland one?
Yes, with proper documentation and deregistration from the free zone.
Is tax applicable to mainland companies?
9% corporate tax is applicable if profits exceed AED 375,000/year.
5% VAT applies to eligible businesses.
Why Choose Us for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai?
End-to-end assistance: trade license, visas, bank account
Transparent pricing, no hidden charges
PRO support, legal guidance, and office setup