Mainland Company Setup in UAE offers a powerful gateway for entrepreneurs and investors to establish a strong business presence with full ownership and access to local markets. With streamlined licensing, government support, and strategic advantages, the UAE has become a top destination for those looking to start or expand their business. Whether you’re planning a Mainland Company Setup in UAE for trading, consultancy, or other professional services, the opportunities are vast and growing.
Business Advantages in Dubai Mainland
Dubai is a hub for global investors due to its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and flexible legal framework. Its status as a major economic hub makes it an ideal destination for both new businesses and those looking to expand.
Licensing and Requirements
To establish a Mainland company in Dubai, you need to secure a license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). The types of licenses include Commercial, Professional, or Industrial, depending on the nature of your business.
Key Benefits of Dubai Mainland
- You can choose from a wide variety of business activities based on your needs.
- Business operations are flexible and can involve both mainland and Free Zone companies.
- There are no restrictions on the number of visas that can be obtained, based on office space and size.
- Dubai Mainland offers ample opportunities for businesses to expand across the Emirates.
General Guidelines for Business Setup
Setting up a Mainland company in Dubai involves a few key guidelines that must be followed:
- Obtain the relevant business license (Commercial, Professional, or Industrial License).
- The company requires a minimum of one director, with a maximum number defined by the owners.
- Usage of religious terms or certain words like “UAE” and “Dubai” is prohibited.
- The physical presence of shareholders is not required for company formation, but is necessary for the VISA process.
- Companies can easily work with government agencies and are eligible for various benefits.
Tax Information
Mainland companies in Dubai are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), with annual audits and bookkeeping requirements. Additionally, from June 2023, a corporate tax rate of 9% is applicable to these businesses.
Types of Business
Dubai Mainland companies can operate in both Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) models, offering flexibility depending on the business goals and target market.
Setting up a business in the UAE opens doors to a fast-growing, innovation-driven economy. With 100% foreign ownership in many zones, zero income tax, and strategic access to global markets, the UAE is one of the world’s most business-friendly countries. Whether you’re aiming to launch a tech start-up or expand a global brand, UAE offers the legal infrastructure and economic stability you need to thrive. Our experts guide you through every step of the business setup in UAE, ensuring compliance and clarity at each stage.
Documents to Set Up Business in Dubai Mainland
Submitting the right documents is essential to ensure you get your business license for setup in the mainland. Below is a list of key documents required during the process.
Required Documentation
- ✔️ Application for License
- ✔️ LLC Agreement (Attested)
- ✔️ Government Forms (if needed)
- ✔️ Initial Approvals
- ✔️ Trade Name Reservation
- ✔️ Tenancy Agreement
- ✔️ EJARI Registration Certificate
- ✔️ Copy of NOC for Partners (if required)
- ✔️ External Department Approvals (if applicable)
- ✔️ Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Registration
Steps & Procedures for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
Let’s ensure your start-up journey is smooth and successful with this comprehensive checklist. Research market trends before choosing the most profitable activity among trading, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and more.
1. Decide Your Business Activity
Determine your industry. The DED offers over 2,000 permitted activities. Unlike free-zone entities, mainland businesses can engage in any DED-listed activity.
2. Choose the Ideal Location
Mainland companies have full flexibility—pick any location. Proximity to ports like Jebel Ali or Mina Zayed boosts import-export, and opening branches is seamless.
3. Determine Your Legal Structure
Choose an LLC for commercial/industrial ventures (requires a local sponsor) or a 100% foreign-owned professional company without a sponsor.
4. Obtain Local Sponsor or Service Agent
Certain activities need a UAE national sponsor—consider a Corporate Nominee to retain control. Professional firms only need a Local Service Agent for paperwork.
5. Choose a Company Name
Select a trade name that reflects your brand, avoids offensive or religious terms, and follows UAE naming rules—only full personal names are allowed.
6. Apply for a Mainland Trade License
Apply to the DED with your MoA, sponsor agreement, ownership breakdown, and shareholder visas. Choose Commercial, Professional, or Industrial licensing.
7. Secure Your Office Space
Post-license, obtain office space—serviced offices for plug-and-play, shell-and-core for custom fit-outs, or pre-fitted for a middle ground.
8. Apply for Relevant Visas
Align visas with your office size (100 sq ft per visa). Sponsor investor, employee, family visas, or opt for a three-year investment visa.
9. Partner with a Company Setup Consultant
Simplify the process by collaborating with UAE-based experts—they’ll ensure compliance, speed up approvals, and guide you confidently through every step.
BENEFITS OF SETTING UP A COMPANY IN DUBAI MAINLAND
- 100% repatriation of profit & capital.
- Office space decides the Visa quantity.
- Can conduct business throughout UAE and outside UAE.
- Potential bid and work on the UAE government contracts.
- Can set up their offices anywhere in the registered Emirate.
- And many company branches, creating a solid presence in the local market.
Strategic Location
The UAE turns out to be a strategic location when it comes to the Middle East. It offers opportunities for business investors to enter other GCC countries and helps expand business activities to attract global market.
Eligibility for UAE Government Contracts
Companies with mainland licenses can apply for UAE government contracts & can work on Government projects.
Easy Import & Export
Easy access to neighbouring and global markets by land, sea and air to help with the business.
Favourable Business Culture
Dubai provides a pleasant business climate to business entities irrespective of the size and nature of the business. So it is the preferable location for newbies, entrepreneurs, and established business professionals.
Favourable Economic Policies
The Government of UAE provides numerous facilities to business investors, like 100% foreign ownership, no personal tax, etc., to come forward and initiate business setup processes related to different industries.
Avoidance of Double Taxation
The UAE allows business owners to enter into double taxation agreements for import-export processes, which allows them to wipe out the tax to be paid on both sides.
Robust Network
The UAE has robust connectivity that helps ease the transportation process, which covers roadways, airways, and seaway. This flexibility encourages business owners to set up their businesses in Dubai Mainland and carry out the relevant business activities.
Easy & Transparent Business Setup Process
Regarding the business setup process, Dubai Mainland provides an easy way to initiate and complete the process. Business owners mostly prefer to have a word with professional business consultants regarding the same helps to complete the task faster with zero errors.
Tax Incentives
In Dubai, foreign investors enjoy the benefits related to tax. Payment of income tax is not required, which turns out to be an eye-catching point.
Wide Availability of Office Space
Dubai Mainland has been a growing hub when it comes to commercial establishments. So, you never need to worry about office space to initiate your business and carry out the processes.
No Restrictions in Carrying Out Business Activities
Irrespective of the business nature, Dubai Mainland companies hold the flexibility to carry out their business in the entire UAE, provided the activities are legal and relevant authorities approve the same.
Unlimited Visas
The process to obtain a Visa for Dubai stands free of tension. It becomes effortless for business owners to obtain an investor or residence visa, provided they submit all the essentials required for immigration approval.
ADVANTAGES OF SETTING UP A MAINLAND COMPANY IN DUBAI
Get the benefits of owning a mainland business license in Dubai. The best advantage of starting a mainland company in the UAE is the legal entitlement of foreign ownership without a local sponsor. Simply put, individuals or businesses from outside the UAE can wholly own and manage the company, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or partner.
Setting up a company in Dubai comes with a long list of benefits like,
- Easy office space availability
- Excellent opportunity for business expansion or in the diversification aspect.
- Excellent tax benefits
- Foreign investors need not find a UAE national sponsor for their business formation. Foreign ownership is possible irrespective of the nationality of the investor.
- Immigration facilities are trouble-free
- Many designated and predefined free zones for easy business.
- No limitations on visa
- No restrictions on global hiring
- The companies are eligible for full repatriation benefits and this includes profits and financial assets.
- The entire business setup process is hassle-free & quick
- To get opportunities to take up government projects.
PRICING
We are completely transparent when providing our customers with the costs associated with setting up their business registration. A big part of this is simply ensuring we offer the flexibility to provide you with the exact package to suit your needs. Whether you require a single-shareholder trade licence, a dual (or more) shareholder trade licence, or visas for employees or dependants, we will help you select the exact option you need so that you pay no more than what is necessary. Pinnacler has cost-effective, tailored solutions for your company setup.
Book a free consultation now to learn more.
At Pinnacler, we understand that launching a new business can be challenging, particularly if you’re an overseas entrepreneur starting up in a new country for the first time. That’s why we’re on hand to make registering your company in the UAE as smooth and easy as possible. We’ll do all the heavy lifting for you, liaising with the relevant government authorities and departments.
Pinnacler covers all of the technical and administrative aspects of business set up and we’ll work with you to determine the most suitable trade licence based on the business activities and services you wish to provide. Finally, we’ll prepare all the relevant legal documents, assist with the visa application process and provide corporate bank account opening introductions. It is this multi-layered service that has made Pinnacler one of the leading company formation specialists in the region and is the reason why thousands of entrepreneurs have turned to us for support and guidance with company formation in Dubai and the UAE.
📖 Frequently Asked Questions
Can mainland companies choose any location in Dubai for their office?
Can I own 100% of a company in the UAE mainland?
What are the benefits of mainland company formation in Dubai?
The benefits include:
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Exemption from corporate taxes
- Ability to trade within and outside the UAE
- No restrictions on the number of visas
- Greater freedom in conducting your business
- Access to larger markets, government contracts, and flexibility in location