Mainland Company Formation in Dubai – Fast, Transparent, and Fully Foreign-Owned

Form your Dubai Mainland company with expert support—enjoy 100% foreign ownership, no geographic restrictions, and access to both UAE and global markets.

Ready to launch your Dubai Mainland company the right way?

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What Is a Mainland Company in Dubai?

Mainland companies in Dubai are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allow businesses to operate across the entire UAE and internationally. Unlike Free Zone or Offshore entities, Mainland companies offer unrestricted access to local markets, eligibility for government contracts, and no cap on visas or office locations.

In 2023 alone, 30,000+ new Mainland businesses were registered—signaling Dubai’s continued rise as a preferred base for global entrepreneurs from India, China, Pakistan, and beyond.

Top Advantages of Dubai Mainland Business Setup

Strategic Global Location

Access major trade routes via sea, land, and air through Dubai’s world-class infrastructure.

No Geographic Limitations

Operate in all emirates, across the GCC, and internationally—no zone restrictions.

No Visa Limitations

Sponsor as many employees as needed based on office space, not capped by package.

100% Foreign Ownership

Most activities now allow complete foreign ownership without needing a UAE national sponsor (excl. strategic sectors).

Tax Benefits for SMEs

Enjoy zero personal income tax and up to AED 375,000 (~USD 100,000) tax-free profits under UAE corporate tax law.

Eligible for Government Projects

Only Mainland companies can bid for UAE government tenders and contracts.

Not sure whether a Mainland or Free Zone setup suits you better?

Ready to safeguard your privacy and stay compliant?

Step-by-Step Process for Setting Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Estimated Timeline: 3–6 weeks

Determine Business Activity (1–2 Days)

Choose from DED’s official list of approved business activities.
Select a Business Name (1 Day)

We help you reserve a unique trade name that meets UAE naming guidelines.
Get Initial Approval (1–3 Days)

Submit application and shareholder documents for initial clearance.
Draft and Notarize the MoA (2–5 Days)

Create the Memorandum of Association and notarize with the Dubai Courts.
Local Agent (If Applicable)

Only for strategic sectors requiring a UAE national as a service agent.
Lease Office Space (1–4 Weeks)

Choose a compliant office location and obtain an Ejari (tenancy) contract.
Apply for Trade License (1–3 Days)

We submit all documents and secure your official DED license.
Register with Government Authorities (1–4 Weeks)

This may include registration with Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Health, etc.
Open Corporate Bank Account (1–2 Weeks)

We guide you through the bank account opening process with document prep.
Obtain Additional Permits (1–3 Weeks)

Depending on your activity, we secure further external approvals if required.

Step-by-Step Ajman Mainland Company Formation Process

Estimated Time: 2–6 Weeks

Choose Business Activity

Select from 4,000+ permitted options
Decide Legal Structure

Sole Proprietor, LLC, or Foreign Branch
Reserve Trade Name

Get your business name approved (1–2 days)
Initial Approval

Submit basic details to ADED (2–3 days)
Draft MoA

Prepare and notarize Memorandum of Association (1–2 days)
Lease Office Space

Secure an approved office and Ejari (1–3 days)
Get External Approvals

If required (2–4 weeks)
Submit Final Application

Submit complete file to ADED (3–5 days)
Pay License Fees

Get cost breakdown and pay online or in-person
Receive Trade License

Once approved (1–2 days)
Apply for Visas

For owners, staff, and dependents (1–2 weeks)

Required Documents for Dubai Mainland Business Setup

Passport Copy

For all shareholders and managers

UAE Visa Page / Emirates ID

For UAE residents involved in the business

Utility Bill or Tenancy Contract

Proof of residential or business address

MOA (Memorandum of Association)

Legal agreement defining structure

CV or Personal Profile

May be required for professional license types

Bank Reference Letter

Recommended for financial compliance

Trade Name Reservation

Reserved name from DED

Business Plan

For specific regulated sectors or foreign branches

Shareholder Resolution & POA

For corporate shareholders or board-driven firms

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mainland Company in Dubai?

Pricing starts at AED 10,000 for license issuance. Additional costs may include:

Office rent (Ejari required)
Government and admin fees
Visa fees (if applicable)
Sponsor/service agent fees (only in special cases)

We provide you with an all-inclusive quote so there are no surprises later.

Why Choose Ofin Global for Dubai Mainland Company Formation?

25+ years of incorporation, finance & tax advisory experience

Proven track record with Indian and international entrepreneurs

End-to-end support: name reservation to trade license to banking

Strategic clarity: we explain India–UAE tax impact, structuring, and compliance

Transparent pricing and guided documentation

Ongoing support for VAT, accounting, payroll, and renewals

Dubai Mainland Company Structures You Can Choose

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

Most popular setup; up to 50 shareholders; liability limited to share capital.

Sole Establishment

Ideal for individuals; full ownership and control but with personal liability.

Civil Company

For licensed professionals like consultants, engineers, and doctors.

Branch of Foreign Company

For international businesses expanding into the UAE without forming a new legal entity.

Available Licenses for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Choose the right license based on your business activity:

Commercial License – Trading, import/export, wholesale, retail
Professional License – Consultancy, creative services, tech
Industrial License – Manufacturing and industrial production
Tourism License – Travel, tour operators, hospitality
E-commerce License – Digital commerce and online services
Real Estate, Construction, Education, and Healthcare Licenses – Industry-specific operations with dedicated approvals

Start your business in Dubai Mainland—let us guide you every step of the way.

Ready to safeguard your privacy and stay compliant?

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai – Fast, Transparent, and Fully Foreign-Owned

Get a response within 60 sec!

What Is a Mainland Company in Dubai?

Top Advantages of Dubai Mainland Business Setup

Strategic Global Location

No Geographic Limitations

No Visa Limitations

100% Foreign Ownership

Tax Benefits for SMEs

Eligible for Government Projects

Not sure whether a Mainland or Free Zone setup suits you better?

Step-by-Step Process for Setting Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Determine Business Activity (1–2 Days)

Select a Business Name (1 Day)

Get Initial Approval (1–3 Days)

Draft and Notarize the MoA (2–5 Days)

Local Agent (If Applicable)

Lease Office Space (1–4 Weeks)

Apply for Trade License (1–3 Days)

Register with Government Authorities (1–4 Weeks)

Open Corporate Bank Account (1–2 Weeks)

Obtain Additional Permits (1–3 Weeks)

Step-by-Step Ajman Mainland Company Formation Process

Choose Business Activity

Decide Legal Structure

Reserve Trade Name

Initial Approval

Draft MoA

Lease Office Space

Get External Approvals

Submit Final Application

Pay License Fees

Receive Trade License

Apply for Visas