Mainland company setup in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership
Register your Dubai mainland LLC with DET. Trade across all 7 emirates and bid for government tenders.
A Dubai mainland company lets you trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, open offices or retail outlets in any emirate and bid for government contracts. Since the UAE opened over 1,000 commercial and professional activities to full foreign ownership, most founders no longer need a local Emirati partner.
Main Zone handles your mainland company setup in Dubai: we register your Dubai mainland LLC with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and manage every approval, visa and banking step.
Advantages of a Dubai mainland license
100% foreign ownership
For eligible activities, with no local sponsor.
Trade anywhere in the UAE
No restriction on where your clients are.
Government tenders
Bid for contracts at federal and local level.
Scalable visa quota
Your visa allocation grows with your office space.
Wide activity choice
Across commercial, professional and industrial licenses.
Strong credibility
With UAE banks, suppliers and corporate clients.
Types of mainland trade license in Dubai
100% foreign ownership with full access to the UAE onshore market
- Dubai DET commercial or professional license
- 100% foreign ownership (no local sponsor for eligible activities)
- Trade directly across all 7 emirates
- Government tender and procurement eligibility
- Initial Ejari and office space assistance
- MoHRE and immigration file registration
Final cost depends on activity, external approvals, office size and number of visas. You receive an itemised quotation before you start.
Mainland company formation process
- Activity and legal formChoose activities and structure (LLC, sole establishment or branch).
- Trade name and initial approvalTrade name reservation and initial approval from DET.
- External approvalsWhere required, for example for regulated activities.
- MOADrafting and signing.
- Office and EjariOffice space and Ejari registration.
- Trade licenseIssued by DET.
- Establishment Card and visasEstablishment Card, MoHRE file and visas.
- Corporate bank accountAccount opening with a full KYC file.
Mainland vs free zone: quick comparison
| Feature | Mainland (DET) | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% |
| Trade inside UAE | Directly, anywhere | Through a distributor, a mainland branch or a DET permit (Dubai free zones) |
| Government tenders | Yes | Generally no |
| Office | Physical office with Ejari | Flexi desk often allowed |
| Visas | Based on office size | Based on package |
| Typical starting cost | Higher | Lower |
What you need to get started
Send these to your advisor and we take it from there. Corporate shareholders need attested documents, which we help you arrange.
Full documents checklistDocuments required
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Passport size photos
- Proposed trade names (3 options)
- Activity list
- For corporate shareholders: attested company documents and board resolution
Mainland questions
Yes. Free zone companies are 100% foreign owned, and most mainland commercial and professional activities now allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor. A few strategic activities still have restrictions, and your advisor will confirm this for your activity.
Choose a free zone for international trade, ecommerce, consulting and low setup costs. Choose mainland if you want to sell directly to UAE customers, open physical outlets or bid for government tenders. Eligible Dubai free zone companies can also get a DET permit to serve the Dubai mainland.
Many free zone licenses are issued within a few working days once documents are complete. Mainland setups usually take one to three weeks, depending on approvals. Visas and bank accounts add extra time.
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and 5% VAT once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 a year. Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from 0% on qualifying income. Every new company must register for corporate tax within 3 months of incorporation. We handle registration and filings.
Launch your Dubai mainland company
One advisor, one fixed quote, one clear timeline.
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