Mainland Business Setup
Establish Your Business in Dubai
A Dubai Mainland company allows you to operate under the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED) in one of the seven emirates. Setting up a mainland company enables you to legally conduct business across Dubai, providing access to a wide customer base, seamless operations, and a strong local presence.
Mainland companies can engage in a variety of activities, including professional services, commercial trading, industrial operations, and general business activities. Some specialized sectors may require additional approvals or licenses from relevant authorities.
Full Foreign Ownership Across 1,000+ Business Activities
No Emirati Agent Needed for Several Companies
Mainland Company License Options
Trading License :
Designed for businesses focused on buying and selling goods across Dubai and the UAE, this license type allows full foreign ownership and supports multiple commercial activities under a single permit.
Foreign investors can hold 100% of the company shares without a local partner.
A starting capital of AED 300,000 is recommended for seamless operations
Operate several related business activities under one license, maximizing flexibility.
Enjoy no corporate or personal income tax on business profits.
Choose your business location freely, with no restrictions on trade operations.
Professional License:
1. Single Shareholder Company
This license is suitable for consultancy, professional services, and specialized activities. It enables foreign investors to fully own a UAE company outside the Free Zones.
No corporate or personal taxes.
No minimum capital required.
A UAE national can act as a local agent with 0% ownership.
Only one shareholder is allowed.
No taxes on the company or personal income.
2. Professional Partnership
A Professional Partnership allows up to 3 shareholders with full foreign ownership and a local service agent. It is designed for consultancy, professional services, and other service-based activities
The local service agent does not own any part of the company; all shares belong to the foreign partners.
The agent’s role is limited to signing documents and handling government procedures.
The agent has no management authority and receives an annual
fee for their services.
The agent can be a licensed professional, a UAE government employee, or a UAE-owned company.
For certain activities, the agent must have relevant professional qualifications.
Manufacturing License:
A Manufacturing License is needed to start production or industrial activities in the UAE. It allows businesses to make and process goods using local or imported materials. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the main authority to issue this license. Certain business types may require additional approvals from specific ministries, departments, or municipalities. For example, medical businesses need clearance from the Ministry of Health, and financial services require approval from the UAE Central Bank.
Secure and fully legal business transactions.
Access to modern production and manufacturing facilities.
Opportunities to grow and expand your business.
Renew your manufacturing license at affordable rates.
Register Your Dubai Mainland Business
Choose Your Business Type
Choose your business activity from Trading/Commercial, Consultancy, Professional, or Manufacturing
Select Your Company Title
It is recommended to provide three trade name options according to your preferences, and the name should be clear. Names that cannot be reserved include countries, continents, famous regions or cities, and colors (like blue, red, etc.). Using foreign words or very short names will incur an extra fee of AED 2,000 per year. At this stage, it is required to submit all documents of all partners (passport, visa/EID, UAE NOC, residency proof, and residential address).
Request Initial Clearance from DED
After the trade name is finalized, the company can be officially established and the name gets confirmed.
Draft MOA & LSA Agreements
The DED will draft the Memorandum of Association and Local Service Agent agreement using the details provided in the previous steps.
Company Address
To complete the registration, an Ejari (lease agreement) is required for a mainland location. This can be for a business center, warehouse, office, or showroom, and the space can be rented or purchased.
Approval Process
Certain business activities need extra approval from other government authorities, such as Civil Defense, Police, SIRA, Ministry of Health, and others.
Process Overview
Once the LSA and MOA are signed and all fees and approvals are completed, the license will be issued.
Quick Business License in Dubai
You can get a commercial or professional license in Dubai in just 5 minutes. Created to support Dubai’s economic growth, this quick license offers entrepreneurs a fast and simple way to obtain their trade license and start operating their business immediately.
Advantages of Quick Business Licensing
License issued within 5–10 minutes
Trade license available the same day
No trade name needed in the first year
Physical office not required during the first year
Setup by GCC Nationals
License issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain) signed the Economic Unity Agreement in Riyadh on 7 June 1981 to align economic, commercial, financial, and industrial rules. The UAE implemented this agreement in 1982.
According to Federal Law No. 2 of 1989, a GCC citizen can start a business in the UAE if they reside in the country, personally run the business, and hold a valid license for the same activity in their home nation. This outlines the process for establishing an LLC.