Dubai Mainland
Company Formation
(DED Licensing)
This page specifically covers Dubai Mainland company formation
(DED licensing only). It does not cover general business setup
in Dubai or free zone formation.
DUBAI MAINLAND
COMPANY FORMATION
Dubai Mainland company formation has become more attractive as the UAE government has reduced setup costs, introduced instant licenses, and allowed 100% foreign ownership in most activities. Whether you’re planning to establish a new company or open a branch, choosing this jurisdiction allows access to wider local markets and strong regulatory advantages. Many entrepreneurs prefer this route due to flexibility, business credibility, and access to the UAE mainland market.
Dubai Mainland company formation under the Department of Economic Development (DED) gives entrepreneurs direct access to Dubai’s onshore market without free zone trading limitations. Mainland licensing allows companies to establish physical offices across Dubai and undertake a wider range of approved commercial and professional activities under DED regulations. Whether establishing a new branch or incorporating a mainland entity, Dubai Mainland company formation offers long-term operational flexibility and regulatory credibility for businesses planning sustained growth within Dubai.
This page focuses exclusively on Dubai Mainland company formation and DED-regulated licensing procedures. For general Mainland business setup — including cost comparison, low-cost setup options, and first-time company setup guidance — please visit our dedicated Business Setup in Dubai page.
For Dubai Mainland company formation, the typical DED process includes trade name reservation, Memorandum of Association drafting, initial DED approvals, tenancy submission (Ejari) and final licensing. For UAE-wide procedural guidance, see our UAE company formation resources. These procedures apply to mainland, free zone, and offshore entities. JBC ensures compliant company formation across Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore areas by handling documentation, regulations, and timelines with precision.
Company formation in Dubai Mainland involves specific legal steps regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED). These include trade name reservation, Memorandum of Association drafting, tenancy registration, and final licensing required for onshore operations within Dubai.
How Dubai Mainland Differs from Other Jurisdictions
This page focuses exclusively on Dubai Mainland company formation and does not cover UAE-wide company registration.
Business Licenses Issued in Dubai Mainland
Entrepreneurs should first obtain a business license to do any type of business in Dubai. Running a company in Dubai mainland without a trade license is a punishable offence. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the competent authority that regulates the issuance of business licenses in the Dubai mainland. DED issues the following types of licenses for company incorporation in Dubai mainland:
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1. Commercial License
A commercial license is issued for businesses that are engaged in activities such as trading of goods which may involve importing, re-exporting and trading of permitted goods. The activities may include wholesale and retail trade, construction, transportation, stockpiling, communication, financial intermediation, real estate, and leasing. Foreign investors who obtain a commercial license in Dubai mainland are entitled to 100% ownership of their company.
2. Professional License
Professional license in Dubai mainland is issued to service-oriented activities and individuals who wish to practice a skill in which they are experts. The activities may include services covering sectors such as education, health, social work, community, and social & personal services.
3. Industrial License
Industrial activities are activities that require capital to be practised. They include manufacturing, mining, quarrying, electricity, gas, and water.
When planning a Dubai Mainland business setup, investors often compare different options based on ownership flexibility, activity approvals, and local market access. Company setup in Dubai mainland is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs who want to trade across the UAE without limitations. Understanding the available legal structures is essential for successful company formation in Dubai mainland.
Permitted Legal Structures in Dubai Mainland
If you’re planning company formation in Dubai Mainland or evaluating other options for company formation in Dubai mainland, understanding the permitted legal structures is essential.
Determining an appropriate legal structure is one of the most critical decisions an investor needs to make while incorporating a company in the Dubai mainland. The legal structure of a Dubai mainland company is defined based on the number of shareholders. The DED mainly allows the following legal structures for companies in Dubai mainland.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship or sole establishment can be established in Dubai mainland with only one shareholder. Both the owner and the shareholder will be a single individual who can completely own the company. A sole proprietorship must be owned by an individual, which means a company cannot be the owner. The owner is solely responsible for the profits and liabilities of the sole establishment in Dubai mainland. Foreign nationals are only allowed to start a sole establishment under professional activities.
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most popular forms of legal structures in Dubai mainland. Foreign investors can set up an LLC in Dubai mainland with 2 to 50 shareholders. Each shareholder in LLC is liable to the extent of his or her shares in the company. Foreign investors are entitled to 100% LLC ownership on selected activities laid out by the DED, including commercial licenses such as a General Trading License.
Civil Company
A civil company is essentially a partnership business for professionals engaged in approved fields such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. Partners of any nationality can be involved in a Civil Company, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed if the partnership doesn’t include UAE or GCC nationals.
Single Person LLC
A ‘Single Person LLC’ is a legal structure owned by an individual or a corporate body. It differs from a sole proprietorship as the liability is limited to the shares held by the entity that owns the One Person LLC.
Branches of Local & Foreign Companies
Companies registered in the UAE or foreign jurisdictions can open a branch in Dubai mainland. The branch must undertake one or all of the activities included in the parent company’s license. Mainland business setup consultants can assist both foreign and local companies to open their branches on the mainland.
Process of Company Formation in Dubai Mainland
The following steps outline the process of Dubai mainland company formation, especially if you’re planning company formation in Dubai Mainland, or a Dubai Mainland business setup, or applying for a general trading license.
Each step must be carefully executed to avoid delays and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations.
- Choosing a business activity
- Determine an appropriate legal structure
- Get the company name approved
- Obtain an initial approval from DED
- Obtain external approvals for special activities
- Rent a space and submit the tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Obtain the license
Benefits of Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Choosing Dubai Mainland is strategic for companies that require onshore market access, government contracting eligibility and unrestricted local trading. Investors must weigh the benefits to incorporate a business in the mainland. The following are the significant benefits the foreign investors can gain by establishing a business in Dubai mainland:
- No strict requirement of minimum capital for incorporating a mainland company
- No restriction in business activities, unlike the free zones
- Owners of mainland businesses can open their offices anywhere in Dubai
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits are allowed and many activities qualify for 0% corporate tax depending on UAE tax rules and business nature.
- Mainland business setup in Dubai enables companies to trade freely across all Emirates without restrictions.
- Company setup in Dubai mainland provides better access to government contracts and corporate clients.
Investors expanding beyond Dubai can also choose structured company formation in UAE for wider regional access.
Additionally, Mainland business setup is ideal for companies aiming to serve both UAE and international clients without any location-based trade restrictions.
Why Dubai Mainland is Ideal for Expanding Your Business
Opting for mainland business setup in Dubai lets companies operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally without location restrictions. It’s perfect for businesses aiming to serve both local and global clients. Dubai Mainland also provides better access to government tenders, office locations, and wider hiring flexibility. Choosing company formation in Dubai Mainland ensures your business enjoys the benefits of full ownership, low taxes, and robust legal protection under UAE law. This makes business setup in UAE mainland especially beneficial for investors planning long-term scalability and regional expansion.
Get Expert Support for Dubai Mainland Business Setup
The process of business setup in Dubai mainland is generally devoid of complex requirements. However, choosing the wrong activity or structure may derail business plans. A better solution is hiring professional companies offering Dubai Mainland business setup services, such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC). Our consultants assist with visa processing, documentation, government liaison, bank account opening and compliance requirements.
Apart from offering company formation services in Dubai Mainland, JBC helps businesses meet legal obligations such as VAT, audit, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO). Whether you’re seeking company formation in Dubai Mainland or full business setup services across UAE, Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) is your trusted partner for end-to-end support.
Still have questions?
Browse our FAQs
What is the process for company formation in Dubai mainland?
It involves choosing your business activity, reserving a trade name, getting initial approvals, preparing legal documents, and obtaining your trade license. Company formation in Dubai mainland allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE.
How long does company formation in Dubai mainland take?
Typically, business setup in Dubai mainland can be completed within 5–7 working days if documentation is accurate.
What are the benefits of business setup in Dubai mainland?
Mainland setups allow unlimited trade within the UAE, access to government contracts, and a wide choice of office locations. Business setup in Dubai mainland also supports business expansion.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership in Dubai mainland, including LLC company formation in Dubai for eligible sectors.
What documents are needed for company formation in Dubai mainland?
You’ll need passport copies, an application form, proof of address, and in some cases, a Memorandum of Association. These are essential for business setup in Dubai mainland.
Can a Dubai mainland company do business internationally?
Yes, companies formed in Dubai mainland can operate locally within the UAE and conduct business with international clients.
Is a physical office required for company formation in Dubai mainland?
Yes, a physical office or flexible desk is mandatory for business setup in Dubai mainland as part of the licensing requirements.
Is mainland business setup in Dubai suitable for trading across UAE?
Yes, mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE without location restrictions.
