Official Mainland Setup

Establish Your Presence
Across the UAE

Setup your Dubai Mainland company and trade locally & globally without restrictions. 100% Ownership. Government Contracts. Unlimited Growth.

Partner Partner Partner
+20k

Trusted by 20,000+ Mainland Companies

Note: Dubai Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). They offer the freedom to trade directly with the local market and compete for lucrative government contracts. Recent changes now allow 100% foreign ownership in most commercial and industrial activities.

About Mainland

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

In the dynamic landscape of global business, Dubai has emerged as a prime destination for entrepreneurs. Dubai Mainland Company Formation allows onshore companies to conduct business activities inside and outside the UAE without restriction.

Registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED), these entities benefit from:

100% Foreign Ownership
Government Contracts Access
Unrestricted Trade Scope

Mainland Entity

DED Licensed

Ownership 100%
Scope Global & Local
Currency AED / USD

Explore Popular Free Zones

Select the ideal jurisdiction for your business. Each zone offers unique advantages in licensing.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

The largest free zone worldwide, ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and trade.

DMCC

Global hub for commodities trade, offering world-class infrastructure.

DIFC

Leading financial hub for banking, fintech, and legal institutions.

Dubai South (DWC)

Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport, perfect for aviation and logistics.

IFZA

Cost-effective and flexible, popular for startups and SMEs.

Meydan Free Zone

Located near the racecourse, offering low-cost licenses for professionals.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Creative hub for media and digital entrepreneurs with low entry costs.

RAKEZ

Cost-effective industrial and business zone in Ras Al Khaimah.

DAFZA

Premium zone next to Dubai Airport, focusing on aviation and electronics.

Dubai Internet City

The region's leading tech community for IT and software companies.

Dubai Media City

Home to global media giants, broadcasting, and advertising agencies.

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Integrated free zone for technology, innovation, and modern living.

SPC Free Zone

Fastest zone for publishing, printing, and general trading licenses.

KIZAD (Abu Dhabi)

Integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub with port access.

Dubai Design District

Dedicated to design, fashion, and luxury industries.

Dubai Healthcare City

Specialized zone for medical services, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals.

Abu Dhabi Global Market

International financial centre on Al Maryah Island.

Fujairah Free Zone

Strategic access to the Indian Ocean for trading and maritime.

Ajman Free Zone

Affordable setup for trading and industrial businesses.

UAQ Free Trade Zone

Low-cost licenses with easy setup and minimal requirements.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Industrial powerhouse with deep water port and logistics.

Sharjah Airport (SAIF)

Fast and efficient zone adjacent to Sharjah International Airport.

Dubai Maritime City

Center for maritime services, ship repair, and engineering.

Dubai Auto Zone

Specialized marketplace for the automotive import and re-export industry.

Dubai CommerCity (DCC)

Dedicated to e-commerce business setup with end-to-end fulfillment services.

Ras Al Khaimah DAO

Pioneering digital asset oasis for blockchain and virtual asset companies.

Masdar City Free Zone

Sustainable urban development for clean energy and technology businesses.

DUQE Free Zone

Unique setup on the Queen Elizabeth 2 offering a prestigious floating office.

Advantages

Benefits of Mainland Setup

Strategic Location

Gateway between East and West. Benefit from global connectivity through excellent air, sea, and land transport links.

No Trade Restrictions

Trade freely within the UAE and internationally. No restrictions on where you can trade or who you can do business with.

Govt. Contracts

Eligibility to bid for lucrative government tenders and contracts, an opportunity generally not available to Free Zone entities.

Unlimited Visas

Apply for an unlimited number of visas depending on your office space size, allowing you to scale your workforce easily.

Easy Banking

Mainland companies often face fewer hurdles in opening corporate bank accounts compared to offshore entities.

Diverse Sectors

Operate in real estate, construction, tourism, hospitality, technology, and more. 2,000+ activities available.

Scope

License Types

Choose the right license for your business activity.

Commercial License

For general trading, retail, construction, and real estate. Allows buying and selling goods.

Industrial License

For manufacturing, production, and packaging. Required for transforming raw materials.

Professional License

For services, consultancy, craftsmanship, and simple skill-based businesses.

Tourism License

Inbound/Outbound travel and event management. Essential for hospitality sector.

Agricultural License

Farming, cultivation, and livestock. For businesses dealing with nature's produce.

Occupational License

For artisans, craftsmen, and freelancers utilizing personal skills.

Company Structures

LLCLimited Liability
PJSCPublic Joint Stock
PrJSCPrivate Joint Stock
Civil Co.Professional
BranchForeign/Local
PartnershipGeneral/Limited
HoldingAsset Mgmt
Sole Est.Single Owner

Naming Guidelines

Ensure your trade name is compliant with DED regulations to avoid rejection.

  • Must include legal form (LLC, etc.)
  • No offensive/religious words
  • Must align with activity
  • Unique (not registered)
STEP-BY-STEP

Process for Mainland Formation

Follow this systematic workflow to ensure your company is registered successfully and legally compliant.

  1. 1

    Select Activity

    Identify and select the appropriate business activity from 2,000+ DED options.

  2. 2

    Legal Structure

    Determine the legal form (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment, Branch) based on ownership needs.

  3. 3

    Trade Name

    Reserve a unique trade name compliant with DED guidelines and regulations.

  4. 4

    Initial Approval

    Obtain initial approval from DED to confirm the government has no objection to the business.

  5. 5

    Draft MOA/LSA

    Draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.

  6. 6

    Rent Office (Ejari)

    Secure a physical office space and register the tenancy contract (Ejari).

  7. 7

    External Approvals

    Get additional approvals from relevant authorities if required for your specific activity.

  8. 8

    Payment Fees

    Submit documents and pay the license fees to the Department of Economic Development.

  9. 9

    Visa Application

    Apply for investor and employee visas once the trade license is issued.

  10. Launch

    Receive your license and legally start your business operations in Dubai Mainland.

Documentation

Required Documents

Personal Documents

  • Passport Copies (All Partners)
  • Visa Copy (if resident)
  • Emirates ID (if applicable)
  • NOC from sponsor (if employed)

Company Documents

  • Trade Name Reservation
  • Initial Approval Certificate
  • Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
  • MOA (Notarized)

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Udyog Suvidha Kendra simplifies the entire mainland formation process. Let our experts handle the paperwork while you focus on growth.

Comparison

Mainland vs Free Zone Setup

Why choose Mainland?

Key Differences

Scope of Business

MAINLAND

Trade anywhere in UAE and internationally. No restrictions.

FREE ZONE

Limited to within the Free Zone or international trade only.

Visas

MAINLAND

No strict limit; depends on office size (approx 9 sq.m per visa).

FREE ZONE

Strictly limited by the license package chosen.

Freedom to Grow Without Limits

Choosing a Mainland license is the best option if you plan to trade directly with UAE consumers, open retail stores, or bid for government projects. It offers the maximum flexibility for expansion.

  • Direct Trade with UAE Market
  • Multiple Branches Allowed
  • Wide Range of Activities

Frequently Asked Questions