Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
A Dubai Mainland company is registered with the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing businesses to operate freely across Dubai and the wider UAE. This setup provides direct access to customers, government projects, and a strong business infrastructure.
Mainland companies can engage in professional, commercial, industrial, trading, and service activities. Most business activities are permitted, though certain sectors may require special approvals.
The UAE now allows 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities, and many businesses no longer need an Emirati sponsor or local service agent.
Types of Licenses Issued in Dubai Mainland
Commercial License:
A Commercial License is issued to businesses involved in trading activities across the UAE. This license allows companies to buy, sell, import, and export goods within the region. Foreign investors are permitted to fully own this type of business.
Foreign nationals can enjoy 100% ownership of their UAE-based company.
The suggested minimum share capital is AED 300,000.
One trade license can cover multiple related business activities.
There is no corporate tax or personal income tax applicable.
Businesses benefit from flexible location options and unrestricted trading.
Professional License:
1. Sole Establishment
A Sole Establishment is suitable for professionals, service providers, and consultants. It is an ideal option for foreign investors who wish to have 100% ownership of a business registered in the UAE mainland, outside the Free Zones.
- There is no corporate tax or personal income tax.
- No minimum capital requirement is imposed.
- A UAE national acts as a local service agent with no ownership rights.
- The business is owned by a single shareholder only.
- Enjoys a tax-free structure for both corporate and individual income.
2. Civil Company
A Civil Company is a business structure that allows 100% foreign ownership with up to three shareholders, along with the appointment of a Local Service Agent (LSA). This type of company is suitable for professional and service-based activities and requires a professional license.
- The Local Service Agent holds no ownership or profit share, while the foreign individual or company retains full ownership of the business.
- The primary role of the Local Service Agent is to act as an authorized signatory for completing government and regulatory procedures.
- The Local Service Agent has no management or decision-making authority and receives only a fixed annual fee for services rendered.
- The Local Service Agent may be an individual professional, a UAE government employee, or a UAE-national–owned company.
- For certain licensed activities, the Local Service Agent must possess relevant professional qualifications.
Industrial License
An Industrial License is required for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial production in the UAE. This license allows companies to manufacture, assemble, or process products using both locally sourced and imported raw materials.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the primary authority responsible for issuing industrial licenses. Depending on the nature of the business activity, additional approvals may be required from relevant ministries, government departments, or municipal authorities.
Secure and fully compliant financial transactions.
Advanced facilities for industrial and manufacturing operations.
Greater scope for business growth and new opportunities.
Cost-effective renewal of industrial trade licenses.
How to Register a Dubai Mainland Company in the UAE
Select the type of business you wish to operate, such as trading/commercial, consultancy, professional, or industrial. Multiple activities can be selected within the same category.
It is recommended to submit three preferred trade name options. The name should be simple and compliant with UAE regulations. Trade names that include country or continent names, well-known regions or cities, or color names (such as blue or red) are not allowed. Foreign or abbreviated words may incur an additional annual fee of AED 2,000. At this stage, identification documents of all partners must be submitted, including passport, visa, Emirates ID, NOC (if applicable), and residential address.
Once the trade name is approved, an initial approval is obtained from the Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing the company formation process to proceed.
Based on the provided details, the DED prepares the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
A valid Ejari (tenancy contract) is required to complete registration. The business premises may be an office, showroom, warehouse, or business center, either rented or owned.
Certain business activities require approvals from external authorities such as Civil Defense, Police, SIRA, or the Ministry of Health.
After signing the MOA and LSA agreements and completing all payments and approvals, the mainland license is issued.
Instant License in Dubai
Dubai offers an Instant License that allows entrepreneurs to obtain a commercial or professional license within just 5 minutes. Launched to support economic growth, this initiative provides a quick and hassle-free way for business owners to secure a trade license and begin operations in Dubai without delays.
Benefits of an Instant License
- The license can be issued within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Businesses can obtain their trade license on the same day.
- A trade name is not mandatory during the first year.
- There is no requirement for a physical office in the first year.
Establishment by GCC Citizen
The member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council—UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain—entered into the United Economic Agreement on 7 June 1981 in Riyadh. This agreement was created to align and standardize economic, financial, monetary, commercial, and industrial regulations across GCC states. The UAE formally adopted this agreement in 1982.
Under Federal Law No. 2 of 1989, GCC nationals are permitted to establish and operate businesses in the UAE, subject to specific conditions. The investor must be an individual resident in the UAE, personally conduct the licensed activity, and hold a valid license to practice the same activity in their home country.
Devotion Support
- Referral to commercial Real Estate Broker Agency.
- Introduction to the Web Developing & Advertising Agency.
- Company bank account Set-up advice.