Setup your Dubai Mainland business right away!
Dubai Mainland refers to the geographical area in Dubai that is governed directly by the Emirati government and licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). It is ideal for businesses that plan to operate directly within the UAE market or take government projects.
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What businesses get:
Setting up your company in the Dubai Mainland opens the door to limitless opportunities. Businesses enjoy complete operational freedom, access to local and international markets, and the flexibility to grow without boundaries. With no local sponsorship requirement for over 1000 business activities and currency restrictions, businesses have the freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE and expand seamlessly.
- Direct access to the UAE domestic market
- No restrictions on office location within Dubai
- Ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE
- Government contracts and local partnerships
- Traditional trading and service businesses
- 100% foreign ownership
- No currency restrictions
- No restrictions on the number of employee visas
- Sponsor local employees
- Multiple business activities under one license
Calculate Your Business Setup Cost
Find out how much it will cost to set up a business at your desired location in the UAE in less than a minute.
Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Mainland
A Mainland company formation offers more than 3000 business activities listed in the UAE. The business activity, company structure and jurisdiction of operation will determine the license and other applicable requirements.
Commercial License
Industrial License
For businesses involved in the manufacturing, production, packaging, and processing of goods.
Professional License
For businesses that offer skills or expertise as a service.
Tourism License
Craft License
Agricultural License
Business Structure
Before setting up a business, you need to choose a legal framework that defines how your company is organized and operates. It’s the foundation of your business, outlining who owns the company, how profits are shared, and what responsibilities each owner holds.
Selecting the right structure is essential, as it directly impacts entrepreneurs’ goals, market access needs, and risk tolerance. Every legal structure comes with its own advantages, and you should pick the one that aligns with your long-term business objectives.
Limited Liability Company
One of the most popular legal structures for small and medium enterprises, requiring a minimum of two 2 shareholders, offering protection of owners’ assets from the company's debts and risk, and allowing 100% ownership of selected business activities.
Single-Person LLC
Similar to a Limited Liability Company (LLC), this structure has a single owner whose personal assets remain protected from the company’s liabilities or losses. It allows the individual to operate independently while enjoying full control over business decisions.
Sole Proprietorship
Ideal for individual entrepreneurs who want complete control of their business but with personal liability. This legal structure involves minimal compliance requirements and imposes limited corporate tax, enabling owners to retain a larger share of their profits.
Branch Office of a Local or Foreign Company
This legal structure allows companies in the UAE or a foreign country to expand their branches on the Dubai Mainland. The branch must undertake one or more activities as listed under the parent company’s license.
Public Joint Stock Company
Ideal for large enterprises, this business structure allows companies to issue shares to the public and trade on the stock market. Governed by strict regulatory standards, companies can legally raise substantial capital through public offerings.
Private Joint Stock Company
Requiring a minimum of three founders and a share capital of AED 2 million, this structure is ideal for companies that want to raise funds privately. It is managed by a board of directors elected by the shareholders to oversee key business decisions.
Process for Mainland License
Choose Business Activity
Choose Company Structure
Get Trade Name Approval
Get Initial License Approval
Get External Approval (if required)
License Issuance
Open Company Bank Account
Get Establishment Card
Labour File
