Mainland Company Setup Services in Dubai

End-to-end Mainland company formation in Dubai, from activity and licence selection through to trade licence issuance.

A Mainland licence lets you trade directly across the UAE and take on government contracts without the restrictions that come with a free zone. We handle activity selection, initial approval, the Memorandum of Association, and licence issuance with the Department of Economy and Tourism, then hand you a fully licensed company, not just a stack of paperwork.

Once your licence is issued, we can move straight into VAT registration, Corporate Tax registration and corporate bank account opening, so the new entity is fully operational rather than licensed but unable to trade or bank.

How Mainland Setup Works

Choose your legal form and business activities
Reserve a trade name
Receive initial approval from the licensing authority
Secure a registered office, with a tenancy contract where the activity requires it
Sign the Memorandum of Association
Receive external approvals if your activity needs them
Pay fees and collect the trade licence

Choosing Between Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore

Mainland suits businesses that sell to local customers, tender for government work or need a physical presence in Dubai. If your market is mostly overseas or your needs are limited, a free zone or an offshore structure may cost less.

After the Licence

We move straight to your bank account, VAT and Corporate Tax registrations, and the government approvals and visas that follow.

This service is part of our Business Setup practice. See the full overview: Business Licensing & Office Setup Support in the UAE.

Often needed together with: Free Zone Company Setup Services in the UAE, Offshore Company Setup Services in the UAE, Branch Office Setup Services in the UAE, Corporate Bank Account Opening Services in the UAE.

Also see: Accounting & Bookkeeping Services in Dubai, Corporate Tax Registration & Filing Services in the UAE, Government & PRO Approval Services in the UAE.

Where We Provide This Service

Accounting services in Bur Dubai · Accounting services in DMCC · Accounting services in JAFZA · Accounting services in IFZA · Accounting services in Meydan · Accounting services in Abu Dhabi · Accounting services in Sharjah

Key Benefits

Unrestricted trading across the UAE Mainland and government contracts
Activity and licence type selected to match how you actually plan to trade
Full setup handled with the Department of Economy and Tourism
Straight handoff into VAT, Corporate Tax and bank account opening

Our Process

Confirm activity, licence type and ownership structure
Reserve trade name and obtain initial approval
Draft the Memorandum of Association and lease the office
Submit for licence issuance and collect your trade licence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Mainland and a free zone licence?

A Mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts with no restriction on office location. A free zone licence is generally limited to operating within the free zone and internationally, unless you appoint a local distributor for Mainland trade.

Can a foreign investor own 100% of a Mainland company?

For most commercial and industrial activities, yes, following reforms that removed the local sponsor requirement for the majority of business activities. A small number of strategic activities still require a UAE national shareholder or agent.

How long does Mainland company setup take?

For a standard commercial activity with no special approvals, licence issuance typically takes one to two weeks once the activity and structure are confirmed.

Do I need a physical office for a Mainland licence?

Yes, a Mainland licence requires a registered office or warehouse space with a valid Ejari tenancy contract, which we help you arrange as part of the setup.

What happens after the licence is issued?

You will typically need to register for VAT if you exceed the threshold, register for Corporate Tax, and open a corporate bank account, all of which we can handle as a continuation of the same engagement.

Are some activities not permitted on the Mainland without extra approval?

Yes, activities such as those regulated by specific ministries (healthcare, education, financial services) require additional approval beyond the standard licence, which we scope and obtain as part of the process.