Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
DET licensing, done right.
Start your business in Dubai with professional support across company formation, licensing, structuring, tax and ongoing compliance. KGRN Chartered Accountants supports businesses through every stage of mainland company formation, from choosing the right business activity and legal structure to licence coordination and post incorporation compliance.
Activity, structure and trade name locked in first
Setup support across every sector
What is a Mainland Company in Dubai?
A mainland company is a business licensed to operate in Dubai outside designated free zones. Business registration and licensing in Dubai mainland are managed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with additional approvals required from other authorities for certain regulated activities.
100% foreign ownership across most activities
Mainland companies can operate within the local UAE market and may be 100% foreign owned across a wide range of activities. The appropriate ownership structure, legal form and regulatory approvals depend on the specific business activity you intend to carry out.
Not sure whether mainland is right for your business?
Mainland formation may be suitable if you want to:
Why Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai?
A Dubai mainland company offers businesses the flexibility to operate across the UAE and access a broad range of commercial opportunities.
100% Foreign Ownership
Foreign investors can own 100% of companies across a wide range of mainland activities. Certain activities remain subject to specific ownership or regulatory requirements.
Access to the UAE Mainland Market
Conduct business directly with customers and companies across the UAE, subject to the activities covered by your licence.
Wide Range of Business Activities
Choose from a broad range of trading, professional, industrial, service and other permitted business activities.
Government & Enterprise Opportunities
Eligible mainland companies can pursue government and private sector contracts, subject to the requirements of the relevant tender or procurement process.
Room to Expand
Add permitted activities, establish additional branches and grow your UAE operations subject to applicable licensing requirements.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Should You Choose?
There is no single structure that is right for every business.
Mainland May Be Suitable When You Need
- Broad access to the UAE mainland market
- A physical operating presence in Dubai
- Access to a wide range of business activities
- Flexibility for future UAE expansion
- Eligibility to pursue relevant government and enterprise contracts
A Free Zone May Be Suitable When
- Your preferred activity fits a specific free zone ecosystem
- Your business does not require the same level of direct mainland operations
- A particular free zone's facilities, infrastructure or regulatory environment suits your business
Common Mainland Business Structures
The appropriate legal form depends on the proposed activity, ownership structure and operating requirements.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A commonly used structure for trading, commercial and many service activities. An LLC provides limited liability to shareholders in accordance with the company's legal structure and applicable UAE legislation.
Sole Establishment
A single owner structure available for eligible activities, subject to the applicable licensing requirements.
Civil Company / Professional Structure
A structure available for certain professional activities, subject to the requirements applicable to that profession and activity.
Branch of a UAE or Foreign Company
An existing UAE or foreign company may establish a branch in Dubai, subject to applicable registration, licensing and regulatory requirements.
The Stages Required for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
The exact requirements vary depending on the activity, legal form, ownership structure and applicable approvals. A typical formation process includes:
Select Your Business Activity
Identify the activities the company intends to conduct and determine the corresponding licensing requirements.
Choose the Legal Structure
Select an appropriate structure based on ownership, liability, number of shareholders and proposed activities.
Reserve the Trade Name
Submit the proposed business name for approval in accordance with the applicable naming requirements.
Obtain Initial Approval
Complete the preliminary approval process required before proceeding with incorporation.
Prepare Incorporation Documents
Prepare the Memorandum of Association and other constitutional or shareholder documents required for the chosen structure. Where required, documents are notarised or authenticated through the applicable process.
Arrange the Business Premises
Complete the business address or premises requirements applicable to your licence. Where a tenancy contract is required, the relevant rental documentation is registered through Dubai's Ejari system.
Obtain Additional Approvals
Regulated activities may require approval from the relevant government or sector specific authority.
Complete Licensing
Submit the required documents, complete the applicable registrations and pay the prescribed government fees.
Complete Post Licensing Requirements
Chamber registration, immigration and establishment requirements, employment and visa procedures, Corporate Tax registration, VAT registration, UBO compliance, accounting setup and bank account facilitation.
Company formation, backed by one connected team
What differentiates KGRN is that company formation is part of a broader tax, accounting, audit and compliance offering managed under one roof.
FTA Registered Tax Agents
Get Corporate Tax and VAT support from the same professional services firm supporting your company formation.
Talk to a specialistApproved Auditors in JAFZA & DAFZA
Audit and assurance services to support businesses with financial reporting, regulatory, investor and other audit requirements.
Talk to a specialistEstablished in the UAE Since 2007
Offices across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, with a 100+ professional team including CAs, CPAs, ACCAs and Business Advisors.
Talk to a specialistEnd to End Company Formation Support
From activity selection and trade name reservation to incorporation documentation, Ejari coordination, licensing, visas, bank account facilitation and post incorporation tax compliance.
Talk to a specialistExperience Across Multiple Sectors
Trading, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, logistics and professional services, so the setup reflects your business rather than a one size fits all approach.
Talk to a specialistFrom selected activity to operational company
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Straight answers on mainland company formation
A DET license is the trade license issued by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, authorizing a company to legally operate a specific business activity on the Dubai mainland. It was formerly known as the DED license, before DED merged with Dubai's tourism department in November 2021.
Yes. DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) is the renamed and expanded version of DED (Department of Economic Development), formed when Dubai merged DED with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in 2021. The licensing authority, trade license format, and commercial registry continued under the new name.
Yes, for most commercial, professional, and industrial activities, following Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies. A limited list of strategic impact sectors, including banking, insurance, defence, oil and gas exploration, and select telecom activities, still require Emirati ownership or Cabinet approval.
Generally no, for 100% foreign owned commercial and industrial LLCs. Some professional or civil company licenses may still require a Local Service Agent, who holds an administrative role only, with no ownership or profit share.
A realistic first year budget ranges from approximately AED 25,000 to AED 60,000+, covering trade name reservation, initial approval, the DET license fee, MOA/LSA notarization, Chamber of Commerce registration, office lease/Ejari, and at least one visa. The exact figure depends on your activity, number of activities, office type, and visa count.
Ready to Start Your Mainland Company in Dubai?
From activity selection to your first Corporate Tax filing, KGRN manages company formation as part of one connected tax, accounting and compliance service.
