Setting Up a Dubai Mainland Company: LLC, DET & 100% Foreign Ownership
Since the 2021 reform, foreign investors can own 100% of a Dubai Mainland company in the vast majority of sectors, with no Emirati local partner required. A Mainland company (typically an LLC) is registered with the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism). It allows you to operate across the entire UAE, sell directly to local consumers, open physical retail locations and bid for government contracts. Setup time: 5 to 10 business days.
What Is a Dubai Mainland Company?
A Mainland (onshore) company is a business registered directly with UAE federal or local authorities — primarily the DET in Dubai — rather than with a Free Zone. It is governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law and can operate freely across the entire UAE.
Unlike Freezone companies, which are limited to international or inter-Free Zone transactions, a Mainland company can sell directly to UAE consumers and businesses, open branches throughout the country and bid for government tenders.
The 2021 Revolution: 100% Foreign Ownership on the Mainland
Before May 2021, UAE law required an Emirati national to hold at least 51% of a Mainland LLC's capital. The reform (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021) removed this requirement for most sectors.
As of 2026, foreign investors can own 100% of a Mainland LLC in nearly all sectors, with the exception of certain strategic activities (defence, some oil & gas activities, government media) which remain regulated.
Types of Mainland Companies in Dubai
LLC — Limited Liability Company (most common)
The LLC is the most popular legal form for foreign businesses on the Mainland. It offers liability limited to capital contributed, management flexibility and the ability to operate in nearly any sector.
- Shareholders: 1 to 50 partners (individuals or corporates)
- Minimum capital: none required for most activities
- Liability: limited to each shareholder's contribution
- Management: one or more managers, resident or non-resident
Foreign Company Branch
An international company wishing to establish a physical Dubai presence without creating a new entity can register a branch. The parent company remains legally liable for the branch's obligations.
- No minimum capital required
- The branch carries out the same activities as the parent company
- A National Service Agent (NSA) is required as local representative
Sole Establishment
For freelancers and individual entrepreneurs seeking a simplified Mainland structure. The owner bears unlimited personal liability for the business's debts.
Advantages of a Dubai Mainland Company
- Unlimited access to the UAE local market — direct invoicing to UAE clients without intermediaries
- No geographic restrictions — operate across all Emirates
- Eligibility for government tenders — DCD, DEWA, RTA contracts
- Physical retail presence — shops, restaurants, showrooms
- No visa cap — based on office size
- Easier access to local bank financing /
- Enhanced professional credibility with local clients
Dubai Mainland LLC Formation Process
Activity Selection and Restriction Check
Every UAE business activity is codified. Some activities require additional approvals (healthcare, education, finance, food). We verify the feasibility of your activity and its specific requirements upfront.
Trade Name Reservation
The name must be unique in the DET database, comply with naming conventions (no religious or political references, no global organisation acronyms), and be available. Cost: AED 620–920 depending on the procedure.
DET Initial Approval
The DET issues an initial (non-final) approval validating the activity and trade name. This precedes lease signing.
Office Lease and Ejari Registration
A physical commercial premises is mandatory for any Mainland LLC. The lease must be registered via Ejari. Minimum area varies by activity (typically 150–200 sqm), but DET-approved co-working solutions are available for service activities.
MOA Drafting and Notarisation
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) is drafted, translated into Arabic and signed before a licensed notary in Dubai. This step formalises the shareholding structure.
DET Commercial Licence Issuance
Once the MOA is notarised and the Ejari lease filed, the DET issues the commercial Trade Licence. Timeline: 3 to 5 business days after complete submission.
Residence Visa(s) and Emirates ID
The DET licence enables residence visa applications for managers/shareholders. Same process as Freezone (medical exam, biometrics, Emirates ID).
Dubai Mainland LLC Setup Costs
- DET fees (initial approval + licence): AED 8,000–15,000 depending on activity
- MOA notarisation: AED 1,500–3,000
- Ejari lease registration: AED 165–220
- Office rent: from AED 15,000 /year for DET-approved co-working
- Miscellaneous government fees: AED 1,000–3,000
- Total estimate (excl. annual rent and advisory fees): AED 12,000–22,000
Note: certain activities (banking, insurance, healthcare, media) involve significantly higher fees and timelines due to additional sector-specific approvals.
FAQ — Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Yes, since the 2021 reform. The vast majority of sectors permit 100% foreign ownership. A small number of strategic activities (defence, national security, certain oil activities) remain restricted. We verify your specific activity before any commitment.
Yes, a registered office address is mandatory for all Mainland companies. A DET-approved co-working or flexi-desk address is accepted for most service activities (from AED 15,000/year). Physical retail premises require dedicated leased space.
A Mainland LLC can trade freely across all UAE Emirates and sell directly to local consumers and businesses. A Freezone company is restricted to international and inter-Free Zone transactions, requiring a Mainland distributor to sell to the local market. Choose Mainland for local market access; choose Freezone for international operations with lower setup costs.
Unlike Freezone packages with fixed visa caps, Mainland companies have no fixed limit — visa allocation depends on your office size (the larger the premises, the more visas allocated). This makes Mainland ideal for companies planning to scale their UAE team.
Yes, company registration can largely be managed remotely with power of attorney. However, MOA notarisation, biometric registration and bank account opening typically require at least one visit to Dubai.
Yes. Mainland LLCs pay 9% Corporate Tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000 per year, with a 0% rate below that threshold. No personal income tax applies to shareholders. Annual CT registration and filing with the FTA is mandatory.
Yes. A Mainland LLC with a DET F&B commercial licence is required to operate a restaurant, café or food outlet open to the public. Additional approvals are needed: Dubai Municipality food safety certificate, and a separate alcohol licence if applicable (Dubai Police + DTCM).
Your Mainland LLC Operational in 5 to 10 Business Days
Business activity verified, trade name reserved, MOA drafted, Ejari lease arranged and DED licence obtained: our team manages the entire setup process for your entry into the UAE market.
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