Company Formation in Dubai Mainland –
DED Business Setup Experts
Dubai Mainland company formation with a DED license allows entrepreneurs to operate across the UAE and internationally. A Dubai mainland business setup provides unrestricted market access, full ownership in approved sectors, and no currency restrictions. Setting up a mainland company in Dubai ensures growth, credibility, and flexibility. Get professional support for a seamless Dubai mainland license process.
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Dubai
Mainland
The premium trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers key benefits, including unrestricted operations in the mainland, eligibility for lucrative government contracts, 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, and greater flexibility in conducting business across the UAE. It also enhances credibility, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a strong presence in Dubai.
- Allows for 100% foreign ownership
- Ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE
- Do business with government entities
- Own and rent office spaces within Dubai mainland
- Reduced nationality restrictions for acquiring a trade license.
- Simplified process for opening bank accounts, particularly with traditional banks.
Top Advantages of a
Dubai Mainland License
A Dubai Mainland license gives entrepreneurs access to local and global markets, flexible business operations, and 100% ownership in eligible sectors. Learn more in our complete Dubai Mainland License guide.
Unrestricted Operational Freedom
One of the biggest advantages of a Dubai Mainland License is the unrestricted freedom to conduct business. UAE mainland companies can operate freely within the country, across any free zones, and internationally.
Enhanced Market
Reach
A DED Mainland License allows you to establish your business anywhere in the UAE, enhancing your market presence and providing the flexibility to expand your company’s branches nationwide.
Collaborate with Government Entities
Mainland-licensed companies can secure government contracts, allowing them to bid on high-stakes, high-reward projects. The UAE government often seeks specialized contractors for large-scale, multi-million-dirham projects.
No Currency Restrictions
The Dubai Mainland License offers complete financial freedom, with no currency restrictions. Companies can fully repatriate funds from both offshore and onshore UAE bank accounts.
No Visa Limitations
UAE mainland companies face no limitations on expanding their visa quotas under a business license. While additional physical space may be required at a certain stage, scaling the business remains straightforward.
Cost-Effective Operations
Companies with a Dubai Mainland License enjoy benefits similar to Free Zone companies, such as tax exemptions. Notably, there is no minimum capital requirement for setting up a business under a Dubai Mainland License.
Business Activities
Under Dubai Mainland License
Dubai is regarded as one of the world’s most desirable business destinations. The ease of setting up a business, along with numerous attractive benefits, is a key factor driving the steady influx of investors and entrepreneurs to the UAE.
With a wide range of activity options available, VA Zone will assist you in selecting the most suitable activities for your company.
Industrial License
The Industrial License for a Mainland Company enables businesses to engage in industrial activities, including production, segregation, accumulation, and packaging.
Commercial License
The Commercial License is designed for companies that wish to engage in various trade activities within the (Dubai) UAE. A DED Commercial License is also issued to the general and specialized traders.
Professional License
A Professional License is issued to individuals or corporations that offer services based on skills, talent, and expertise. This includes professionals working in fields such as accounting, design, tourism.
Tourism License
- This license permits a company to manage travel services within the city.
- This license allows a company to sell tourist packages outside of Dubai.
Industrial License
The Industrial License for a Mainland Company enables businesses to engage in industrial activities, including production, segregation, accumulation, and packaging.
Commercial License
The Commercial License is designed for companies that wish to engage in various trade activities within the (Dubai) UAE. A DED Commercial License is also issued to the general and specialized traders.
Professional License
A Professional License is issued to individuals or corporations that offer services based on skills, talent, and expertise. This includes professionals working in fields such as accounting, design, tourism.
Tourism License
- This license permits a company to manage travel services within the city.
- This license allows a company to sell tourist packages outside of Dubai.
Dubai Mainland
Company Set-Up Process
1
Select Your Trade License
Choose a trade license that fits your business activity—commercial, professional, or industrial—to ensure compliance with DED regulations.
2
Choose the Appropriate Legal Structure
Pick a suitable legal structure such as an LLC, joint stock, sole proprietorship, or civil company. This determines liability, ownership, and regulatory requirements.
3
Verify Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Check if your business activity allows 100% foreign ownership or requires a local Emirati partner.
4
Obtain Additional Approvals
Some activities need extra approvals from government authorities. Ensure you meet these requirements before applying.
5
Prepare Your Essential Documents
Collect all required documents—passport, visa, Emirates ID, MOA, office lease, and board/parent company approvals—to speed up the registration process.
6
Start Registration
Once ready, submit your application online via DED e-services or at a service center to complete your Dubai Mainland company setup.
Legal Structures for
Dubai Mainland Business
Dubai Mainland offers various business structures, including LLCs, sole proprietorships, and branches. Each has its unique benefits for investors.
👉 Learn more about Mainland legal entities
A general partnership is formed when two or more UAE nationals come together to run a business. All partners are jointly and individually responsible for the company’s debts and obligations and are required to use their personal funds if necessary.
A limited partnership consists of one or more general partners, who have unlimited liability, and one or more limited partners, whose liability is restricted to the amount of their capital contribution. This structure allows a mix of active and passive investors.
An LLC is a business entity where each partner’s liability is limited to their share of capital. It can be established by UAE nationals or foreigners, as well as by other companies. An LLC may have up to 50 partners.
If the company is owned by a single individual, it is referred to as a Single Ownership LLC. It follows the same rules and regulations as a standard LLC.
A private joint stock company can have up to 200 shareholders, with capital divided into shares of equal nominal value. Shares in this company cannot be offered to the public.
If a single person (individual or company) owns all shares, the company is termed a One-Person Private Joint Stock Company, and the owner’s liability is limited to the capital defined in the Memorandum of Association. It is governed by the same regulations as multi-owner private joint stock companies.
A public joint stock company has capital divided into equal, negotiable shares. Founders subscribe to part of the shares, and the remaining shares are offered to the public through a public offering, making it suitable for larger enterprises.
A civil company is owned by two or more partners engaged in professional activities such as consulting, accounting, education, tailoring, beauty services, or similar professions.
A sole proprietorship is owned and operated by a single individual, who bears full personal responsibility for all the business’s financial obligations and liabilities.
Documents for Dubai Mainland Company Formation
To start a business in the Dubai Mainland, you must hold a valid tourist or visit visa before applying for a trade license. New applicants are required to provide the following documents:
Passport copy of the license holder (for non-UAE residents) or Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
Residence visa or entry permit copy (for non-GCC nationals)
Company’s Articles of Association (MOA)—not required for a single-owner limited liability company
These documents ensure your business complies with DED regulations and allow smooth processing of your license application.
When establishing a public or private joint stock company in Dubai Mainland, you must submit the standard documents required for new businesses. Additionally, a feasibility study of your project is mandatory to demonstrate viability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
This ensures proper planning and aligns with DED guidelines for shareholders and investors. the
If your company is already registered in another UAE emirate and you want to open a branch in Dubai, the following documents are required:
Board resolution from the parent company approving the branch
Authorisation letter from the managing director of the parent company
Parent company’s commercial registration certificate
Parent company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA)
These documents establish the branch’s connection to the parent company and confirm its legal authority to operate in Dubai.
For companies registered abroad or in a UAE free zone, setting up a Dubai Mainland branch requires additional documentation to comply with UAE regulations:
Copy of the parent company’s license
All parent company documents must be:
Attested in the home country by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Legally translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice
These steps ensure that foreign or free zone companies meet all legal requirements to operate as a branch in the Dubai Mainland.
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Cost Savings
Enhancing internal controls and identifying potential operational efficiencies.
Customized Solutions
Providing services tailored to your business needs with appropriate strategic planning.