Mainland company setup in Dubai & the UAE
Trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. We handle your mainland license, office, visas and bank account from start to finish.
- Ownership
- 100% for most activities
- Office
- Physical office required
- Visas
- Based on your office size
- Where you trade
- Anywhere in the UAE
Is mainland right for you?
Good for
- Retail shops, restaurants and cafés
- Contracting, maintenance and trades
- Service businesses with UAE clients
- Companies bidding for government work
Keep in mind
- You’ll need a physical office or shop lease
- Some strategic activities still need a UAE partner
- Annual renewal of your license and lease
Mainland licenses in every emirate
We work with the economic departments of all seven emirates.
Dubai mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Explore Dubai mainland
Abu Dhabi mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Explore Abu Dhabi mainland
Sharjah mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the Sharjah Economic Development Department.
Explore Sharjah mainland
Ras Al Khaimah mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the Department of Economic Development.
Explore Ras Al Khaimah mainland
Ajman mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the Department of Economic Development.
Explore Ajman mainland
Fujairah mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the emirate’s economic department.
Explore Fujairah mainland
Umm Al Quwain mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, licensed through the emirate’s economic department.
Explore Umm Al Quwain mainlandHow it works
- 01
Choose activity and legal form
We match your activities to the right license and legal form, such as an LLC, sole establishment or branch.
- 02
Trade name and initial approval
We reserve your trade name and get initial approval from the economic department.
- 03
Office and documents
We help you find a suitable office, register the lease and prepare your documents.
- 04
License, visas and bank
Your license is issued, then we handle visas, Emirates ID and your bank account.
Mainland FAQs
Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Foreign investors can own 100% of a mainland company. A small number of strategic activities still need a UAE partner, and we’ll check yours before you apply.
What is the difference between a DED license and a DET license?
They are the same thing in Dubai. The Department of Economic Development became part of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which now issues Dubai mainland licenses.
Do I need an office for a mainland license?
Yes. Mainland companies need a physical office or shop with a registered lease, and the office size also sets how many visas you can apply for.
How much does mainland company setup cost?
It depends on your activity, legal form, office and number of visas. We give you an itemised quote, including government fees and office costs, before you commit.
Helpful guides
All guides
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore: Which UAE Company Is Right for You?Mainland vs free zone vs offshore in the UAE: ownership, where you can trade, office, visas and tax compared, with examples of which suits your business.Read the guide
How to Set Up a Business in Dubai in 2026: A Step-by-Step GuideHow to set up a business in Dubai, step by step: choosing your activity, mainland or free zone, trade name, license, visas and bank account.Read the guide
How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in the UAEHow to open a corporate bank account in the UAE: documents, choosing a bank, the application steps, common reasons for rejection and tips to get approved.Read the guideLet’s set up your mainland company
Book a free consultation and get an itemised quote before you decide.
