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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Helen and Sons helps you set up your mainland company quickly and correctly. Our team handles trade licenses, legal approvals, and registration with local authorities. We make the process simple and transparent from start to finish. With a mainland company, you can hire staff easily, open offices across the UAE, and bid for government contracts. Get professional support for every step of your business setup.

Want to Know How?

A Mainland company is an onshore legal entity that can operate anywhere in UAE or outside of UAE but requires the approval of the Department of Economic Development (DED), in which the company is incorporated. Along with the mainland company setup application, entrepreneurs will be requested to submit the details of their business activity. Based on the rules and regulations, DED grants approvals for mainland company formation in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ra’s al-Khaimah.

By giving permission to open a mainland company and proceeding with the approval of mainland employment visa for its employers, DMCC aims to promote and facilitate trade across UAE. A comprehensive range of trade license and commercial license offered by DED under mainland are:

Commercial License
Industrial License
Tourism License
Professional License

The first and foremost requirement to set up a mainland company and obtain a trade license Dubai or trade license Abu Dhabi or trade license in other provinces of UAE is to include at least one UAE national for its formation. The chosen UAE national(s) will act as the local sponsor to your onshore company and are also given the permission to act as shareholder(s) or a local service agent(s). Whatever position the person holds, in the case of a sole proprietorship, civil company, or an onshore branch, he can serve your company, without formally holding any shares. However, LLC company formation in UAE demands a minimum share of 51 percent for its local sponsor(s).

Have a look at some of the advantages of starting a mainland company:

Entrepreneurs can choose from any of the places in the UAE

Unlimited freedom to set up a wide variety of business activities

Equal permission to get a trade license both in UI and outside the Emirates

Different Forms of Mainland Companies in UAE

Sole Proprietorship

A company owned by an individual, who is solely responsible for all the day to day operations of the company is known as Sole Proprietorship.

Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

One of the traditional company structures in the mainland is LLC. The minimum number of shareholders who can invest in an LLC is 2 and the maximum is 50.

Civil Company

A company formed on the basis of a business partnership between professionals with a focus on delivering professional consultancy services is known as a Civil Company. According to DMCC, the professionals who agree to enter into a partnership can be mainly doctors, engineers (except civil engineers), lawyers, accountants etc.

Private Shareholding Company

Also known as private joint-stock company, the minimum number of investors needed to start a private shareholding company is 3. The minimum capital required is AED 2,000,000. Forming a private share holding company brings numerous benefits for company owners as investors are given complete freedom to start any of the industrial, commercial, and professional activities of their choice.

Branch Office

A Branch office can be regarded as an extension office of an already formed mainland company. Offices of any of the foreign companies, Dubai based companies, UAE based companies, GCC based companies, and free zone companies can be a Branch Office.

The Key Highlights Of Mainland Companies In UAE.

  • Each mainland company setup in UAE is completely regulated under Federal Law No( 2) of 2015 AD on commercial companies.
  • The share percentage of expatriates is limited to 49% in their corresponding LLC companies.
  • People belonging to countries in GCC get 100% share in a mainland company.
  • Not every business activities under mainland company license can be owned completely by foreign nationals
  • In the case of professional license, expats, and foreigners can hold the complete ownership of the mainland company, provided that at least one UAE national is appointed as the Service Agent.
  • All mainland companies in UAE are classified as onshore business entities by law.

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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Start your business in Dubai mainland with confidence. Our white-glove service handles DED licenses, legal structures, local sponsorships, and employment visas from start to finish.

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Onshore Legal Entity

What Is a Mainland Business Setup in Dubai?

A Dubai mainland company is an onshore legal entity registered through the Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike free zone companies, a mainland business can operate anywhere in the UAE — and internationally — without geographic restrictions.

It also qualifies for UAE government tenders and allows unrestricted hiring of employees on mainland visas. Helen & Sons guides you through every step of the mainland company formation process in Dubai, from choosing the right license type to opening a corporate bank account.

Operate Anywhere in UAE

No geographic restrictions — trade across all seven Emirates freely.

Employment Visa Eligibility

Simplified approval for mainland employment and investor visas.

Government Contract Bids

Participate in lucrative UAE government tenders directly.

Capital & Profit Freedom

No currency restrictions and full profit repatriation allowed.

Types of Business Licenses for Dubai Mainland Company

The DED issues four primary license categories for mainland businesses in Dubai. Choose the one that matches your trade activity.

Commercial License

For general trading, retail, and import/export businesses operating across the UAE.

Industrial License

For manufacturing, production, and industrial operations in the UAE mainland.

Tourism License

For hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality ventures.

Professional License

For consultants, freelancers, and skilled service providers in Dubai.

Key Advantages of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Mainland

Helen & Sons provides a clear roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Dubai — combining local expertise with a proven process.

No Location Limits

Geographic Freedom

Choose any emirate for your office. A Dubai mainland license lets you operate anywhere in the UAE without restrictions.

Wide Activity Scope

Broad Business Activities

Set up a wide range of business activities under a single mainland trade license for maximum operational flexibility.

Local + Global

UAE & International Markets

Trade freely within the UAE local market while expanding internationally — all under a single mainland company registration.

Tax Efficiency

Competitive Tax Environment

Benefit from the UAE's business-friendly tax regime. Corporate tax applies to qualifying income above AED 375,000 as per UAE law.

Types of Mainland Company Structures in Dubai

Select the legal structure that matches your business model, ownership preferences, and long-term growth plans in Dubai.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Dubai

The most popular mainland company structure in Dubai. An LLC requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and a maximum of 50, making it ideal for small-to-mid businesses and joint ventures.

  • Most popular structure for trading and commercial activities
  • Liability limited to each shareholder's capital contribution
  • Eligible for government contracts and UAE-wide trading
Dubai corporate boardroom — LLC formation Dubai

Sole Proprietorship in Dubai

100% owned by a single individual, who holds full control over all business decisions and day-to-day operations.

Key Advantage

100% ownership and complete decision-making authority with no partner obligations.

Civil Company in Dubai

Ideal for licensed professionals — doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers — with 100% foreign ownership available.

Medical Professionals
Legal Experts & Lawyers
Engineers & Architects

Branch Office in Dubai

Expand an existing mainland, foreign, or free zone company into Dubai by registering a branch office. A branch carries the same legal identity as the parent company and is ideal for GCC corporate expansion.

Photo of professional team

Dubai Mainland Company — Rules & Compliance

Understanding the UAE Federal Law framework before you start your business setup in Dubai mainland.

Pro Tip

GCC nationals can enjoy 100% shareholding in mainland companies regardless of license type under UAE law.

Regulated under Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies in the UAE.

Expatriate shareholding in LLCs was traditionally capped at 49%, but recent amendments allow 100% foreign ownership in many activities.

Onshore status allows unrestricted trade within the UAE local market, unlike free zone companies.

Professional license holders can achieve 100% foreign ownership by appointing a local Service Agent.

Frequently Asked Questions — Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Common questions about mainland company formation in Dubai, answered by our business setup experts.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?

Yes. Under recent UAE Federal Law amendments, expatriates can now hold 100% ownership in a wide range of mainland business activities. Professional license holders can also achieve full ownership by appointing a local Service Agent instead of a local partner.

What is the minimum number of shareholders for a Dubai mainland LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Dubai mainland requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and a maximum of 50, as governed by UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies.

Can a mainland company in Dubai bid for government contracts?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of a Dubai mainland company over a free zone entity is direct eligibility to participate in UAE government tenders and public sector contracts.

What is the difference between mainland and free zone company in Dubai?

A mainland company can trade freely anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts, while a free zone company is restricted to operating within its free zone or internationally. Mainland companies are licensed by the DED; free zone companies are governed by their respective free zone authority.

How long does mainland company formation in Dubai take?

With Helen & Sons handling the process, a Dubai mainland trade license can typically be obtained within 5–10 working days, depending on the business activity and document readiness. Our team manages the DED approvals, MOA drafting, and all regulatory filings on your behalf.

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