Dubai Mainland License

Conduct Business Inside and Outside the UAE

Your Future Starts Here – Get Your Dubai Mainland License Now!

A Dubai Mainland license allows entrepreneurs to conduct business inside and outside the UAE. Issued by Dubai’s Department of Economic & Tourism (DET), it offers premium benefits for business growth and flexibility.

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE
  • Own and rent office spaces within Dubai Mainland
  • Do business with government entities
  • Fewer nationality restrictions
  • Easier to open bank accounts with traditional banks
  • Scalability with visa expansion
  • No minimum capital requirement
  • No currency restrictions
  • Tax exemptions for certain businesses

Types of Mainland Company Structures in the UAE

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is a flexible and popular option for expatriates and foreign investors. It requires 2 to 50 shareholders and allows 100% foreign ownership in certain business activities.

Example: A technology startup with international investors establishing its UAE branch.

Sole Proprietorship

A Sole Proprietorship allows 100% foreign ownership. However, if the owner is not a UAE national, a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed to handle license requirements and government-related matters. This structure is ideal for professional services.

Example: An expatriate dentist setting up a private clinic in Dubai.

Branch Office of Local & Foreign Companies

Both local and foreign companies can establish branch offices in the UAE. The branch can conduct more than one activity listed on the parent company’s license.

Example: A multinational retail chain opening a branch in Dubai to expand its market.

Civil Company

A Civil Company is a partnership structure suited for service-related or professional activities. It can include partners of any nationality, but an LSA is required if there are no UAE or GCC nationals in the partnership. Partners are jointly liable for any debts or losses.

Example: A legal consulting firm with international partners and a UAE national advisor.

Single-Person LLC

A single-person LLC is owned and operated by a single individual or a corporate entity. It offers the flexibility of an LLC but with only one owner.

Example: An entrepreneur setting up a consulting business on their own.

Steps to Register a Dubai Mainland Company

  1. Choose business activity

  2. Choose company structure

  3. Get trade name approval

  4. Get initial license approval

  5. Get external approval (if required)

  6. License issuance

  7. Open company bank account

  8. Get establishment card

  9. Labour file

  10. Process visa

Advantages of Dubai Mainland License

Freedom to Operate Anywhere
Freedom to Operate Anywhere
Conduct business anywhere in the UAE, in free zones, and internationally without limitations.
Stronger Market Presence
Stronger Market Presence
Mainland license allows you to open physical branches across the UAE, giving you greater market exposure.
Work with Government Bodies
Work with Government Bodies
Mainland companies can bid on government contracts, leading to high-reward opportunities.
No Currency Restrictions
No Currency Restrictions
Mainland companies have no currency restrictions and can repatriate funds offshore or onshore.
No Visa Limitations
No Visa Limitations
Mainland companies can expand their visa quotas without restrictions, making scaling easy.
Financial Viability
Financial Viability
Mainland companies enjoy tax exclusions and do not require a minimum capital to set up.