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Set Up Your Mainland Company in Dubai


100% Foreign Ownership.
Operate Across the UAE and Globally.

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About Mainland Registration

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility to operate locally and globally without sector or geographic restrictions. Regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED), mainland companies enjoy a wider operational scope and access to high-growth opportunities across the UAE.

Recent regulatory reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities, removing the requirement for a local sponsor in most cases—making it easier than ever to start and scale your business in Dubai.

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Why Choose a Mainland License in Dubai?

Operate Across the UAE and Globally

Trade freely within the UAE
and expand internationally without limitations.

100% Foreign Ownership

Enjoy full control of your business for eligible activities. No local partner required.

Access to Prime Commercial Locations

Rent office or retail space anywhere in Dubai to perfectly suit your unique business needs.

Wide Range of Business Activities

Choose from diverse commercial and industrial activities under a single license.

No Currency Restrictions

Move capital freely and do business with ease.

Simplified Visa Processing

Easily sponsor employee visas for your growing team.

Eligibility for Government Contracts

Bid for high-value public sector tenders and projects.

Corporate Bank Account Setup

Open and manage a business bank account with ease.

Types of UAE Mainland Licenses Business Activities

Setting up a mainland company in the UAE gives you access to over 3,000 approved business activities, covering a wide range of sectors. Your business activity, company structure, and jurisdiction will determine the required license type and legal steps. 

For expert guidance on selecting the right license, contact our team for a free consultation. 

Commercial License

A Commercial License is issued for businesses involved in the trading or distribution of goods within the UAE and internationally. Common trading activities include:

  • Mobile phones & accessories
  • Building materials, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment
  • Oil & gas products, chemicals
  • Automobiles & spare parts
  • Gold, jewelry, and precious metals
Industrial License

An Industrial License is required for companies engaged in manufacturing, production, or industrial operations. Popular industrial activities include: 

  • Garment and uniform manufacturing 
  • Meat and dairy product processing 
  • Animal and bird feed production, fishing net manufacturing 
  • Pastry, sweets manufacturing, mineral water bottling 
  • Fabrics embroidery and carpet production 
Professional License

A Professional a License is granted to individuals or entities offering specialized services based on skills or expertise. This includes: 

  • IT infrastructure and software consultancy 
  • Legal, tax, and insurance advisory services 
  • Marketing consultancy and public relations management 
  • Auditing and accounting services 
  • Environmental, waste management & recycling consultancy 
These licenses offer flexibility and scalability, empowering businesses to operate efficiently within their chosen sectors. 

Use Cases

Retail

Professional Services

Startups

Construction

hospitality

Book a free consultation

Mainland Company Formation

Establish your business directly in the UAE market with access to government contracts and complete activity flexibility.

Required Documents for Mainland Company Registration

To complete your mainland company registration, here’s what you need:

  • Passport Copy
  • Visa Page
  • Emirates ID (If Resident)
  • Business Plan
  • NOC If Applicable

JurisTax MENA handles the full process, from document preparation to submission. Our team ensures everything is legally compliant and submitted on time. Your mainland company setup is in expert hands.

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Understanding the Costs of Setting Up a Mainland Business

Trade License

Starting from USD 6,000

Office Space

Varies by size and area

Government Fees

Activity-based

Visa Cost

Based on quota

What our clients say about us

Family Office Client

JurisTax MENA managed our DIFC SPV setup with precision and speed. A trusted partner.

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Corporate Client

Their corporate tax advisory saved us significant costs. Very thorough and professional.

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Startup Founder

We established our Web3 venture in RAK DAO with JurisTax’s guidance. Smooth and future-proof

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
HNWI Client

Responsive, transparent, and reliable. Exactly the partner we needed.

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Any questions?
We got you.

Starting a company, getting a visa, or opening a bank account in the UAE can raise questions. That’s why we’ve gathered answers to help you make informed decisions.

Explore our FAQs, from business structures to tax rules and visa options. Need guidance? Our experts are a message away.

More FAQs ➔
1. Can I open a corporate bank account as a new business?

Yes, once licensed. Approval depends on the business risk profile and documentation.

Yes. Shareholders and employees can apply for UAE residence visas. Process includes:

  • Entry permit
  • Medical test
  • Emirates ID registration
  • Visa stamping
  • Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
  • UAE visa copy (if applicable)
  • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Business plan or activity summary
  • Mainland Company: Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows operation anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
  • Free Zone Company: Offers tax incentives and 100% foreign ownership. Business activity is limited to inside the Free Zone and international markets (not Mainland UAE unless a local distributor is appointed).
  • Offshore Company: Not licensed for business inside the UAE. Ideal for international structuring, asset holding, or IP ownership. Cannot lease offices, hire employees, or issue visas.

Corporate Tax: 9% on net profit exceeding AED 375,000. Companies earning below this threshold are exempt. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% rate if they meet specific activity and compliance conditions.

VAT: Standard rate is 5% on most goods and services.

  • Mandatory VAT registration is required for businesses with taxable supplies and imports exceeding AED 375,000 annually.
  • Voluntary VAT registration is available if supplies or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500 annually
  • VAT-registered businesses can reclaim input tax on eligible business purchases and expenses.
More FAQs ➔

Reach Our Expert Team

Get in touch with our expert team for fast, reliable business support and personalized guidance.

(+971) 04 557 3100

hello@juristax.com

Office No. 31, 27th Floor, Al Saqar Business Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

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JurisTax MENA offers tailored business setup, residency, accounting, and compliance services in the UAE, with offices in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

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