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Mainland Company Formation UAE
Setup Your Mainland Business with Dart
Own and operate your business in Dubai Mainland with complete confidence. UAE mainland company formation gives entrepreneurs the freedom to trade directly in the local market, work with government entities, and expand across the UAE without restrictions. With 100% foreign ownership available for 2000+ activities. Dart's experts handle your licensing, approvals, documentation, and setup requirements, to make your business journey smooth and hassle-free.
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The UAE is a vast geo-economic zone that covers intercontinental trade across 20+ countries (MENA, Europe and Asia). It has several jurisdictions where trade is regulated so businesses can operate freely and efficiently with zero to minimal restrictions.
UAE Mainland in business parlance refers to the onshore licensing entity regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED/DET) of each respective emirate. Companies registered in UAE mainland have the freedom to operate anywhere within the UAE and internationally with zero restrictions. They can trade directly in the local market and bid for government contracts. However, mainland businesses are also subject to federal corporate tax.
Starting your business in Dubai Mainland opens you up to a plethora of opportunities and success. Not only do you get to operate in a modern, future-leaning economy but you also benefit from trade and tax incentives.
100% Expat Ownership for 2000+ activities
0% Income Tax
Engage in Various Commercial Operations
100% Repatriation of Profits
0 Currency Restrictions
Easy Work Visa Processing
Lease Commercial Space Anywhere Across the UAE
Apply for Government Bids
Freedom of Trade in UAE and Internationally
Mainland Commercial License Dubai
Mainland Commercial License Dubai
Essential for businesses operating in buying, selling and/or trading of goods and commodities within the UAE or beyond.
Activities covered: Import/Export, Distribution, Retail/Wholesale, General Trading, Real Estate
UAE Professional License
UAE Professional License
Ideal for Subject Matter Experts, Industry Specialists, and Independent Contractors who wish to offer their expert services to clients.
Activities covered: Digital Marketing Agencies, IT Consultants, Legal Consultants, Professional Service Providers
UAE Mainland Industrial License
UAE Mainland Industrial License
Required for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, assembly & storage of goods and products.
Activities covered: Textile Manufacturing, Food Items Production, FMCG Manufacturing & Storage, Automobile Assembly
Want to know which license suits you best?
For UAE Mainland businesses, their legal structure is a core part of their identity. It defines ownership, tax obligations, assets and liabilities, and the entire operational framework of the entity. Dart helps you choose the right legal structure ensuring regulatory compliance to DED, taxation compliance with the Federal Tax Authority and managing risk.
The most popular structure with 100% ownership. Shareholders can range from 2 to maximum 50. The LLC structure protects personal assets as liability is limited to capital shares.
Also known as sole proprietorship, it refers to a professional or commercial structure fully owned by a single individual (UAE/GCC national or expat owner). This structure offers lower setup costs and full control, making it ideal for freelancers and small businesses. However, it carries unlimited personal liability for business debts.
It is the legal extension of a parent company located outside of the UAE. The activities, trade and liability must be the same as the parent entity. A UAE national as Local Service Agent (LSA) is appointed for a branch of foreign company and must register with the Ministry of Economy.
This structure refers to professional business partnerships (such as legal advice, engineering or accounting) that require specialised skills. Allows 100% ownership without local partner but can often require an LSA. Such companies are regulated by the Civil Code and entail unlimited liability for partners.
Step 1
Choose Business Activity
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Dart Mainland Company Setup
AED 18,000*
100% Business Ownership
Professional License
Tradename Registration
Establishment Card
Investor Visa Option
Bank Account Setup
Free VAT / Tax Consultation
License Approval in 24hrs
Medical Test
Emirates ID
There are several factors involved when it comes to determining the cost of setting up a company in UAE mainland.
Business setup costs often differ from emirate to emirate. For example, setting up a business in Ajman is comparatively cheaper than Dubai.
Your legal structure and chosen activities can affect costs
Mainland companies can incur additional costs for Ejari and office rent
Operational costs include investor and employee visas, PRO support and renewals
In case your license requires additional external approvals, you will be required to pay for those too.
Want to know exact costs for company formation in UAE mainland?
Mainland companies often need physical office spaces to successfully run operations. They serve a variety of purposes including but not limited to visa allocations, mailing address, business meetings etc.
Dubai offers a varied range of office space depending on the specific needs of businesses at all costs.
Flexi/Shared Desk
Refers to shared workstations or co-working facilities in free zone buildings.
Ideal for freelancers, startups and consultants.
Visa Eligibility: 1-2 visas
Serviced Office
Refers to furnished, private offices in business centers. They include full utilities and reception services.
Ideal for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Visa Eligibility: Allocated on space (1 visa per 9sqm)
Commercial Lease
Refers to dedicated, independent units, either furnished or unfurnished. Can be leased directly from the building or landlords.
Ideal for customer facing entities, growing businesses or operational teams
Visa Eligibility: High volume, based on office size
Industrial Warehouse + Office
Refers to companies that engage in logistics, manufacturing, or e-commerce requiring both storage and administrative area.
Ideal for industrial and trading businesses
Visa Eligibility: High Volume
Dubai is UAE’s economic capital, home to 30+ free zones and a highly regulated Mainland governed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It's also the crown jewel of UAE accounting for over 35% of the UAE’s GDP. Forming your company in Dubai Mainland can open opportunities to global markets. However, it is equally important to have a thorough knowledge of the economic and regulatory landscape. This is where Dart comes into the picture.
Dart offers trustworthy and reliable mainland business setup in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. From getting your paperwork in order, to dealing with government liaisons, and ensuring you’re compliant with all DED regulations, Dart is your guide at every step of the way.
Multilingual Team of Corporate Advisors
07+ Years of Industry Experience
Customised Packages
Continuous and Ongoing Support Even After Setup
Transparent Process & Open Communication
Partnerships with Relevant Government Agencies
We've answered the most common questions founders ask when joining the Dart ecosystem.
