Mainland Company Formation in Dubai:  A Door to Global Opportunities

Dubai is  one of the world’s top business hubs and setting up a mainland company here is a gateway to global opportunities . With its prime location, investor friendly policies, and transparent legal framework . The Dubai mainland offers a dynamic environment for both startups and  business . A mainland company is approved by Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) and enables you to operate in all seven emirates of the UAE as well as worldwide. Setting business in the Free Zone in UAE where your operations are limited to specific areas  and a mainland setup offers complete business flexibility and the ability to work with government contracts.

Key Benefits of Mainland Company Formation:

• Full Foreign Ownership:

According to the recent reforms, you don't require a local sponsor for the majority of business operations.

• Operate Anywhere in the UAE: 

Mainland companies can operate throughout all emirates and deal with government clients.

• Residency and Visas

Scale your workforce based on your office space and requirements.

• No Currency Restrictions:

Transact globally in any currency.

• No Minimum Capital Requirement:

                 Ideal for startups and SMEs.

• Chance to work on Government Projects: 

           Get the chance to work on impactful government projects .

Process of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

• Business Activity Selection 

 Select the appropriate activity from the list of the Department of Economic Development (DED).

• Select the Legal Structure

         Depending on your requirements, select an LLC, sole proprietorship, branch office.

• Trade Name Reservation 

          Your company name must follow UAE naming guidelines and regulations  that have been authorized by the relevant authorities.

• Initial Approval from DED 

Get permission to proceed with your setup.

• MOA Drafting & Notarization

          Outline company ownership and management structure.

• Office Space Rental & Ejari Registration 

            Sign a lease and register with Ejari (official rental registration system)

• Final DED Approval

        Get your trade license after completing all the necessary paperwork and 

paying the government fees.  

• Visa & Bank Account Processing 

 Apply for investor/employee visas and open a UAE corporate bank account.

Documents Required

You’ll need the following documents to register your mainland company:

• Passport Copies – For all shareholders and managers.

• Visa & Entry Stamp – Valid proof of legal entry into the UAE.

• Trade Name Reservation Certificate – Approved by DED.

• Initial Approval Certificate – Issued by DED.

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Defines the company’s structure and ownership.

• Lease Agreement / Ejari – For your office space.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) – If applicable, from current sponsor or employer.

Types of Mainland Business Licenses

Dubai Mainland licenses are categorized based on your intended business activity:

• Commercial License – For trading, retail, and general trading companies.

• Professional License – For service-based businesses like consulting, marketing, IT, and design.

• Industrial License – Required for manufacturing or industrial operations.

• Tourism License – For travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism companies.

How E-Startup Can Help

At E-Startup, we make mainland business setup stress-free. Our team of legal advisors, accountants, and consultants guide you through every step—from choosing the right license to getting your office space and visas. With over 10 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands build successful companies across tech, retail, logistics, finance, and more.Each license has specific rules regarding ownership, activity, and documentation. Our team will help you choose the right one.

We provide end-to-end solutions for mainland company formation in Dubai:

• Free Business Consultation – We help you plan the right structure & license.

• Trade Name Reservation  We secure your business name with DED.

• DED Initial & Final Approvals – Complete documentation and follow-up.

• Legal Documentation – MOA, LSA agreements, and notary services.

• Office Space Assistance – Guidance on office lease & Ejari registration.

• License Processing – Fast-track your DED license issuance.

• Visa Services – Investor and employee visas, labor cards, and Emirates IDs.

• Bank Account Assistance – Open a corporate bank account with ease.

• Post-Setup Support – VAT registration, accounting, renewals, and compliance.