Company Formation
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
A Dubai mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism and may trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Since the 2021 reform, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor. A leased office with an Ejari contract is required.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by Mahmoud Mansour, Founder & Managing Director (lawyer in the UAE since 2006) · EH Management Consultancy LLC, Dubai
At a glance
Key facts about mainland Company Formation
- Licensing authority
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Market access
- Whole UAE plus international
- Ownership
- Up to 100% for most activities; strategic-impact activities need UAE national participation
- Premises
- Physical office with Ejari tenancy registration
- Licence types
- Commercial, professional, industrial
Who it is for
Is this the right service for you?
- Businesses selling directly to UAE customers
- Companies bidding for government or semi-government contracts
- Owners planning several branches or large teams
- Regulated sectors such as healthcare, education and finance
Process
How it works, step by step
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01
Define activities
Match your real operations to licensed activity codes; the wrong code can restrict visas and banking.
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02
Reserve name and get initial approval
Submit the trade name and receive DET initial approval.
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03
Lease premises and register Ejari
Sign a tenancy contract and register it through the Dubai tenancy system.
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04
Draft and sign the company agreement
Finalise the Memorandum of Association with shareholders.
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05
Obtain external approvals
Regulated activities need additional authority sign-off before the licence is issued.
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06
Issue the licence and start visas
Pay fees, receive the licence, then process investor and employee visas.
Documents
What you typically need
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Proposed trade names
- Signed Memorandum of Association
- Ejari tenancy contract
- Sector approvals where required
Cost
What drives the price
Fees depend on your situation, so we quote after a short consultation with no hidden extras. The main factors are:
- Licence category and number of activities
- Office rent and size (sets visa capacity)
- DET and Chamber of Commerce fees
- Visa and Emirates ID costs
- Annual renewal and audit obligations
Frequently asked
Questions about mainland Company Formation
Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
Not for most activities. The 2021 reform removed the local-sponsor requirement for the majority of onshore activities. Only certain strategic-impact activities still need UAE national participation.
Is a mainland company subject to corporate tax?
Yes. The UAE applies 9% corporate tax on taxable profits above AED 375,000, and registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required.
Why is mainland more expensive than a free zone?
Mainland licences carry premises costs, Ejari and authority fees, but they unlock direct UAE trading, government work and flexible visa capacity.
Can I convert a free zone licence to mainland later?
Usually you form a new mainland entity or branch rather than convert directly. Choosing the right structure first avoids duplicated cost.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Rules and fees change. These government and regulator pages are the authoritative references behind this page.
Related services
Often needed together
Talk to an EHMC consultant
Tell us about your business and get a clear, written path with timelines and costs.