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Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism

Dubai Mainland Company Formation

Establish your business with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Enjoy full market access, government contracts, and 100% foreign ownership.

Understanding Dubai Mainland

What Is a Dubai Mainland Company?

A Dubai mainland company is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allowing it to operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE without restrictions.

Ideal for businesses seeking:

Full Access to UAE Market

Operate anywhere in Dubai and across the entire UAE without geographical restrictions.

Government & Semi-Government Contracts

Eligible to bid on lucrative government tenders and public sector contracts.

Flexible Office Locations

Choose your office location anywhere in Dubai based on your business needs.

Strong Banking Acceptance

Mainland companies enjoy higher credibility and easier banking relationships.

Who Issues the License?

Licenses issued only by Dubai DET
Easy Setup manages documentation & approvals
Easy Setup does not issue licenses directly

This ensures full legal compliance and transparency.

License Categories

Dubai Mainland License Types

Choose the right license type based on your business activities depending on DET regulations.

Commercial License

  • Trading & general trading
  • Import & export
  • Retail & wholesale activities

Professional License

  • Consultancy & professional services
  • IT, marketing, management & advisory
  • 100% foreign ownership permitted

Industrial License

  • Manufacturing & industrial activities
  • Warehousing & production
  • Additional external approvals may apply

Instant License (Dubai)

  • Fast-track license issuance
  • No office required initially (conditions apply)
  • Ideal for startups & first-time entrepreneurs
Step by Step

Company Formation Process

We manage the entire DET licensing journey for you.

Business Activity Selection

Choose suitable business activities for your mainland company.

Trade Name Reservation

Reserve your unique trade name with DET.

3

Initial Approval from DET

Obtain initial approval from Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

4

Office Space / Ejari Arrangement

Secure DET-compliant office space with registered Ejari.

5

License Issuance by DET

Receive your official mainland trade license.

6

Immigration & Labour File Setup

Set up immigration and labour files for visa processing.

7

Visa Processing & Emirates ID

Complete visa processing and Emirates ID issuance.

2025 Update

Ownership & Legal Structure

The UAE now offers complete flexibility for foreign investors in most business activities.

100% Foreign Ownership

Allowed for most commercial and industrial activities.

No Local Sponsor Required

Most licenses do not require a UAE national sponsor.

Local Service Agent

Only required for specific professional structures (e.g., Sole Establishment).

100%Foreign Ownership
Workspace Requirements

Office Requirements

Dubai mainland companies generally require a registered office address.

Physical Office

Required for license issuance and bank account opening.

Ejari Registration

Tenancy contract must be registered with RERA (Ejari).

Visa Eligibility

Office size (sqm) determines your visa quota.

Need Office Space?

We provide DET-compliant office solutions tailored to your needs.

Get Office Quote
Immigration Services

Visa Eligibility

Investor Visas

For business owners and investors

Partner Visas

For company partners and shareholders

Employment Visas

For employees and staff members

Family Visas

For dependents and family members

Mainland vs Free Zone

Why Choose Dubai Mainland?

Mainland offers the highest level of flexibility and market access.

Dubai Mainland Free Zone
Trade anywhere in UAELimited to freezone or via distributors
Government contract eligibilityNot eligible for government contracts
Stronger banking acceptanceMay face banking challenges
No limitation on clientsSome client restrictions may apply
Wider business activity optionsLimited to freezone-approved activities
Licensed Consultants
Your Trusted Partner

Why Choose Easy Setup?

  • Dubai mainland specialists
  • Direct coordination with DET
  • Transparent timelines & costs
  • Office, visa & banking under one roof
  • Post-license compliance support

We don't just help you get licensed — we help you operate successfully.

Common Questions

Mainland FAQs

A Dubai mainland company is a business licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allowing it to operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE, without geographical restrictions. It is ideal for businesses wanting full market access, government contracts, and strong banking relationships.
Licenses are issued only by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Easy Setup acts as a licensed business setup consultant, handling documentation, approvals, and coordination. Easy Setup does not issue licenses directly.
Yes! As of 2025, 100% foreign ownership is allowed for most business activities in Dubai mainland. Local sponsors are not required for eligible activities. Only specific professional structures may require a local service agent.
Dubai mainland companies generally require a physical office or business center, an Ejari-registered address, and office size aligned with visa eligibility. Easy Setup provides DET-compliant office solutions.
Dubai mainland companies can apply for investor visas, partner visas, employment visas, and family visas. Visa quotas depend on office size, business activity, and DET & MOHRE regulations.
Dubai mainland offers the ability to trade anywhere in UAE, eligibility for government contracts, stronger banking acceptance, no limitation on clients, and wider business activity options. It is the most flexible structure in the UAE.
The process includes: Business activity selection, Trade name reservation with DET, Initial approval from DET, Office space/Ejari arrangement, License issuance by DET, Immigration & labour file setup, and Visa processing & Emirates ID. Easy Setup manages every step end to end.
You will need passport copies of all shareholders, passport-size photographs, proposed trade names, business plan summary, No Objection Certificate (if applicable), and office tenancy contract (Ejari). Additional documents may be required based on your activity.
Ready to Start?

Launch Your Dubai Mainland Business

Expert DET licensing, visas, and office setup support.

Talk to a Mainland Expert