Dubai Mainland Company Formation
A Dubai Mainland license is an onshore company allowing entrepreneurs to conduct business activities inside and outside the UAE. Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) issues trade licenses for mainland companies.
You can register for a professional license or commercial license in Dubai Mainland. The trade license issued by DED is considered more premium and allows for the following benefits:
- Allows for 100% foreign ownership
- Ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE
- Own and rent office spaces within Dubai mainland
- Do business with government entities
- Fewer nationality restrictions for obtaining a trade license
- Easier to open bank accounts, especially with traditional banks
- Scalability of a business is much easier by adding more visas to the trade license
To get a company registered in Dubai, having a physical office space is not mandatory; Tafeel's co-working DED package would be the perfect solution to get you started.
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Advantages of a Dubai Mainland License
Freedom to Operate Anywhere
Having no limitations on where you can conduct business is one of the strongest reasons for getting a Dubai Mainland License. UAE mainland companies are allowed to do trade and business within the nation, in any free zones, and outside the country.
Stronger Market Presence
Getting a DED Mainland License gives you the opportunity to open your physical company anywhere in the UAE. This creates a stronger presence, and the freedom and flexibility to expand your company's branches across the UAE.
Ability to Work with Government Bodies
Companies with Mainland Licenses are allowed to work with government contracts. The UAE government frequently needs specialised contractors for multi-million projects, giving you the opportunity to bid on high-risk, high-return projects.
No Currency Restrictions
There are no currency restrictions under the Dubai Mainland License. Companies are entitled to fully repatriate offshore or onshore bank accounts in the UAE.
No Visa Limitations
UAE mainland companies do not have any restrictions when it comes to expanding their visa quotas under a business license. An additional physical space would be required after a certain point, but it is much easier to scale the business.
Financial Viability
Companies with a Dubai Mainland License enjoy the benefits that Free Zone license companies have. This includes exclusion in paying taxes. It is also very important to note that no minimum capital requirement is required in setting up a company under a Dubai Mainland License.
Calculate Your
Calculate Your
Business Setup Cost Now
احسب تكلفة
تأسيس شركتك الآن
Business Setup Cost in 3 Steps
احسب تكلفة
تأسيس شركتك في 3 خطوات
Explore Monthly Payment Plans with Selected Banks
Convert your transactions into easy and affordable monthly instalments with our selected range of banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card issued from any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.
Get Started NowSteps
- 1
Make a minimum purchase of AED 1,000 using your credit card for any services provided by Tafeel.
- 2
Call the banking services of any of our partner banks and request to convert your purchase into an Easy Payment Plan.
- 3
Get the option of paying over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
*General terms and conditions from the banks will be applicable.
Business Activities Under Dubai Mainland License
Dubai is considered to be one of the most sought-after business destinations across the world. The ease of setting up a business that comes with numerous lucrative benefits is the primary reason for the continuous influx of investors and entrepreneurs in the UAE. With diverse options of activities to choose from, Tafeel will help you choose the best-suited type of activities for your company.
Industrial License
The Industrial License under a Mainland Company allows a business to perform industrial-related activities such as production, segregation, accumulation, and packaging. This type of license is mostly given to businesses that transform natural materials or resources into goods.
Learn MoreCommercial License
The Commercial License is intended for companies who want to engage in buying and selling of goods, commodities, and other kinds of trade activities within the UAE. A DED Commercial License is also given to general and specialised traders and businesses who engage in retail, construction, and real estate activities.
Learn MoreProfessional License
A Professional License is given to a person or a corporation that provides services and practices that rely on skills, talent, and ability. This includes individuals rendering work in the fields of accounting, design, tourism, and other professional services reliant on natural talent, skills, ability, or experience.
Learn MoreTourism License
There are three forms of licenses in the travel and tourism industry: one enables a company to manage travel within the city; another allows a company to sell tourist packages beyond the boundaries of Dubai; and the third enables a company to conduct global meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
Learn MoreBusiness Structures Under Dubai Mainland License
Sole Proprietorship
Foreign nationals can retain 100% foreign ownership in the business. A Local Service Agent (LSA) is required for owners who are not UAE nationals. The LSA supervises license requirements and other government-related matters for the business. The company can legally practice professional services anywhere in the UAE.
Learn MoreBranch Office of Local & Foreign Companies
Companies registered in the UAE or in other countries can establish a branch on the Dubai Mainland. The branch must carry out more than one activity listed on the parent company's license.
Learn MoreCivil Company
A Civil Company is essentially a partnership business for conducting service-related or professional activities. A Civil Company can have partners of any nationality, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed if the partnership doesn't include UAE or GCC nationals. Civil Companies are jointly liable for any losses or debts that arise out of the civil partnership.
Learn MoreSingle-Person LLC
A Single-Person LLC is a business structure set up and owned by an individual or a corporate body.
Learn MoreLimited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is composed of 2-50 shareholders. An LLC is the most convenient legal structure for expatriate residents and foreigners to establish a new company in the UAE. Foreign investors are entitled to 100% LLC ownership on selected business activities.
Learn More
Explore Monthly Payment Plans
with Selected Banks
اكتشف خطط السداد الشهرية
مع البنوك المختارة
Convert your business setup fees into easy 0% interest monthly installments with our UAE banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card and repay over 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. قسّم رسوم تأسيس عملك إلى أقساط شهرية ميسرة بفائدة 0% بالتعاون مع شركائنا من البنوك في الإمارات. أنفق بحد أدنى 1,000 درهم باستخدام بطاقتك الائتمانية وسدد بكل سهولة على مدار 3، 6، 9، أو 12 شهراً.
Get Started Now ابدأ الآن
Simple 3-Step Process 3 خطوات بسيطة للسداد
- Make a minimum purchase of AED 1,000 using your credit card for any Tafeel Businessman Services package. قم بالشراء بقيمة لا تقل عن 1,000 درهم باستخدام بطاقتك الائتمانية لأي من باقات خدمات تفعيل لحلول الأعمال.
- Contact your bank's customer service or mobile app to request an Easy Payment Plan (EPP). اتصل بخدمة العملاء في بنكك أو عبر تطبيق الهاتف المحمول لطلب خطة التيسير (EPP).
- Select your preferred repayment term of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. اختر فترة السداد المفضلة لديك: 3، 6، 9، أو 12 شهراً.
Business Activities
Under Dubai Mainland License
Dubai is considered to be one of the most sought-after business destinations across the world. The ease of setting up a business that comes with numerous lucrative benefits is the primary reason for the continuous influx of investors and entrepreneurs in the UAE.
With diverse options of activities to choose from, Tafeel Businessman Services will help you choose the best-suited type of activities for your company.
Trading License
Trading License Allows the import and export of goods within the Mainland. This includes selling wholesale and retail goods, along with other related services.
Industrial License
Allows business activities related to the production and transformation of natural resources into finished goods.
Service License
Allows services provided by professionals reliant on their skills, talent, and ability.
Holding License
Holding License Enable standalone or stakes in other companies. It is important to note that you need a holding company for controlling other companies and properties including real estate and other assets.
The
Tafeel
Ecosystem
Starting your business is only the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. We provide comprehensive business support services that help your company grow, remain compliant, and operate efficiently in the UAE.
From accounting, VAT, and Corporate Tax compliance to PRO services, visa processing, legal assistance, recruitment, and workspace solutions, our experts support you at every stage of your business growth.
Enquiry Now
Business Setup in Dubai
Launch your business in Dubai with complete confidence through our end-to-end company formation solutions. We simplify every step, from documentation and licensing to legal approvals, ensuring a fast, compliant, and hassle-free business setup experience.
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Mainland Company Formation
Establish your Mainland company and enjoy the freedom to operate anywhere across the UAE. We handle licensing, approvals, and registration while helping you choose the ideal business activity for long-term growth.
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Free Zone Company Formation
Start your business in a UAE Free Zone with 100% foreign ownership and investor-friendly benefits. Our experts help you select the right Free Zone and complete the setup process quickly and efficiently.
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Offshore Company Formation
Expand your global presence with a UAE Offshore company designed for international business and asset protection. We ensure a confidential, cost-effective, and fully compliant company formation process.
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Investor Visa Services
Obtain your UAE Investor Visa with professional guidance from application to approval. We manage the complete process, ensuring a smooth experience for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
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Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Open a corporate bank account with leading UAE banks through our dedicated banking support services. We assist with documentation, application preparation, and coordination to streamline the approval process.
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PRO & Government Services
Save valuable time by letting our PRO specialists manage all government-related procedures on your behalf. We handle approvals, document processing, renewals, and regulatory requirements with efficiency and accuracy.
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Company License Renewal
Keep your business compliant with timely company license renewal services across the UAE. We manage the documentation, approvals, and renewal process to prevent delays and business interruptions.
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UAE Visa Services
We provide complete visa solutions for investors, partners, employees, and family members. Our team ensures fast processing, accurate documentation, and full compliance with UAE immigration regulations.
Learn More
Accounting, Tax & VAT Services
Stay financially organized and fully compliant with our professional accounting, VAT, and Corporate Tax solutions. We help businesses manage records, meet regulatory obligations, and focus on sustainable growth.
Learn MoreA Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your
Business Under a Dubai Mainland License
Get Started Now Select Your Business Activity and Legal Structure
Before you register a company in Dubai, the most critical decision is identifying which category and type your business activity falls under. Entrepreneurs can pick from more than 1,500 approved business activities across the UAE. All legal business operations in Dubai fall under the oversight of the Department of Economic Development (DED), which serves as the regulatory authority.
Reserve Your Trade Name with the DED
Pick a distinctive name for your business that isn't already in use by another company in Dubai. After your proposed name clears approval, it gets officially registered with the DED — a step that usually takes about three days to complete.
Submit Your Application for a Mainland Trade License
With your company name secured, the next step is applying for the mainland trade license itself. Note that DED regulations restrict certain commercial activities, since the DED holds full authority over classifying, approving, and licensing every type of economic activity in the emirate. This stage involves submitting a set of required documents, and Tafeel Businessmen Services can guide you through the process.
Secure an Office or Coworking Space
Commercial premises in the UAE are typically leased from third-party landlords, with packages that can be tailored to your business needs. You'll need to submit a tenancy contract, documentation from the Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA), and an EJARI registration, all following initial DED approval. A dedicated office isn't always required — Tafeel Businessmen Services also offers coworking arrangements as a more budget-friendly alternative.
Draft Key Legal Documents — the MoA and AoA
The Memorandum of Association (MoA) ranks among the most vital documents when forming a Dubai company, as it outlines each partner's ownership share and rights within the business. Because of its importance, this document needs to be prepared with precision, and Tafeel Businessmen Services legal team is available to help draft it accurately.
Settle Fees and Receive Your License
Once all paperwork and approvals are finalized, you'll pay the applicable fees and receive your trade license — the official document that confirms your company is legally authorized to operate on the Dubai mainland.
Set Up a Corporate Bank Account
With your trade license in hand, the final step is opening a business bank account. Thanks to advances in digital banking, this process has become significantly faster, often wrapping up within just a few days, and our banking specialists are on hand to support you through it.
Why Tafeel?
Years of experience serving businesses within the UAE
Thousands of entrepreneurs assisted in setting up companies across the region
A growing regional presence supporting clients throughout the GCC
A high share of clients who renew their trade licenses with us
A dedicated team committed to a smooth business setup journey
Multilingual advisors to support clients from around the world
100% transparency in all transactions
An ecosystem of support services for businesses at every stage
Ready to Launch Your Business
on the Dubai Mainland?
Tafeel makes company setup simple, fast, and hassle-free. Our experts ensure compliance, speed, and personalized support every step of the way, so you can focus on growing your business.