Grow Without Limits — Trade Across the UAE & Beyond
Start your mainland business in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership, zero restrictions on trade, and access to the entire UAE market. We handle everything from licensing to visa processing.
No commitment. No fees. Expert advice in 30 minutes.
A Dubai Mainland Company License is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the DED. It grants businesses the freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE, engage with government entities, and trade without geographical restrictions — unlike free zone companies.
Since 2021, UAE law allows 100% foreign ownership in most mainland business activities, making it one of the most investor-friendly jurisdictions in the world. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a multinational, mainland formation offers unmatched commercial flexibility.
Start Your Mainland Company
Mainland licensing offers benefits that no other business structure in the UAE can match for growth-focused entrepreneurs.
Choose the right license type based on your business activity and commercial goals.
Issued for trading, retail, import/export, and general commercial activities involving the sale of goods and services.
Required for manufacturing, production, and industrial businesses that process or transform raw materials into finished goods.
For service-based, consultancy, and knowledge businesses where the owner's expertise and skills are the primary offering.
The right legal structure protects your liability, defines ownership, and determines how your business is governed.
A clear, step-by-step guide to launching your Dubai mainland business — from idea to licensed company.
The first step is choosing the appropriate business activity from the official list approved by the government. This determines licensing requirements, regulatory body approvals, and any special permits needed. Our advisors will help you identify the exact activity code that matches your business goals.
Investors must select the appropriate company structure — such as an LLC, sole establishment, civil company, or branch office. Each has different liability implications, ownership rules, and minimum capital requirements. We guide you to the structure best aligned with your ownership preferences and risk profile.
The company name must comply with UAE naming conventions and be approved by the relevant authority (DET). Names cannot be offensive, duplicate an existing entity, or reference religions or governments. We handle the name search and reservation on your behalf to avoid rejections.
Initial approval confirms that the government has no objection to the proposed business activity and ownership structure. Some activities require additional approvals from ministries such as Health, Education, or Tourism before the main license is issued. Our team manages these external approvals efficiently.
The Memorandum of Association (MoA) defines the company's ownership structure, capital distribution, and management responsibilities. For LLCs, the MoA must be notarized by a UAE-approved notary public. Avyanco prepares and reviews all legal documents to ensure full compliance.
Lease suitable commercial space in Dubai as per DET's location eligibility policies and usage type. Initially, you can take a small, budget-friendly space that caters to your immediate needs. A valid tenancy contract (Ejari registered) is required to complete the license application. We can connect you with cost-effective office options.
Once all documents and approvals are submitted, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues your mainland trade license. The entire process typically takes 5–10 working days with Avyanco's expert support. Your license enables you to immediately begin operations across the UAE.
Gather these documents before starting the process to ensure a smooth and fast application. Our team will verify all documents for compliance before submission.
Estimated costs for setting up a mainland company. Actual fees vary by business activity, office size, and visa requirements.
Most mainland company setups range between AED 15,000 and AED 35,000 depending on the specific business requirements. Working with experienced consultants helps avoid unnecessary costs and delays during the registration process.
Dubai's thriving economy offers immense opportunities across these high-demand industries for mainland companies.
Our advisors focus on building the right structure for your company so that it can grow efficiently and remain compliant with UAE regulations.
Deep knowledge of DET regulations, free zone rules, and UAE commercial law accumulated over a decade of practice.
Our team speaks Arabic, English, Hindi, and more — ensuring clear communication with clients from every background.
From license approval to visa stamping, bank account opening, and accounting setup — one partner for everything.
Most licenses are processed within 5–10 working days. We actively chase approvals so you don't have to wait.
No hidden fees. We provide a full cost breakdown upfront so you can plan with confidence from day one.
Every client is assigned a personal account manager who provides regular updates and is always reachable.
Our long-standing relationships with DET and other regulatory bodies help expedite approvals for our clients.
Our business setup specialists combine industry knowledge with hands-on experience in UAE company formation, licensing, visa assistance, and corporate advisory. Whether you are starting a new company, expanding into Dubai, or choosing between mainland and free zone options, our team provides clear guidance and dependable support throughout the process.
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Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai
Everything you need to know about setting up a mainland company in Dubai.
The answer is both yes and no. You do not require a local partner for certain licenses and activities; a foreigner can hold 100% of the company shares. Some examples include professional service providers or small businesses such as coffee shops, consultancy, and salons. However, general trading companies or businesses that require a trading license must have a local sponsor who owns at least 51% of the shares in the company.
Dubai Mainland offers more than 2000 business activities from which to choose. These business activities fall into various categories and require respective business licenses to operate, including professional, commercial, industrial, and tourism. However, certain activities are not allowed in the UAE. You must consult with an expert before applying for a business license in Dubai.
Foreign employees in the UAE require a standard work visa sponsored by the employer. There are certain conditions that the employer and employer must meet to obtain a standard work visa: The employer has a valid operating license, The employer has no violations, Employee’s expertise and work is relevant to the company’s business activity, The employee has a high school diploma
The company setup in Dubai Mainland can be done within 5 days. However, depending on the nature of the business and its requirements, it may take a few weeks in certain scenarios.
Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone license and apply for a new license with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again.
Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone license and apply for a new license with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again.
Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone license and apply for a new license with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again.
Not sure where to start? Our mainland formation experts are ready for a free, no-obligation consultation. Get clarity on costs, timelines, and the exact steps to launch your business.
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