Establish your UAE Mainland Company
Unlock 100% foreign ownership, lucrative government contracts, and unrestricted access to the local and global market.
Unrestricted access to the entire UAE market.
100% Foreign Ownership
Retain complete control of your business without needing a local Emirati sponsor. Enjoy full operational and financial independence.
No Currency Restrictions
Trade freely anywhere in the world and directly within the UAE local market without limitations or capital repatriation constraints.
Premium Office Spaces
Setup your headquarters anywhere in Dubai. From prestigious Downtown high-rises to creative hubs in Al Quoz, the choice is yours.
Unlimited Visas
Scale your team without borders. Mainland licenses allow you to apply for as many employee visas as your office space can accommodate.
Types of Mainland Licenses.
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues distinct licenses based on your core business activities.
Commercial License
Essential for businesses involved in the trading of goods, retail, wholesale, and import/export. This is the most common mainland license in Dubai.
Professional License
Designed for service providers, consultants, artisans, and professionals who rely on their specialized skills to conduct business.
Industrial License
Required for businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, or industrial production. Often requires a physical warehouse.
Tourism License
Issued to businesses operating within the thriving travel, hospitality, and tourism sectors in the UAE.
Mainland vs. Free Zone
A quick comparison to help you choose the right jurisdiction for your business.
| Key Feature | UAE Mainland | UAE Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Business Scope | Trade locally & internationally | International & within the Free Zone |
| Office Space | Physical office required (Ejari) | Flexi-desks & virtual offices allowed |
| Government Tenders | Eligible to bid | Generally not eligible |
| Visa Quotas | Flexible (based on office size) | Limited based on package/facility |
| Taxation | 9% Corporate Tax, 5% VAT | 0% on imports into Free Zone |
Popular Mainland Hubs.
Unlike freezones, a mainland license allows you to establish your physical office anywhere in Dubai.
Business Bay
The corporate heart of Dubai. Ideal for professional services, consultancies, and corporate headquarters looking for a prestigious central location.
Sheikh Zayed Road
Premium visibility and prestige. The ultimate address for major commercial entities, global brands, and high-end retail.
Al Quoz
The go-to hub for industrial licenses, modern warehouses, logistics, and rapidly growing creative arts spaces.
Deira & Bur Dubai
The historical trading centers of the UAE. Perfect for wholesale, import/export, and traditional trading operations with easy port access.
The 8-Step Setup Process.
A streamlined and transparent journey from conceptualization to fully operational UAE Mainland company.
Business Activity
Identify and select your required economic activities from the DED approved list.
Legal Structure
Determine the most suitable legal form, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Trade Name
Register a unique, compliant business name that reflects your brand and activities.
Initial Approval
Obtain the preliminary green light from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Secure Office Space
Lease your physical office space anywhere in Dubai and register the tenancy with Ejari.
MOA Drafting
Prepare, sign, and notarize the Memorandum of Association between all shareholders.
Licensing & Fees
Submit all final documentation and pay the required fees to receive your Trade License.
Post-Licensing
Open your corporate bank account and begin processing employee and residency visas.
Why Choose Delphi for Mainland?
Navigating the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires specific local knowledge. We manage all external approvals and complex documentation flawlessly.
- Deep DET Expertise & Approvals
- 100% Transparency in Fees
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
