Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Set up a mainland company in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership and full UAE market access. Transparent pricing.
A Dubai mainland company gives you what no freezone or offshore structure can: unrestricted access to the entire UAE market. Sell directly to UAE customers, open branches across all seven emirates, bid on government contracts, and sponsor unlimited visas as you grow. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership applies to most activities with no local sponsor required.
Trivup handles your complete mainland company setup, from structure selection and DET licensing to office registration, visas, and corporate bank account opening, with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
What Is a Mainland Company in Dubai?
A mainland company is a business licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), operating under UAE federal commercial law with no geographic trading restrictions. For retail businesses, restaurants, contractors, and any business selling to UAE-based customers, a mainland license is the only structure that legally permits direct local market operations.
Mainland vs Freezone at a Glance
| Feature | Mainland | Freezone |
|---|---|---|
| Trade with UAE customers | Yes, unrestricted | No (distributor or dual license needed) |
| Government contracts | Yes | No |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes (most activities) | Yes |
| Visa quota | Unlimited (grows with office size) | Fixed per office type |
| Annual audit | Mandatory | Varies by freezone |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 0% on qualifying income |
If your business serves international clients rather than the UAE market, compare Trivup’s DMCC company formation and offshore company formation options.
Undecided between mainland and freezone? Get a direct recommendation from a Trivup consultant, free.
Key Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in UAE
📞 Ready to set up your mainland company? Call Trivup on +971585673887 or book your free consultation.
Mainland Company Structures and Licenses
Trivup confirms the right structure and license for your activity before any application is submitted.
Legal Structures
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): the most common choice for foreign investors, with 1 to 50 shareholders and full liability protection. See Trivup’s dedicated LLC company formation in Dubai page for the complete breakdown.
- Sole Establishment: single-owner setup for professional activities, simple but with unlimited personal liability.
- Civil Company: for licensed professional partnerships such as doctors, engineers, and accountants.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: operates under your existing brand, no separate legal entity.
License Types
| License | Annual Fee From | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Professional (Service) | AED 7,000 | Consulting, IT, marketing, professional services |
| Commercial (Trading) | AED 10,000 | Trading, retail, import/export, distribution |
| Industrial | AED 12,000 | Manufacturing, production, processing |
How to Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai: 7 Steps
Trivup manages every stage of the mainland registration process on your behalf. Here is what happens from first contact to a licensed, operational company.
Total timeline: 2 to 4 weeks for the license, plus 10 to 15 working days for visas. Start your mainland company formation today.
Mainland Company Formation Cost in Dubai
Trivup provides a complete, itemized quote before you pay anything. The price quoted is the price you pay.
| Business Type | First-Year Total (Indicative) |
|---|---|
| Professional service, small office, 1 to 2 visas | AED 30,000 to AED 55,000 |
| Commercial trading, small office, 1 to 2 visas | AED 38,000 to AED 65,000 |
| Trading, mid-size office, small team | AED 55,000 to AED 100,000 |
Main cost components: trade license (AED 7,000 to 15,000), office rent (from AED 15,000), MOA notarization, establishment card, Chamber of Commerce membership, E-Channel registration, and visas (AED 3,000 to 6,000 per person).
📞 Get your exact all-inclusive mainland quote. Call Trivup on +971585673887 or request it here.
Documents You Need
- Passport copies for all shareholders (six months’ validity minimum)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of residential address
- Emirates ID and visa copy (existing UAE residents)
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Corporate shareholders additionally provide attested incorporation documents, a board resolution, and UBO details. Trivup provides a complete document checklist specific to your setup after your consultation.
Why Businesses Choose Trivup for Mainland Formation
- Transparent pricing: One all-inclusive invoice before you pay. Nothing added mid-process.
- 100% ownership expertise: Trivup verifies your activity against the current DET positive list from Day 1, avoiding costly amendments later.
- Fast processing: Most formations complete within 2 to 4 weeks of document submission.
- End-to-end service: License, office, Chamber registration, visas, and bank account, all under one point of contact.
- Ongoing support: Trivup manages your annual renewals, audit coordination, and visa renewals after formation.
- Global reach: UAE, USA, and Canada formation under one trusted partner.
Trivup is based at Aspin Commercial Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Start Your Mainland Company Formation in Dubai Today
In one free call with Trivup, you will have the right mainland structure confirmed, 100% foreign ownership eligibility verified, and a complete all-inclusive quote.
