Are You Planning for Dubai Mainland Company Formation? Well, expanding your business to an international market is a major and exciting milestone. Company formation in Dubai mainland offers entrepreneurs access to one of the most dynamic and business-friendly environments in the world. At Enterslice, we assist you at every stage of Dubai mainland company formation, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant setup process.
Our expert team guides you through the complete Dubai mainland company formation process, including regulatory requirements, eligibility criteria, documentation, licensing, procedures, advantages, and post-incorporation compliances, making the entire journey simple and stress-free.
Several factors make Dubai an ideal destination for cheapest company formation in Dubai Mainland, such as world-class infrastructure, strategic location, investor-friendly regulations, favourable tax policies, stable governance, and the availability of 100% foreign ownership for most business activities.
No Currency Restrictions
No Major Capital Requirements
High Degree of Freedom
Over 1000 Licensable Activities
LLC (Preferred Entity for Foreign Nationals)
Networking Opportunities
Secure your venture and build a strong, legally recognized presence in the UAE's dynamic market through LLC company formation in Dubai Mainland.
The different types of Dubai mainland company formation are as follows:
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a profit-oriented business structure with up to 50 shareholders. It is a preferred choice for expatriates and foreign investors setting up in the UAE mainland. It is one of the most widely chosen structures for Dubai mainland company formation.
Traditionally, a foreign investor must partner with a UAE national holding at least 51% share capital, while profit-sharing can be agreed flexibly, and the local partner may also receive a fixed annual fee. Alternatively, foreign investors may opt for a branch of an overseas company, a free zone company, a GCC national-owned company, or a representative office.
A Public Joint Stock Company requires a minimum of ten founding members and must be managed by a Board of Directors comprising three to fifteen members. UAE nationals must form the majority of the board, including the chairman. A PJSC has a distinct share capital structure and is suitable for large-scale commercial enterprises that may raise capital through public offerings.
A Private Joint Stock Company is a corporate entity under the UAE Commercial Companies Law where capital is divided into equal-value shares, and shareholders’ liability is limited to their shareholding. It requires a minimum share capital of AED 5,000,000, at least three shareholders, and 51% UAE national ownership. Unlike a public JSC, its shares cannot be offered to the public. A PrJSC may undertake commercial or industrial activities, but professional services are not permitted.
A Civil Company is established for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, or accountants. Owners may be of any nationality. However, the company must appoint a Local Service Agent, who must be a UAE or GCC national. The agent does not hold equity but assists with regulatory formalities.
A General Partnership is formed when two or more individuals enter into a partnership agreement where all partners share joint and several liability for the company’s debts and obligations. This means each partner’s personal assets may be used to settle business liabilities. In the UAE, only UAE nationals are permitted to act as partners in a general partnership.
As per the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai, a limited partnership requires at least two partners, one general partner with unlimited liability and one limited partner whose liability is limited to their capital contribution. The firm may open multiple branches under the same license, and any changes to the Memorandum of Association require the unanimous consent of all partners.
A Local Company Branch is an extension of an existing UAE-licensed company. It allows the parent company to expand its operations within the UAE.
The branch must operate within approved zoning regulations, and its permitted activities must align with those stated on the parent company’s license. Confirmation of allowable activities can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development based on the emirate where the branch is established.
A Foreign Company Branch in Dubai is a legally registered extension of a foreign parent company. It does not have a separate legal identity and operates under the same business activities as its parent entity. The branch functions as a direct continuation of the foreign company in the UAE.
A Sole Establishment, also known as a Sole Proprietorship, is a Dubai mainland business owned and managed by a single individual. The trade license is issued in the owner’s name, and the individual bears full responsibility for the business’s liabilities.
A Holding Company does not engage in manufacturing or operational activities. Instead, it focuses on owning shares and managing subsidiary companies. This structure allows investors to benefit from Dubai’s favourable tax regime while safeguarding foreign assets and investments.
The list of benefits of Dubai mainland company formation is as follows:
Dubai is strategically positioned between the East and the West, offering businesses easy access to major markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. As a global gateway, Dubai Mainland companies benefit from seamless international connectivity supported by world-class air, sea, and land transport infrastructure.
Unlike free zone companies, mainland companies in Dubai face no restrictions on where they can trade within the UAE or who they can do business with, including local and international markets. While free zone companies are restricted to doing business within their specific free zone and with international markets, unless they use a local distributor.
The economy of Dubai is not limited to only oil but also other sectors like real estate, construction, tourism, hospitality, technology and finance. However, the mainland companies in Dubai can operate in almost every sector, thus giving business owners a wide array of opportunities for diversification and growth.
The mainland Dubai company can also participate in bidding for and secure lucrative government contracts, an opportunity which is not available to free zone businesses. Such contracts can be significant, especially in sectors like infrastructure development, health care and education. It is one of the merits of Dubai mainland company formation.
Recent amendments now allow 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies in many sectors. Earlier, mainland companies outside free zones were required to have at least 51% ownership held by a UAE national. This change makes it easier for foreign investors to establish and fully control their businesses in the UAE mainland.
Dubai has a reputation for its ease of doing business with a smooth regulatory environment that is conducive to starting and growing a company. While the government keep on working and improving business laws to attract foreign investments. It is one of the significant benefits of Dubai mainland company formation.
Dubai follows a federal corporate tax regime effective from June 2023. Mainland companies are subject to 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000, while profits up to this threshold are taxed at 0%, making Dubai a low-tax yet business-friendly jurisdiction.
Mainland companies in Dubai can apply for an unlimited number of visas, depending on the office space size and nature of the business. This adds more advantage for businesses that require a large workforce.
Dubai also offers robust banking facilities that are beneficial for business operations, supporting both local and international banking requirements. Compared to other mainland companies, it has easy access to corporate bank accounts and loans.
Businesses operating in the mainland Dubai gain vast networking opportunities with other global businesses and access to a large pool of potential clients and partners. It is one of the key benefits of Dubai mainland company formation.
The step-by-step procedure for offshore company formation in Dubai mainland is as follows:
Identify the type of business you want to operate: commercial, industrial, professional, tourism, agricultural, or occupational. Consider market trends, competition, and regulatory requirements to make an informed choice.
Choosing the right legal structure is crucial for ownership, liability, and compliance. Options include General or Limited Partnerships with shared or limited liability, LLCs requiring a UAE partner, Joint Stock Companies (PJSC/PrJSC) with UAE majority ownership, Civil Companies for professional services, Local or Foreign Company Branches for expansions, Sole Establishments for single owners, and Holding Companies to manage other businesses. Picking the right form aligns your business goals with legal requirements.
Apply for a trade name through the Dubai Economic Department (DED). Include the legal form (e.g., LLC, EST). However, Trade name certificates are renewable.
Obtain initial approval from DED and, for foreign investors, from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA). Certain business activities may need additional sector-specific approvals.
Obtain approvals from regulatory authorities based on your business activity. Depending on the sector, you may need clearance from Dubai Municipality for construction, healthcare, or food services; Dubai Civil Defence for fire safety or hazardous operations; and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for clinics and pharmacies. The Dubai Economic Department (DED) ensures overall compliance. Securing these approvals is essential for legally and safely operating a Dubai mainland company.
In the absence of any objections, the Ministry of Economy issues a trademark registration certificate granting ownership and legal safeguards to the holder, detailing the registration number, filing date, company and owner’s name.
Prepare MOA (Memorandum of Association) outlining shareholder details, capital, and business objectives (mandatory for LLCs, PJSCs).
Obtain a tenancy contract and Ejari registration as proof of office space for setting up the company in the mainland Dubai.
Submit all documents to DED for final approval and license issuance. After this, your Dubai mainland company can legally operate.
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai generally takes around 1 to 2 months, depending on the nature of the business and regulatory requirements. The timeline for Dubai mainland company formation may vary based on factors such as the chosen business activity, legal structure, number of shareholders, office location, and the need for external approvals.
Identifying the business activity and selecting the appropriate legal form based on ownership, liability, and compliance requirements.
It takes around 10 to 12 weeks to successfully file and make submission of the completed trademark registration application to the Ministry of Economy.
Applying for and obtaining approval of the trade name from the Dubai Economic Department (DED).
Securing initial approval from DED and other relevant authorities, depending on the business activity.
Additional approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defence, or DHA, based on the sector.
Finalizing office space, submitting required documents, paying fees, and obtaining the mainland trade license.
The list of documents needed for a Dubai Mainland Company formation is as follows:
MoA, Articles of Association, office lease, and landlord NOC
Trade name registration certificate
Copies of directors’ and shareholders’ passports and visas
Company application form
Address proof of directors and shareholders
DED approval
Payment proof for initial approval, trade license, and fees
Company stamp
Bank reference letters for shareholders
Share capital deposit in a UAE bank
Board resolution appointing directors and authorizing formation
Statement of Good Standing (if shareholder is an existing business)
The list of top industries for company formation in Dubai mainland is as follows:
Imports and Exports
Product Distribution
Foreign Company Representation
General Trading
Raw Material Processing
Consulting
Architectural & Design Services
Software Development & IT Support
Hotels & Accommodation
Restaurants & Cafes
Healthcare
Real Estate
Media & Advertising
The list of compliances for Dubai Mainland Company Formation is as follows:

Build your billion-dollar business empire across the UAE without restrictions with Dubai mainland company formation.
Looking for the cheapest offshore company formation in mainland in Dubai or the cheapest company formation in Dubai mainland? Enterslice provides reliable and cost-effective company formation services in Dubai mainland with expert guidance. Here’s why you should choose us:
Dubai mainland company formation offers strategic access to global markets, no trade restrictions, and operations across diverse sectors. Companies can bid for government contracts, enjoy 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, benefit from low corporate tax, sponsor multiple visas, access robust banking, and leverage extensive networking opportunities.
Dubai mainland companies come in various forms to suit different business
needs. LLCs allow up to 50 shareholders, usually with a UAE partner
holding 51%. PJSCs (Public Joint Stock Company) and PrJSCs are for
larger enterprises, with UAE-majority ownership, though PrJSC shares
aren’t public. Civil Companies serve professionals with a local service
agent.
General and Limited Partnerships differ in liability structure.
Local and Foreign Branches extend existing companies, Sole
Establishments are owned by one individual, and Holding Companies manage
subsidiaries without operational activities.
For Dubai Mainland Company formation, essential documents include the MoA and Articles of Association, office lease with landlord NOC, trade name certificate, copies of directors’ and shareholders’ passports and visas, company application form, and address proof. Additionally, DED approval, payment receipts for fees, company stamp, bank reference letters, share capital deposit proof, board resolution, and, if applicable, a Statement of Good Standing are required.
A mainland company formation in Dubai means a business setup in the onshore region, registered after approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Registering a mainland company in Dubai involves multiple procedures, detailed documentation, and approvals from various authorities to obtain the required license. Our business setup services simplify this process by managing end-to-end compliance and formalities on your behalf. With strong affiliations and working relationships with Dubai government departments and related entities, we help expedite approvals, reduce delays, and ensure a smooth and hassle-free company formation experience.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a profit-oriented business structure with up to 50 shareholders and is commonly used for Dubai mainland company formation. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most activities, subject to DED approval, while certain regulated sectors may still require a local partner or service agent. LLCs offer flexible profit-sharing arrangements, and alternative structures include a foreign branch, free zone company, GCC-owned business, or a representative office.
It takes around one to two months to set up a mainland company in Dubai. However, some of the factors that can affect the timeline are office location, number of shareholders, etc.
Yes, a business setup in mainland company can operate without a sponsor in Dubai, thus allowing 100% foreign ownership.
There are no restrictions on the number of visas for a mainland business setup, as it can issue unlimited visas; therefore, an unlimited number of foreign employees can be hired.
Yes, you can open a company in Mainland Dubai without physically visiting government offices. Enterslice assists with Dubai Mainland company formation through a fully online process, allowing you to complete the required procedures conveniently from your location.
-- Testimonials
“Enterslice handled my entire Dubai company registration process. They explained each step clearly and kept me updated throughout. I appreciated how organized and responsive their team was. It saved me a lot of time and helped me focus on planning my business operations in Dubai”
Verified Customer
“I reached out to Enterslice for setting up my business in Dubai, and they took care of everything from documentation to approvals. The process was well-managed, and they stayed in touch regularly. I was able to get my license and start quickly without confusion.”
Verified Customer
“I chose Enterslice based on a recommendation, and I’m glad I did. They explained all the company formation options in detail and helped me pick the right setup. Their process was structured and professional, and I always knew what stage we were at.”
Verified Customer
“The team at Enterslice guided me through the entire Dubai business setup process. They were clear about the requirements, timelines, and costs right from the beginning. I liked how they handled all the coordination with local authorities while I focused on my business planning.”
Verified Customer
“Excellent customer support and clear communication throughout the company formation process. I highly recommend Enterslice.”
Verified Customer
“Enterslice made my company registration in Dubai extremely smooth. Their team explained every step clearly and handled all the paperwork without any delays. I really appreciated their professionalism and quick responses. A very reliable service!”
Verified Customer
“I had a great experience with Enterslice for my Dubai business setup. They guided me through the entire process and took care of all the documentation. Their team is knowledgeable and always available to assist. Highly satisfied with their service!”
Verified Customer
“Enterslice provided excellent support throughout my company registration in Dubai. They made the process simple and stress-free with their expertise and timely updates. I would definitely recommend them to anyone starting a business here.”
Verified Customer
“Enterslice provided excellent support throughout my company registration in Dubai. They made the process simple and stress-free with their expertise and timely updates. I would definitely recommend them to anyone starting a business here.”
Verified Customer
“My experience with Enterslice was outstanding. They took care of the entire Dubai company registration process and provided clear guidance at each stage. Their customer service is top-notch, and the whole process was completed without any hassle.”
Verified Customer
Stay updated with all the latest legal updates.
Just enter your email address and subscribe for free!