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Mainland Company Formation Dubai

A Dubai mainland company (licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism) lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, work with government entities, and operate without free zone restrictions. Insight Advisory handles the full mainland incorporation process - activity classification, DET filing, MOA drafting, Ejari, and visa processing.

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Quick answer

A Dubai mainland company (licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism) lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, work with government entities, and operate without free zone restrictions. Insight Advisory handles the full mainland incorporation process - activity classification, DET filing, MOA drafting, Ejari, and visa processing.

Who this is for

  • Businesses that need to trade directly with UAE mainland clients without a local distributor
  • Companies bidding for Dubai or UAE government contracts
  • Retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses needing a physical commercial presence
  • Professional service providers (consultants, architects, HR firms) serving local UAE clients

What we handle

  • 01Activity classification and DET trade name reservation
  • 02Initial approval from DET and any required external approvals
  • 03Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafting and notarisation
  • 04Ejari registration and tenancy contract liaison
  • 05Local service agent agreement (where required for restricted activities)
  • 06Investor and employee visa processing
  • 07PRO services for all government filings

Mainland companies in Dubai are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Unlike free zone companies, they face no restrictions on where they can trade in the UAE. If your business needs government contracts, local supply chain access, or a walk-in retail or office presence open to the public, a Dubai mainland license is the right structure. The 2021 Commercial Companies Law allows 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional activities.

Process

How it works

  1. 01

    Activity & Ownership Check

    We confirm whether your activity qualifies for 100% foreign ownership or requires a local service agent, and identify any external approval requirements.

  2. 02

    Trade Name & Initial Approval

    We reserve your trade name with DET, obtain initial approval, and prepare the required company documents.

  3. 03

    MOA Drafting & Notarisation

    We draft the Memorandum of Association, translate where required, and oversee notarisation at the Notary Public.

  4. 04

    Office Registration (Ejari)

    We register the tenancy contract with Ejari (required for mainland companies) and submit the final license application.

  5. 05

    License Issuance & Visas

    We collect the DET trade license and immediately begin investor and partner visa applications.

Documents required

  • Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
  • Emirates ID (UAE residents)
  • Passport photographs
  • Proof of residential address
  • Tenancy contract and Ejari registration
  • Business activity description
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
  • Professional certificates (for regulated professional licenses)

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for most commercial and professional activities since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Certain strategic sectors and regulated activities still require a UAE national as a local service agent (not a shareholder). We confirm ownership rules for your specific DET activity classification.
Yes. DET requires a tenancy contract registered with Ejari. Flexi-desk or co-working spaces may be accepted for some professional license categories - we verify what is permissible for your activity before you commit to a lease.
Standard activities: 7–10 working days after Ejari registration. Activities requiring approvals from sector regulators (KHDA, DHA, FSRA, etc.) can take 15–30 working days.
Yes. A mainland UAE company can operate across all emirates without restriction, unlike free zone companies which are limited to their own free zone and international markets.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

  • 01Not checking whether your activity needs approval from a sector regulator before applying for the DET license.
  • 02Choosing a tenancy contract that does not meet the minimum size or zone requirements for the intended activity.
  • 03Skipping the LSA agreement for restricted activities, which can lead to license rejection.
  • 04Underestimating the Ejari registration timeline when planning the overall setup.

Next Step

Tell us about your matter. We’ll respond within one business day.

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Written by Insight Advisory Legal Team · Reviewed by Corporate Advisory Team · Last updated: May 2026

This page provides general information about Dubai mainland company formation and does not constitute legal advice. DET requirements and fees are subject to change. Contact Insight Advisory for current, activity-specific guidance.