Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?

Yes. Most Dubai mainland companies can now be established with 100% foreign ownership. Certain strategic impact activities may still require UAE national participation depending on the business activity.

What is included in Dubai mainland company formation?

Dubai mainland company formation typically includes activity selection, legal structure setup, trade name reservation, DET initial approval, MOA drafting, office and Ejari registration, external approvals, trade license issuance, chamber registration, visa processing, and bank account assistance.

How much does Dubai mainland company formation cost?

Dubai mainland company setup costs vary by business activity, office requirement, approvals, and visa count. Typical total setup costs start from around AED 25,000 and can exceed AED 50,000 depending on the structure and industry.

How long does it take to set up a Dubai mainland company?

Simple professional or commercial mainland companies can often be set up within a few working days once all documents are ready. Businesses requiring regulated approvals such as DHA, KHDA, or DTCM may take several weeks depending on the authority.

Dubai Mainland Company Formation - Start Any Business in Dubai

Name: GloboPrime Corporate Services Provider
Price range: $$

Dubai Mainland Company Setup

Dubai mainland company formation allows entrepreneurs and foreign investors to register a business through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and operate anywhere across Dubai and the UAE without geographical restrictions. Mainland companies can trade directly with the UAE market, work with government clients, and access more than 3,000 approved business activities across trading, consultancy, hospitality, technology, logistics, and other industries. Since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most mainland businesses can be established with 100% foreign ownership. GloboPrime Corporate Services manages the entire company formation process, including trade name reservation, DET licensing, office registration, visa processing, and bank account assistance.

Popular Business Activities for Dubai Mainland Formation

DET approves over 3,000 business activities across commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism categories. Below are the most popular industries for Dubai mainland company formation, including the license type, external approvals required, and links to our industry-specific setup guides where available.

General Trading & Import/Export

License type: Commercial. External approvals: None for most trading activities. Some categories (food trading, animal products, chemicals) require Dubai Municipality approval. 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: general trading, electronics trading, building materials trading, auto parts trading, textiles trading, perfume and cosmetics trading, pharmaceutical trading, food trading. Why mainland for trading: A general trading license on the mainland lets you trade any goods without category restrictions, sell directly to the UAE market including government entities, and import/export through any UAE port. Free zone trading licenses are typically limited to specific commodity categories.

Restaurant, Café & Food Business Setup in Dubai

License type: Commercial. External approvals: Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department (mandatory); Civil Defense (fire safety); DTCM (if located in a hotel). 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: restaurant management, café, catering services, food manufacturing, bakery, cloud kitchen, food trading, food delivery service. Key requirements: Commercial kitchen approval, food handler health cards, HACCP compliance, product registration on FIRS/ZAD portal for food imports. Each product must be individually registered before import. Read our complete guide: Food & Beverage Business Setup in UAE

Beauty Salon & Spa Business Setup in Dubai

License type: Professional. External approvals: Dubai Municipality Health and Safety Division; Civil Defense; DHA (if offering medical-grade treatments). 100% foreign ownership: Yes (with Local Service Agent). Activities include: ladies salon, gents salon, unisex salon, spa and wellness centre, nail studio, beauty training centre. Key requirements: Minimum 25–35 sq. metre space, proper ventilation, partitioned treatment areas, staff professional certifications, gender-specific staffing rules for ladies/gents salons. Read our complete guide: Beauty Salon Business Setup in UAE

IT Company, Consultancy & Professional Services

License type: Professional. External approvals: None for most professional services. 100% foreign ownership: Yes (with Local Service Agent: no equity, no management role, no profit share). Activities include: management consultancy, IT services, software development, marketing consultancy, HR consultancy, design services, accounting and bookkeeping, legal consultancy, engineering consultancy, architecture consultancy. Why mainland for consultancy: Professional licenses are typically the fastest and most cost-effective mainland setup. No external approvals for most activities, no minimum office size requirements beyond a flexi-desk, and immediate access to the UAE B2B and government consultancy market.

E-Commerce Business Setup in Dubai

License type: Commercial (online trading) or Professional (digital services). External approvals: None for most e-commerce activities. Food-related e-commerce requires Dubai Municipality. 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: e-commerce, online retail, online trading, marketplace platform, drop shipping, digital marketing services. DET also offers an E-Trader license for home-based online businesses: a lighter-weight option for individuals selling products online through social media or e-commerce platforms. Read our complete guide: Start an E-Commerce Business in UAE

Real Estate Company Formation in Dubai

License type: Commercial (for real estate management, development) or Professional (for brokerage). External approvals: RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) certification is mandatory for brokerage activities. 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: real estate brokerage, property management, real estate development, real estate consultancy, holiday home management. Read our complete guide: Real Estate Business Setup in UAE

Tourism & Travel Agency Setup in Dubai

License type: Tourism. External approvals: DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing): mandatory. Bank guarantee may be required. 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: travel agency, tour operator, inbound tourism, desert safari services, hotel management, event tourism, cruise operations. Read our complete guide: Tourism Business Setup in UAE

Supermarket & Grocery Business Setup in Dubai

License type: Commercial. External approvals: Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department; Civil Defense. 100% foreign ownership: Yes. Activities include: supermarket, grocery store, minimart, hypermarket, organic food trading, wholesale food distribution. Read our complete guide: Supermarket & Grocery Business Setup in UAE

FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) Company Formation

License type: Commercial or Industrial. External approvals: Dubai Municipality (for food/personal care products); Ministry of Industry for manufacturing. Activities include: FMCG trading, distribution, manufacturing, packaging, personal care products. Read our complete guide: FMCG Business Setup in UAE

Freight Forwarding & Logistics Company Setup

License type: Commercial. External approvals: Dubai Maritime City Authority (for sea freight); Dubai Civil Aviation (for air freight). Activities include: freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, supply chain management, courier services, cold storage logistics. Read our complete guide: Freight Forwarding & Logistics Company Setup in UAE

Event Management Company Formation in Dubai

License type: Professional or Tourism (depending on event type). External approvals: DTCM for tourism-related events; Dubai Municipality for public events; Dubai Police for security clearances. Activities include: event management, exhibition organising, wedding planning, conference services, corporate events. Read our complete guide: Event Management Business Setup in UAE

Healthcare, Clinic & Pharmacy Setup in Dubai

License type: Professional. External approvals: Dubai Health Authority (DHA): mandatory for all healthcare activities. Activities include: medical clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy, diagnostic laboratory, physiotherapy centre, optical services, home healthcare, telemedicine. Key requirements: DHA facility license, medical director appointment, staff DHA registration, premises inspection, medical waste disposal contract. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks for DHA approvals.

Education & Training Centre Setup in Dubai

License type: Professional. External approvals: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA): mandatory for all education activities in Dubai. Activities include: training institute, tutoring centre, educational consultancy, language school, computer training, professional development centre.

Construction & Contracting Company Setup in Dubai

License type: Commercial or Professional (depending on scope). External approvals: Dubai Municipality Buildings Department; may require contractor classification from relevant authority. Activities include: building contracting, civil engineering, interior design and fit-out, MEP contracting, project management, construction consultancy.

Manufacturing & Industrial Business Setup in Dubai

License type: Industrial. External approvals: Dubai Municipality; Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Civil Defense; Environmental compliance. Activities include: food manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, packaging, plastic products, metal fabrication, building materials manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing. Key requirements: Industrial premises in designated zones (e.g., Dubai Industrial City, Al Quoz), environmental impact assessment, waste management plan, facility inspection. Industrial licenses typically take 4–8 weeks.

Financial Services & Insurance

License type: Professional or Commercial. External approvals: Central Bank of UAE (for banking, finance, exchange houses); Securities and Commodities Authority (for investment activities); Insurance Authority. Note: Financial services are among the ‘strategic impact’ activities under Cabinet Resolution No. 55 of 2021: 100% foreign ownership may not be available. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is often the preferred structure for financial services.

More Business Activities We Help Set Up in Dubai Mainland

Advertising and marketing agency (Professional license, National Media Council approval for some activities)
Cleaning and maintenance services (Commercial license, Dubai Municipality)
Security services (Commercial license, SIRA approval: strategic impact activity)
Car rental and vehicle leasing (Commercial license, RTA approval)
Interior design and architecture (Professional license)
Photography and videography studio (Professional license)
Printing press and publishing (Commercial license, National Media Council)
Pet shop and veterinary services (Commercial/Professional license, Dubai Municipality)
Laundry and dry cleaning (Commercial license, Dubai Municipality)
Gym and fitness centre (Professional license, Dubai Sports Council)
HR and recruitment agency (Professional license, MOHRE)
Accounting and bookkeeping services (Professional license)
Environmental and waste management (Commercial license, Dubai Municipality)
Automotive repair and maintenance (Commercial license, designated zones)
Gold and jewellery trading (Commercial license, SIRA approval, Dubai Precious Metals & Gems Authority)

Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses

License Type	Scope	External Approvals	Ownership
Commercial	Trading, import/export, retail, e-commerce, distribution	Varies by product category	100% foreign no local partner
Professional	Services, consultancy, IT, design, healthcare, education	DHA, KHDA, RERA etc. for regulated sectors	100% foreign + Local Service Agent (admin only)
Industrial	Manufacturing, processing, production	Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Industry	100% foreign no local partner
Tourism	Travel agency, tour operator, hotel management	DTCM (mandatory)	100% foreign no local partner

Sources: DET; Invest in Dubai portal; DET activity list

Dubai Mainland Company Formation Process Step by Step

Choose your business activity from DET’s list of 3,000+ approved activities. This determines your license type, fees, and whether you need external approvals from authorities like DHA, KHDA, DTCM, or Dubai Municipality.
Select your legal structure LLC (most common), Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch of Foreign Company.
Reserve your trade name through the Invest in Dubai portal. Must comply with UAE naming guidelines and be unique.
Obtain initial approval from DET validating your activity and name selection.
Draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association (MOA) specifying shareholders, capital, profit distribution, and management.
Secure office space and register Ejari. A physical address is mandatory. Flexi-desks and business centre co-working spaces are acceptable for many activities.
Obtain external approvals if your activity requires them (DHA, KHDA, DTCM, Dubai Municipality, RERA, Central Bank, SIRA, etc.).
Submit documents and pay fees to DET. The mainland trade license is issued. License validity: 1 year (annual renewal).
Register with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Open a corporate bank account banks require your trade license, MOA, and shareholder documents.
Register for an Establishment Card with MOHRE, then apply for investor, employee, and family visas through GDRFA.
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Tax rate: 9% on income above AED 375,000. Small Business Relief (under AED 3M revenue) available until 31 December 2026.

Documents Required

Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
Passport-sized photographs
UAE visa or entry stamp (if already in the UAE)
Trade name reservation confirmation
DET initial approval
Notarised Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Ejari-registered tenancy contract
External approval letters (for regulated activities)
NOC from current sponsor (if changing visa status)

Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost

Component	Estimated Range (AED)
Trade name reservation + initial approval	620 – 1,200
DET trade license issuance	5,000 – 15,000+
MOA notarisation	2,000 – 5,000
Ejari registration	200 – 500
Office space (annual)	10,000 – 50,000+
Dubai Chamber membership	1,200 – 3,000
Establishment card (MOHRE)	1,500 – 2,500
Investor/employee visa (per person)	3,000 – 5,000
External approvals (DHA, KHDA, etc.)	Varies by activity
Total estimated range	AED 25,000 – 50,000+

Annual renewal: Typically AED 12,000–20,000 (license fees + Ejari + chamber). One-time fees like initial approval and MOA notarisation are not repeated. Note: Estimates based on 2026 industry ranges. Actual costs depend on activity, office choice, and approvals. GloboPrime Corporate Services provides customized quotes.

100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai Mainland

Since 1 June 2021, the UAE Commercial Companies Law allows foreign investors to own 100% of mainland LLCs for most commercial, professional, and industrial activities. No local partner or shareholder is required. Professional licenses: 100% foreign ownership is permitted, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) a UAE national is required for government liaison. The LSA holds no equity, has no management role, and does not share profits. Strategic impact activities: Under Cabinet Resolution No. 55 of 2021, certain activities (banking, insurance, security services, defence, fisheries) may still require UAE national participation. Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025: Further modernised company structures allowing multiple share classes, simplified M&A, and confirming that any UAE-incorporated company is treated as a national company regardless of shareholder nationality.

Mainland vs Free Zone Which Is Right for Your Business?

Factor	Dubai Mainland	Dubai Free Zone
UAE market access	Unrestricted: trade anywhere in UAE	Limited: needs distributor for mainland
Government contracts	Eligible	Not eligible
Foreign ownership	100% for most activities	100% (always)
Office requirement	Physical office mandatory (Ejari)	Flexi-desk / virtual options in many zones
Visa quota	Flexible, based on office size	Fixed packages per license tier
Operations	Open branches in any emirate	Restricted to free zone jurisdiction
Tax	9% above AED 375K	0% on qualifying income for qualifying entities
Best for	Local trade, restaurants, salons, construction, govt contracts	International trade, tech startups, specific sectors

Why Choose GloboPrime for Dubai Mainland Company Formation

End-to-end: from activity selection to bank account opening one point of contact
We file through the Invest in Dubai portal and coordinate directly with DET
Industry expertise: we’ve set up trading companies, restaurants, salons, IT firms, logistics operations, and more
External approval management: DHA, KHDA, DTCM, Dubai Municipality, RERA, Civil Defense
Office solutions: Ejari-compliant offices, flexi-desks, co-working spaces
Visa processing: investor, employee, and family visas through MOHRE and GDRFA
Bank account opening assistance with UAE and international banks
Corporate tax registration and FTA compliance guidance
Transparent pricing: government fees + service fee, no hidden charges

Start Your Dubai Mainland Company Formation with GloboPrime Corporate Services

GloboPrime Corporate Services provides complete support for Dubai mainland company formation, including DET trade license registration, company setup, visa services, and PRO assistance. Contact our experts to start your mainland business in Dubai quickly and smoothly.