Commercial license
FromAED 12,500Buying, selling and trading physical goods.
- Retail & wholesale
- Trading
- Real-estate brokerage
- E-commerce
- Foodstuff & FMCG
- Automotive & spare parts
Structures: LLC, Sole Establishment
Dubai Mainland · DET license · 100% ownership
Dubai Mainland company formation To operate across the UAE.
A Dubai Mainland license gives you the flexibility to operate throughout the UAE, establish office or retail premises, employ staff, and bid for government contracts. From the initial consultation through to incorporation, your Dedicated Senior advisor will guide you through every stage, including activity selection, licensing, Ejari registration, residency visas, and corporate banking. Clear, transparent pricing and trusted advice for entrepreneurs since 2013.
- 100% foreign ownership on most activities
- Trade UAE-wide and win government contracts
- Unlimited visa quota, scales with your office
- License, Ejari, visas and bank, one advisor
No obligation. You conclude the consultation knowing whether Mainland or Free Zone is appropriate, with a written recommendation.
- 15+Years in UAE
- 1,500+Companies Registered
- 45+Free Zones covered
- 4.8★85+ Google reviews
100%
Foreign ownership
Why Mainland
Key benefits of a Mainland license compared to a Free Zone.
Following the foreign ownership reforms, many of the historical restrictions associated with Mainland companies have been removed. For businesses operating within the UAE, a Mainland license now offers distinct commercial and operational advantages.
100% foreign ownership
Since the June 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform, most commercial and professional activities allow full foreign ownership on the Dubai Mainland. No Emirati shareholder, no 51/49 split. A short list of strategic activities still needs a local partner, and we flag yours before you commit.
Trade anywhere in the UAE
A DET license is not fenced into a Free Zone. You can open a shop, sign UAE clients, invoice the Mainland directly and open branches in any emirate, with no local distributor and no dual license required.
Bid on government contracts
Mainland companies can register on federal and Dubai-government procurement portals and bid for public-sector tenders, a revenue channel that free-zone entities cannot access directly.
Unlimited visa quota
There is no fixed visa cap. Your allocation scales with your Ejari office size (roughly one visa per 9 sqm), so a Mainland company can keep hiring and sponsoring staff and family as it grows.
DET license types
Three Mainland licenses. Yours depends on your activity.
Every Dubai Mainland company is built on one of three DET license categories. If you Choose thewrong one, you cannot legally bill for what you do.
Professional license
FromAED 9,000Services, consulting and specialised skills.
- Management & marketing consultancy
- IT & software services
- Engineering consultancy
- Accounting & legal consultancy
- Design & creative
- Education & training
Structures: LLC, Civil Company, Sole Establishment
Industrial license
FromAED 15,000Manufacturing, processing and assembly.
- Light manufacturing
- Food processing
- Packaging & fabrication
- Assembly & production
Structures: LLC, plus Municipality, Civil Defence & sector approvals
Legal structures
Five legal structures for a Dubai Mainland company.
The legal structure you choose determines liability and licensing requirements. While most entrepreneurs opt for a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the most suitable structure will depend on your business activity, ownership arrangement, and whether you are establishing a new entity, a partnership, or a branch of an existing company.
LLC
The default. 1 to 50 shareholders, limited liability, 100% foreign ownership on most activities. Suits trading and most commercial setups.
Sole Establishment
A single professional owner trading under their own license. Full personal liability, and some expat setups appoint a Local Service Agent who holds no equity.
Civil Company
A partnership of recognised professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers and consultants, with 100% foreign ownership of the practice.
Branch of a company
An extension of a foreign or UAE parent carrying the same activity. No separate share capital, and the parent stays liable.
Representative office
Marketing and liaison only. It promotes the parent's products but cannot trade or invoice inside the UAE.
Mainland vs Free Zone
When the Mainland company is the right choice ?
Both Mainland and Free Zone companies are good options. Mainland is usually the better choice if you want to sell directly in the UAE, hire staff without restrictions, or work with government entities. Free Zones are often preferred for lower costs and greater flexibility. Compare the key differences below.
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% on most activities | 100%, always | Even |
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE plus abroad | In-zone / abroad; UAE via a distributor | Mainland win |
| Office | Physical office plus Ejari required | Flexi-desk / virtual desk accepted | Free Zone win |
| Visa quota | Unlimited, scales with office size | Capped by package (about 1 to 12) | Mainland win |
| Government contracts | Can register and bid | Not directly | Mainland win |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375k profit | 0% on qualifying income (QFZP) | Free Zone win |
| Annual audit | Mandatory | Mandatory | Even |
| Setup cost from | About AED 18,500 all-in | About AED 4,888 | Free Zone win |
| Best for | Local market, retail, F&B, contracting, gov suppliers | Global services, E-commerce, holdings, 0% tax | Even |
Figures are indicative 2026 starting points and vary with activity, structure, office and visa count. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, while qualifying free-zone income can remain at 0%.
Is Mainland right for you?
Eight businesses that belong on the Mainland.
If your customers, premises or contracts sit inside the UAE, the Mainland is almost always the cleaner structure. If you recognise your business below, you are likely a Mainland case.
Retail shops & showrooms
Storefronts in malls or on the high street need a DET commercial license and an Ejari tenancy.
Restaurants & cafes
F&B outlets serving the public are Mainland activities, with Food Control and Municipality approvals.
Clinics & healthcare
Doctors, dental, aesthetic and allied-health clinics license on the Mainland under DHA.
Contracting & construction
Building, MEP and fit-out contractors operate UAE-wide on a Mainland license.
Transport & logistics
Land transport, delivery and moving companies need a Mainland license plus RTA permits.
Local trading & distribution
Selling goods directly to UAE retailers and businesses across the Emirates.
Professional services to UAE clients
Consultancies billing UAE-based clients without routing through a distributor.
Government suppliers
Vendors bidding for federal or Dubai-government tenders and framework agreements.
Transparent cost
What a Dubai Mainland company actually costs.
No hidden costs. No rough estimates. UAE Mainland setup costs are made up of multiple government and service fees, and we have detailed every component for complete transparency.
DET initial approval
Approval to proceed with the chosen activity and structure.
AED 120 to 500
Trade-name reservation
Reserve and approve your company name with DET.
AED 620 to 720
Trade license fee
Varies by license type and activity. Professional is lower than commercial.
AED 9,000 to 28,000
MOA drafting & notarisation
Memorandum of Association, or Local Service Agent agreement where required.
AED 1,000 to 2,000
Office & Ejari
Flexi-desk to fitted office. Mandatory for a Mainland license.
from AED 12,000 / yr
Immigration establishment card
Opens your visa file so you can sponsor staff and family.
AED 1,200 to 2,000
Residency visa (per person)
Entry permit, status change, medical, then Emirates ID.
AED 3,500 to 5,000
Realistic all-in, from
about AED 18,500
License, initial approvals, a compliant flexi-desk with Ejari and one residency visa. Scales with office size, visa count and activity.
Talk to an advisor
One call, the right structure, one fixed-price quote.
Book a 30-minute strategy call. We confirm Mainland vs Free Zone for your activity, map your license and structure, and send a line-item quote within 24 h.
The process
From first call to trade license in about a week.
One senior advisor runs the whole DET path: activity and structure, initial approval, MOA, office and Ejari, license, then visas and banking.
- 01
Day 0
Free 30-minute consultation
We map your activity, ownership, structure and budget, and confirm whether Mainland or Free Zone is the cleaner fit. You leave with a written recommendation.
- 02
Day 1
Activity, structure & trade name
We select your DET activity codes, the legal form (LLC, Civil Company, Sole Establishment) and reserve your trade name.
- 03
Day 2 to 3
Initial approval & MOA
DET issues the initial approval. We draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association, or the LSA agreement where your activity needs one.
- 04
Day 3 to 5
Office & Ejari
We secure a compliant office, from flexi-desk to fitted space, and register the tenancy (Ejari), which is mandatory for every Mainland license.
- 05
Day 5 to 7
Trade License approval
Final documents go to DET and your Dubai Mainland trade license is issued. You are now legally trading.
- 06
Day 7 to 25
Establishment card, visas & bank
Immigration establishment card, residency visas and Emirates ID for you and your team, then a pre-vetted corporate bank account.
Why FZM Solutions
Strategic advisory and ongoing support.
From the initial consultation, you will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor responsible for assessing your objectives, identifying the most suitable jurisdiction, managing the incorporation process, and overseeing all related regulatory and administrative procedures. The same advisor will continue to support you on an ongoing basis as your business grows and evolves.
- 01
Dedicated Senior Advisor
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- 02
Simple & fast process
One senior advisor from license to bank account.
- 03
Free advice
A consultation to confirm Mainland or Free Zone for your activity, with no obligation.
- 04
Multilingual
Our advisors speak English, Arabic, French, Urdu and Hindi, all in-house.
- 05
Since 2013
We have helped 1,500+ business owners set up in the UAE since 2013.
- 06
Meet us in JLT
Office 1908, Jumeirah Bay X2. Drop in, or book a video call online.
- 07
Mainland & Free Zone
We set up both structures, so the recommendation is not tied to a single product.
- 08
Supporting services
Visa, banking, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and PRO.
Meet us in person
Come and meet us in JLT, in person.
Office 1908, 19th floor, Jumeirah Bay X2, Cluster X, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Walk-ins welcome, or call us first to make sure your advisor is in the building.
Keep exploring
Six routes onward, straight to what you need.
Free Zone alternative
Prefer 0% tax and no office lease? Compare 45+ UAE Free Zones for your activity.
Cost calculator
Free, no signup. Get an indicative all-in price band in under 60 seconds.
UAE residency visa
Entry permit, status change, medical, then Emirates ID, step by step.
PRO services
Document attestation, government typing, NOCs and renewals, handled in-house.
Accounting, VAT & tax
Mandatory Mainland audit, VAT filing and corporate-tax registration.
Business license guide
Which UAE license fits your activity: commercial, professional or industrial.
Mainland FAQ
Mainland questions, answered straight.
Do I still need a local sponsor for a Dubai Mainland company?
For most commercial and professional activities, no. The June 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform allows 100% foreign ownership on the Dubai Mainland, so a 51% Emirati shareholder is no longer required. A limited list of strategic activities, and certain professional structures, still needs a UAE national as a Local Service Agent: a paid agent with no equity in the company. We confirm exactly where your activity sits before you commit.
How much does a Dubai Mainland license cost in 2026?
A professional license starts around AED 9,000 and a commercial license around AED 12,500 for the DET fee alone. All-in, including initial approval, trade name, MOA notarisation, a compliant office with Ejari and one residency visa, a realistic starting point is roughly AED 18,500, scaling with your office size, visa count and activity. We issue a fixed-price, line-item quote within 24 hours so there are no mid-process surprises.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Mainland company?
Yes, for the large majority of activities. Full foreign ownership applies at incorporation, on renewal and on transfer. The exceptions are a small set of activities of strategic importance, which may require a UAE national partner. We screen your specific activity list against the current DET ownership rules.
Do I need a physical office for a Mainland company?
Yes. Unlike many Free Zones, a Dubai Mainland license requires a real office with a registered tenancy (Ejari). The smallest compliant option is usually a flexi-desk, scaling up to a fitted office as you hire. Your visa quota is tied to the office area, roughly one visa per 9 sqm.
How long does Mainland company formation take?
The trade license itself is typically issued in 3 to 7 working days once your documents and office are in place. Residency visas and Emirates ID follow over the next 1 to 3 weeks, and a corporate bank account in 2 to 6 weeks depending on the bank and activity. End to end, most clients are fully operational with a working IBAN inside 30 to 45 days.
Mainland or Free Zone, which should I choose?
Choose Mainland if you sell to the UAE market directly (a shop, restaurant, clinic, contractor), need unlimited visas, or want to bid for government contracts. Choose a Free Zone if you serve international or online clients, want 0% corporate tax under QFZP, and prefer a low-cost flexi-desk setup. We map this trade-off during the initial consultation, and we set up both, so the advice is impartial.
Can a Mainland company bid for government contracts?
Yes. Mainland companies can register on federal and Dubai-government procurement portals and bid for public-sector tenders and framework agreements. This is a key advantage over free-zone entities, which cannot contract with government bodies directly.
What corporate tax does a Mainland company pay?
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and profit below that threshold is taxed at 0%. Personal income tax remains 0%. Mainland companies must keep proper books and file an annual audit. We register you for corporate tax and handle the bookkeeping if you would like.
How many visas can a Mainland company get?
There is no fixed cap. The quota scales with your registered office area, approximately one visa per 9 sqm. A flexi-desk usually supports a handful of visas, while a larger fitted office supports many more. This makes Mainland the natural choice for businesses that plan to hire at scale.
Can I convert a free-zone company to Mainland later?
In most cases yes. You can establish a Mainland entity or branch and migrate the operation, keeping your brand and banking relationships. Some Entrepreneurs deliberately start in a Free Zone to test the market, then move to the Mainland once local demand grows. We plan the transition so contracts and visas carry over cleanly.
Other questions? Book a 30-minute call and ask them directly.
From the blog
Background reading, written by the same advisors.
Mainland vs Free Zone: which is better for business setup in Dubai?
Ownership, market access, office rules, visas, tax and cost, in a side-by-side breakdown to help you choose the right structure.
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Read the articleDocument clearing services in Dubai: a complete guide
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GoogleReviews
4.8
85+ Reviews
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.