Mainland Company Formation (DED)

Navigate the requirements of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to set up your mainland company in Dubai. Enjoy complete market access, tax advantages, and full control over your business.

1. Overview & DED Mainland Structure

Establishing a mainland company in Dubai or the wider UAE provides complete access to the local economy and international trading markets. Registered under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), mainland companies are the preferred choice for retail, trade, manufacturing, and professional services that require unrestricted operation across the country.

Unrestricted trade across all UAE markets
100% foreign ownership options
Flexible corporate structure setup
Eligibility for government tenders

2. Selecting the Right Legal Structure

Finding the right legal format is critical for operational ease and shareholder protection. Depending on your business activity, you can establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Sole Establishment, or a Civil Company. Each structure carries specific requirements regarding capital, ownership, and manager responsibilities.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Sole Establishment formations
Civil Company for partnerships
Defined liability and shares

3. Trade Licensing & DET Processes

Obtaining your trade license from the DET involves a series of clear administrative steps, beginning with trade name approval and initial approval. Navigating these steps efficiently prevents costly delays and guarantees that your memorandum of association (MOA) and local service agreements are legally sound.

Trade Name Reservation approval
Initial Approval and clearances
Bilingual MOA drafting support
Trade License issuance clearance

4. Office Space, Ejari & Compliance

To complete the mainland registration, a physical address is required, verified via an Ejari certificate. Selecting between virtual offices, dedicated desks, or fully fitted office spaces impacts your quota for residence visas and your ability to open a corporate bank account.

Mandatory Ejari tenancy contract
Physical workspace arrangements
Visa quota allocations by size
Annual licensing compliance checks

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mainland Company in the UAE?

A mainland company is an onshore entity licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in the respective emirate. It is allowed to operate inside the UAE local market and internationally without geographical restrictions.

Do I need a local UAE partner to own a mainland company?

No. Following recent reforms, commercial and industrial companies in the UAE can now be 100% owned by foreign investors, eliminating the previous requirement of a 51% local partner for most activities.

What is the role of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)?

The DET is the government body responsible for regulating and issuing trade licenses, initial approvals, and name approvals for business entities operating on the UAE mainland.

Can a mainland company operate in Free Zones?

Yes. A mainland company can trade freely throughout the UAE, including within free zones, whereas free zone companies are typically restricted to operating inside their respective zone unless they obtain additional permits.

What is a Memorandum of Association (MOA)?

An MOA is a legal document defining the company's structure, ownership shares, capital, management, and operating rules. It must be drafted in dual English and Arabic and notarized before DED license issuance.

How long does it take to establish a mainland company?

The setup timeline typically ranges between 3 to 7 working days, depending on how quickly name approvals, initial clearances, MOA notarizations, and lease registrations are processed.

What are the minimum office space requirements for mainland setup?

The DET requires a physical office space for a mainland trade license. The standard minimum size is 200 square feet, which enables the allocation of visa quotas for staff. Some activities allow virtual office packages (Instant License) for the first year.

Are mainland companies subject to Corporate Tax in the UAE?

Yes. Mainland companies are subject to the federal corporate tax rate of 9% on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. Under current thresholds, taxable income below this amount is taxed at 0%.

Can I open a corporate bank account with a mainland license?

Yes. Mainland trade licenses are highly recognized by UAE local and international banks, making the compliance and KYC process for opening corporate bank accounts straightforward compared to other jurisdictions.

What is an Ejari and why is it mandatory?

Ejari is Dubai's electronic system for registering lease and rental contracts. DET requires a valid Ejari certificate to verify the physical address of the business before issuing or renewing a mainland trade license.