How to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai: Steps, Documents and Costs (2026)
Short answer: To register a mainland company in Dubai, apply to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), online through the Invest in Dubai platform or at a service centre. The steps are:
- Choose your business activity and legal form.
- Reserve a trade name and get initial approval.
- Prepare and sign the Memorandum of Association (for an LLC).
- Lease an office and register the lease on Ejari.
- Get any external approvals your activity needs.
- Pay the fees and collect your trade licence.
- Then arrange visas, a bank account and tax registration.
Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership. You can also buy an existing mainland company on BusinessFinder.me. Our guide to starting a business in Dubai while working in a company covers this in more detail.
What is a mainland company in Dubai?
A mainland (onshore) company is licensed by DET rather than by a free zone authority. It can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, open shops and offices across Dubai, and bid for government contracts. That makes it the usual choice for retail, restaurants, services to UAE customers and contracting. Related reading: business in Dubai.
Which legal forms are available on the mainland?
| Legal form | Who it suits | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Sole establishment | One owner | The owner is personally liable for the business |
| Limited liability company (LLC) | One or more shareholders | Liability limited to share capital. The most common form |
| Civil company | Professional partners | Used for some professional services |
| Branch of a foreign or UAE company | Existing companies expanding to Dubai | The parent company is responsible |
| Public or private joint stock company | Larger businesses | Higher capital and governance requirements |
Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership under the amended UAE Commercial Companies Law. Some activities with strategic impact still have special conditions.
What are the steps to register a mainland company?
- Choose the activity: select activities from DET’s list. They decide which approvals you need.
- Choose the legal form and decide the shareholders and manager.
- Reserve a trade name: it must follow UAE naming rules (no offensive terms, no names of authorities, and correct use of the legal form).
- Get initial approval from DET, which confirms the government has no objection to you doing business.
- Draft the Memorandum of Association for LLCs, and sign it as required (often notarised).
- Lease premises: sign a lease for an office or shop and register it on Ejari. Some activities allow business centres or shared offices.
- External approvals: for example, Dubai Municipality for food and beauty, DHA for healthcare, KHDA for education, the Dubai Sports Council for gyms, or RTA for transport.
- Pay the fees and receive the trade licence.
- After licensing: establishment card, investor and staff visas, Emirates IDs, a corporate bank account, and registration for corporate tax (and VAT if required) with the Federal Tax Authority.
Start your application on Invest in Dubai, DET’s official business set-up platform. Learn how to start a business in Dubai.
What documents are usually needed?
- Passport copies of shareholders and the manager
- Visa or entry stamp copies, or Emirates IDs for residents
- An NOC from your current sponsor, if required for UAE residents
- The trade name reservation and initial approval
- The Memorandum of Association (LLC)
- The Ejari-registered lease
- External approvals for regulated activities
- For branches or corporate shareholders: attested parent company documents
How much does it cost to register a mainland company?
Costs depend on the activity, legal form and premises. The main items are:
- trade name and initial approval fees
- licence fees and market fees linked to rent
- MoA notarisation
- office rent and Ejari
- external approval fees
- establishment card, and visa and Emirates ID costs
Get a current fee estimate through Invest in Dubai, since fees change.
How long does registration take?
Simple activities with ready premises can be licensed quickly, sometimes within days. Activities that need external approvals, fit-out or inspections take longer. Visas and bank accounts usually take extra time after the licence is issued.
Mainland or free zone: which is right?
Choose the mainland if you will sell directly to UAE customers, open shops, or work on government projects. Choose a free zone for international trading, consulting or e-commerce businesses that don’t need a mainland presence. Read our UAE free zones guide and how to start a business in the UAE as a foreigner.
What ongoing obligations does a mainland company have?
- Renew the trade licence every year (see how to renew a trade licence in Dubai)
- Keep the lease and Ejari valid
- Keep accounting records, file corporate tax returns, and VAT returns if registered
- Comply with labour law, WPS salary payments and visa renewals
- Update DET with any change in activities, shareholders or address
Can I buy an existing mainland company instead?
Yes. Buying a company with an active licence can save setup time, and may include premises, staff and customers. Check the licence, liabilities, bank and tax status before you buy. Browse businesses for sale and read how to buy a business in Dubai.
Key takeaways
- Mainland companies are licensed by DET and can trade anywhere in the UAE.
- The steps run: activity, legal form, trade name, initial approval, MoA, lease, approvals, licence.
- Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership.
- After licensing, arrange visas, banking and tax registration.
- Buying an existing company is a faster alternative.
Related guides
- Ajman Free Zone: Steps to Start Your Business There
- Offshore Company in the UAE: 6 Things to Know About Data Privacy, Tax and Compliance
- How to Start a Freight and Cargo Business in Dubai
- How to Get a VAT Certificate in UAE: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who registers mainland companies in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), through the Invest in Dubai platform and service centres.
Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes, for most activities under the amended UAE Commercial Companies Law. Some strategic activities have conditions.
Do I need an office to register a mainland company?
Yes. You need a lease registered on Ejari. Some activities allow business centres or shared offices.
How long does mainland registration take?
Simple activities can be licensed quickly. Activities needing external approvals or fit-out take longer.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE. A free zone company mainly trades within its zone and internationally.
Last updated: 21 October 2026
