Why Choose Mainland Dubai for Your Business Setup?

100% Foreign Ownership
Unrestricted Operations
Strategic Location
A Mainland company can now operate with 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local Emirati partner in most sectors.
A Mainland company setup permits you to trade anywhere in the UAE and expand into GCC markets without geographical limitations.
Dubai’s globally connected infrastructure provides seamless access to regional and international markets via land, sea, and air.
No Visa Quota
Tax Exemptions
Eligible for Government Contracts
Companies can hire based on actual office space and operational requirements, enabling flexible workforce growth.
Zero personal income tax and corporate tax relief (up to USD 100,000) for eligible SMEs to support cost-efficient business scaling.
Mainland companies can bid for UAE government and semi-government projects, creating high-value opportunities.
100% Foreign Ownership
A Mainland company can now operate with 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a local Emirati partner in most sectors.
Unrestricted Operations
A Mainland company setup permits you to trade anywhere in the UAE and expand into GCC markets without geographical limitations.
Strategic Location
Dubai’s globally connected infrastructure provides seamless access to regional and international markets via land, sea, and air.
No Visa Quota
Companies can hire based on actual office space and operational requirements, enabling flexible workforce growth.
Tax Exemptions
Zero personal income tax and corporate tax relief (up to USD 100,000) for eligible SMEs to support cost-efficient business scaling.
Eligible for Government Contracts
Mainland companies can bid for UAE government and semi-government projects, creating high-value opportunities.

Free Zone vs Mainland Company Setup

Features
Mainland Company
Free Zone Company
Ideal For
Local trading and services
International business, startups, and holding companies
Market Access
Can operate anywhere in the UAE and trade directly with the local market
Operations primarily within the Free Zone and international markets
Government Contracts
Eligible to work with UAE government contracts
Not eligible for direct government contracts
Office Location
No restriction on office location across the UAE
Office must be within the chosen Free Zone
Business Activities
Wider business activity flexibility across sectors
Activities limited to those approved by the Free Zone
Regulatory Authority
Subject to standard UAE corporate regulations
Free Zone-specific regulations and authority

Benefits of Setting Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Types of Mainland Licences in Dubai

  • Commercial Licence : Spans across import, export, and product distribution. Most suitable for businesses dealing in physical goods.
  • General Trading License (Commercial Category): A type of commercial license that enables trading across multiple product categories under a single, unified license.
  • Industrial License (Commercial Category): Spans across installation, assembly, packaging, and other light manufacturing activities. Suitable for businesses that need warehousing or production facilities.
  • Professional License: For individuals or companies offering services like marketing or other consulting activities. Focuses on skill-based, non-trade-related activities.
  • Special Activity License: Required for regulated sectors like finance, education, healthcare, and other industries needing additional DET approvals.

Mainland Business Setup Process

  • Step 1: Select Business Activity & Legal Structure
    1. To begin with Mainland company formation in Dubai, the first step is to define your business activity and choose the right legal structure.
  • Step 2: Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval
    1. Submit your trade name and business activity for DET’s initial approval.
  • Step 3: Prepare Documentation & Draft MOA
    1. Provide shareholder documents and complete the MOA with authorised signatories.
  • Step 4: Office Space Leasing & Ejari Registration
    1. Lease your office space and complete Ejari registration, a mandatory step for Mainland business setup and trade license approval. 
  • Step 5: Mainland Trade Licence Issuance
    1. Mainland Trade License Issuance: Receive your DET trade license once all your company formation documents have been verified. 
  • Step 6: Visa Processing & Labour Registration
    1. Register with immigration/MOHRE and apply for shareholder and employee visas.
  • Step 7: Corporate Bank Account Opening
    1. Open a corporate bank account to activate all financial operations upon completion of Mainland business setup. 

Documentation & Requirements for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

Documents for Individual Shareholders / Directors / UBOs

Identity & KYC Documents

  • Clear passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
  • UAE entry stamp or residence visa copy (if applicable)
  • CV / personal profile outlining professional background (often required for mainland approvals)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement issued within the last 3 months)
  • Recent passport size photograph (white background preferred)
  • Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
  • Source of funds / source of wealth declaration
  • Completed KYC & business activity form as required by DED and relevant authorities

Documents for Corporate Shareholders

Corporate Registration & Legal Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation / Trade Licence of the parent company
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association / Company Constitution
  • Board Resolution approving the formation of the UAE mainland company and appointing an authorised signatory
  • Certificate of Good Standing (issued within the last 6–12 months, subject to jurisdiction)
  • Register of Directors
  • Register of Shareholders
  • Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration identifying all UBOs

Authorised Representative Documents

  • Passport copy of the authorised signatory
  • Proof of residential address (not older than 3 months)
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID copy (if the signatory is a UAE resident)

Why 10XMHUB

10XMHub is your trusted partner through every stage of Mainland company setup in Dubai, right from licensing to compliance. If you are setting up a business in the Mainland, we help you stay on track with additional services like accounting and bookkeeping, corporate tax and VAT consultancy, so you can focus on growing your business and leave the rest to us. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help you?

FAQs for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

A Mainland company setup in Dubai refers to the process whereby a business license is issued by the DET, allowing you to operate in the UAE without any barriers. 

A Mainland business setup in Dubai offers full market access and the ability to bid for government and semi-government contracts. 

Most business activities on the Mainland now allow 100% ownership, so you can start a business in the UAE without a local sponsor. 

Yes, foreign investors can fully own a mainland company in Dubai for most business activities, subject to DET approvals. 

Typically, an LLC is a Mainland company structure, though similar limited liability structures also exist within certain Free Zones.

Meet Our Happy Clients

Trusted by global entrepreneurs who built their UAE success with 10XMHub.

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Aiesha A profile picture
Aiesha A
10 days ago
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Felt happy working with the team for our Vat filing. Team with great expertise in tax compliance. I highly recommend 10xm hub for tax compliance.
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Mohamed Aqib
10 days ago
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Great experience working with swati and apoorva for our corporate bank account. Corporate account was a nightmare for us. Swati and team helped us. Highly recommend to everyone for banking and corporate service.
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Mohamed Sohail
53 days ago
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I had a great experience with 10XM Hub for my business setup. The team was professional, responsive, and guided me through the process clearly from start to finish. They made the setup process smooth and straightforward, with good support whenever I had questions. I would definitely recommend 10XM Hub to anyone looking for reliable assistance with business setup.
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Emmanuel Ojo
201 days ago
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I had a great experience working with 10XMHub in Dubai. Their team provided clear guidance throughout the entire business setup process and made everything much easier to understand. They were responsive, professional, and handled the paperwork efficiently. What stood out most was their attention to detail and willingness to answer all my questions. I highly recommend 10XMHub to anyone looking for reliable business consultancy services in Dubai.
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indegohub
216 days ago
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I had a great experience working with Ivonne at Meydan Free Zone. The process was smooth, professional, and very well organized. Ivonne was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process. They guided me clearly at every step and made everything simple and stress-free. I truly appreciate their professionalism and dedication to providing excellent service. I would highly recommend Ivonne to anyone looking for reliable assistance at Meydan Free Zone.
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Vick Hush
251 days ago
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They simplified the entire visa process for us. 10XMHub took care of everything — documentation, approvals, Emirates ID — and even helped us understand our golden visa eligibility. Couldn’t ask for a smoother experience. Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai seemed daunting until 10XMHub stepped in. They coordinated all documentation, appointments, and bank requirements — it was smooth with almost no effort from our side. I was overseas during most of the process, but thanks to 10XMHub’s power of attorney handling, everything was completed without me being in the UAE. Excellent remote support! Clear guidance on wills and estate planning in the UAE — something I was unsure about. The team walked me through step by step, and the online process was easy and transparent.
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Dolores Lancelot
273 days ago
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Dear Team, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent service you provided. Your professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail made the entire experience smooth and pleasant. From start to finish, the experience exceeded my expectations. Your team was professional, courteous, and very attentive to my needs. The quality of service and the willingness to go the extra mile truly stood out. Thank you for the outstanding service. I will gladly recommend your company to others. Thanks & Regards, Dolores.
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Saurabh Malhotra
293 days ago
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Best one stop solution for all corporate needs in Uae!!
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Elena
295 days ago
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The best service I ever received in Dubai. Everything was done super quick and smooth. Swati was always in touch and extremely responsive throughout the entire process and even afterwards. Definitely recommend to everyone who values their time and money!
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Deep narayan Choudhary
295 days ago
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I am really thankful for 10xM group for helping me in setting my venture.I would appreciate Swati mam for helping me throughout with regular updates by being very professional and knowledgeable.The process was smooth and stress free. Highly recommended for anyone looking to start their own business with proper guidance. Thankyou .
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Ministry of Economy (Federal) Dubai
Jabel Ali Port
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai
Government Authority UAE
Fedreral Tax Authority
DUBAI TOURISM
Emirates Identity Authority & Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
Dubai Municipality
Dubai Customs
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Department of Economic Development (DED) – Dubai

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