Starting a Dubai mainland company has become one of the most powerful business moves for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and global brands entering the UAE. Since the introduction of 100% foreign ownership in Dubai mainland, the rules of business setup have changed completely. What once required a UAE national holding 51% of shares can now be done with full foreign control, no local sponsor, and complete profit repatriation—as long as your activity is eligible.
This 2026 guide explains how to start a Dubai mainland company with 100% foreign ownership, step by step. It covers eligibility, legal reforms, costs, timelines, compliance, visas, banking, and common mistakes. Everything is written in clear, practical language, based on how the system works today, not outdated assumptions.
What Is a Dubai Mainland Company?
A Dubai mainland company is a business entity licensed to operate anywhere in the UAE without geographic restrictions. Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can trade directly with local customers, government entities, and private companies across all emirates.
Who issues a Dubai mainland license
Mainland licenses are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism, commonly referred to as DET (formerly DED). This authority regulates business activities, trade names, approvals, and licensing for onshore companies in Dubai.
What a mainland company allows you to do
With a Dubai mainland trade license, you can:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE
- Trade locally and internationally
- Bid for government contracts
- Open branches across the UAE
- Hire unlimited staff (subject to office size)
- Work without currency restrictions
For growth-focused businesses, this flexibility is unmatched.
What Changed: 100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai Mainland
The biggest shift in UAE business law is the removal of mandatory local sponsorship for most activities.
Legal reforms that enabled full ownership
The change was driven by updates to:
- UAE Commercial Companies Law
- Cabinet Decisions on foreign direct investment
- Economic reform policies aligned with UAE Vision
As a result, 100% foreign ownership in Dubai mainland is now permitted for most commercial, industrial, and professional activities.
What this means for foreign investors
You can now:
- Own 100% of your mainland company
- Control management and decision-making
- Keep 100% of profits
- Avoid side agreements or nominee structures
This applies equally to individuals, startups, SMEs, and multinational companies.
Who Is Eligible for 100% Foreign Ownership?
Not every activity qualifies, but most do.
Common activities eligible for full ownership
As of 2026, DET Dubai has approved 1,000+ activities for full foreign ownership. Popular examples include:
- Management consultancy
- IT and software services
- E-commerce and online trading
- Marketing and advertising
- Logistics and freight services
- General trading
- Manufacturing and industrial activities
- Interior fit-out and construction services
If your activity is regulated (for example, legal, medical, or education), additional approvals may apply but ownership can still be 100% foreign.
What if your activity is restricted?
A small number of strategic activities still require a UAE national service agent. This agent:
- Holds no shares
- Has no profit rights
- Acts only as a government liaison
For most investors, this is now the exception, not the rule.
Why Choose Dubai Mainland Over Free Zone in 2026
Many investors ask whether a mainland or free zone is better. The answer depends on goals.
Advantages of Dubai mainland business setup
A Dubai mainland company setup offers:
- Unlimited UAE market access
- Eligibility for government projects
- No restrictions on office location
- Freedom to open branches
- Greater credibility with banks and clients
If you plan to sell locally, scale fast, or build a long-term UAE presence, mainland is usually the right choice.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Dubai Mainland Company
Setting up a Dubai mainland company with 100% foreign ownership follows a clear process.
Step 1: Choose the right business activity
Everything starts with activity selection. Your trade license must match what you actually do.
Choosing the wrong activity can:
- Delay approvals
- Block bank account opening
- Create compliance issues later
Always confirm activity eligibility with DET Dubai before proceeding.
Step 2: Select the legal structure
The most common structures are:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company) – preferred for most businesses
- Sole Establishment – for individual professionals
- Civil Company – for licensed professionals
- Branch Office – for foreign companies expanding to Dubai
In 2026, most investors choose LLC with 100% foreign ownership.
Step 3: Trade name registration
Your trade name must:
- Be unique
- Match your activity
- Avoid restricted or sensitive terms
The name is reserved through DET and approved before moving forward.
Step 4: Initial approval from DET
Initial approval confirms that DET Dubai has no objection to your business setup.
You usually submit:
- Passport copies
- Activity selection
- Trade name reservation
This is not the final license, but it allows you to proceed.
Step 5: Draft and notarize the MOA
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) defines:
- Ownership structure
- Shareholding (100% foreign)
- Management authority
For mainland companies, the MOA must be:
- Drafted in Arabic (English copy allowed)
- Notarized by a Dubai public notary
Step 6: Lease office space and register Ejari
A physical office is mandatory.
You must:
- Lease a commercial space
- Register the lease through Ejari
- Submit the Ejari certificate with your application
Desk spaces or flexi-desks may work for some activities, but not all.
Step 7: Final submission and fee payment
Submit all documents to DET Dubai, including:
- Initial approval
- Trade name certificate
- MOA
- Ejari
- Passport copies
Pay the required government fees.
Step 8: Receive your Dubai mainland license
Once approved, you receive your Dubai mainland trade license.
You can now:
-
- Start operations
- Apply for visas
- Sign contracts
Documents Required for Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Typical documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Passport-size photographs
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval certificate
- Notarized MOA
- Ejari lease contract
- NOC (if shareholder is on UAE employment visa)
Cost of Starting a Dubai Mainland Company in 2026
Costs vary based on activity and office choice.
Estimated setup costs
- Trade license: AED 10,000 – 15,000
- Office lease (Ejari): AED 12,000 – 30,000
- MOA drafting and notarization: AED 2,000 – 4,000
- Name reservation and approvals: AED 1,000 – 1,500
Total estimated cost: AED 25,000 – 50,000
Dubai Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
| Market access | Full UAE | Limited | Outside UAE |
| Ownership | 100% (eligible) | 100% | 100% |
| Office required | Yes | Optional | No |
| Government contracts | Yes | No | No |
| Visas | Yes | Yes | No |
Corporate Bank Account Opening
A Dubai mainland license makes banking easier.
Common bank requirements
Banks usually ask for:
- Trade license
- MOA
- Ejari
- Shareholder passports
- Business plan
Popular banks include Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and HSBC.
Visa Options for Mainland Companies
A mainland company allows:
- Investor visa for owners
- Employment visas for staff
- Family sponsorship
Visa quotas depend on office size and activity.
Compliance and Renewal Obligations
Running a mainland company comes with responsibilities.
Annual requirements
You must:
- Renew trade license yearly
- Renew Ejari
- Maintain accounting records
- File corporate tax returns (if applicable)
- Submit ESR notifications if required
Failure to comply can result in fines or blacklisting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors:
- Choosing the wrong activity
- Renting office space before approval
- Using outdated ownership assumptions
- Delaying renewals
- Working with unlicensed consultants
Why Dubai Mainland Is Ideal for Long-Term Growth
A Dubai mainland company with 100% foreign ownership is ideal if you:
- Want UAE-wide access
- Plan to scale and hire
- Target government or large corporate clients
- Need flexibility and credibility
Dubai’s regulatory environment continues to improve, making mainland setup one of the strongest options in the GCC.
Conclusion
Starting a Dubai mainland company in 2026 with 100% foreign ownership is no longer complex or risky; it is structured, transparent, and investor-friendly. With the removal of mandatory local sponsorship for most activities, foreign entrepreneurs now enjoy full control, legal protection, and access to the entire UAE market.
The process requires careful planning, correct activity selection, and full compliance with DET Dubai regulations. When done right, Company Formation in Dubai Mainland offers unmatched flexibility and long-term growth potential in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.
FAQs
Can I own 100% of a Dubai mainland company in 2026?
Yes. Most business activities allow full foreign ownership with no local sponsor.
Do I still need a UAE partner or service agent?
Only for a limited number of regulated activities, and the agent has no ownership rights.
How long does mainland company setup take?
Usually 5–10 working days, depending on approvals and documentation.
Is a physical office mandatory?
Yes. An Ejari-registered office is required for mainland licenses.
Can I convert a free zone company to mainland?
Yes, but it involves license cancellation and re-registration.
