What are the benefits of setting up a mainland company in Dubai?

Here is why the Mainland has always been attractive to business: Access to the UAE local market Eligibility for government and semi-government contracts Freedom to choose office locations across the UAE Ability to sponsor an unlimited number of employees No minimum capital requirement for most activities

Expert-led
Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

Unlock full access to the UAE market, government contracts, and flexible commercial opportunities with our Mainland Company Setup in Dubai. Universus Consulting handles every step of your journey, from licensing to launch.

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Advantage

Why Mainland is Ideal for Your UAE Business?

100% Access to Local UAE Market
Eligibility for Government Contracts
Flexibility in Office Location & Business Activities
Visa Eligibility and Expansion Freedom

100% Access to Local UAE Market

No trading restrictions within the UAE, allowing unlimited business with local clients and companies.

Eligibility for Government Contracts

Only mainland companies can bid for lucrative government and semi-government tenders.

Flexibility in Office Location & Business Activities

Choose from a wide range of activities and operate anywhere in Dubai or the UAE.

Visa Eligibility and Expansion Freedom

Sponsor employee visas and expand branches across other emirates as your business grows.

Our Process

How We Help You Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Business Activity Selection

We help you choose the right business activity from the Department of Economic Development (DED) list.

Trade Name Reservation

We will secure a unique, DED-compliant trade name that reflects your brand and business for Dubai.

Initial Paperwork

We handle DED approvals, local sponsor agreements if necessary, and all the other legal formalities.

Office Space Assistance

We provide expert guidance on choosing between physical and virtual office space tailored to your business needs.

License Issuance

Once your mainland business license is issued, we'll assist with immigration cards, visa applications, and bank setup.

What are the Documents Required for Mainland Company Setup

Passport copies of partners and business managers.

Passport-size photographs of partners and business managers.

Proposed trade names for your business.

Attested copies of registration and incorporation certificates, along with the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA).

An original Board Resolution affirming the financial commitment of the branch.

Passport copy of the shareholder(s).

A passport-size photograph of the shareholder(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

A Mainland Company is an onshore entity licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. It allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE and engage with government contracts, unlike Freezone or Offshore companies which have restrictions.

Here is why the Mainland has always been attractive to business:

Access to the UAE local market
Eligibility for government and semi-government contracts
Freedom to choose office locations across the UAE
Ability to sponsor an unlimited number of employees
No minimum capital requirement for most activities

Yes. As per recent changes in UAE commercial law, foreign investors can now own 100% of many types of Mainland businesses without requiring a local sponsor, depending on the nature of the business activity.

Typically, it takes 5–10 working days to complete the mainland company formation process, provided all documents are in order and necessary approvals are received on time.