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United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Dubai Mainland

Emirate of Dubai — Department of Economic Development (DED)

Formation Time
5–7 business days
Min. Capital
No minimum requirement
Corporate Tax
9%
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Dubai Mainland company formation gives you unrestricted access to the entire UAE market and the ability to trade directly with government entities, local businesses, and consumers. Unlike free zone companies, a mainland LLC allows you to conduct business anywhere in the UAE without geographical limitations. Since the 2020 amendment to the Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can hold 100% ownership of mainland companies across most business activities, removing the long-standing requirement for a local Emirati sponsor. Dubai's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, combined with world-class infrastructure and zero personal income tax, makes it one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs worldwide.

100% foreign ownership
0% personal income tax
Trade anywhere in the UAE
137 double tax treaties
Golden Visa eligible

Why Choose Dubai Mainland

1

100% foreign ownership since 2020 — no local sponsor required for most activities

2

Unrestricted trade across the entire UAE — sell to government, businesses, and consumers

3

0% personal income tax and 9% corporate tax (with small business relief up to AED 375,000)

4

137 double taxation agreements protecting your global income

5

Golden Visa eligibility for investors and entrepreneurs (10-year residency)

6

World-class banking infrastructure — local and international banks available

7

Strategic hub connecting 3 continents with 260+ direct flight destinations

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
LLC100%1No minimum (recommended AED 300,000)9% corporate tax; 0% on first AED 375,000Most business activities — trading, services, consulting, retail
Sole Establishment100% (professional activities only)1None9% corporate taxSolo professionals — consultants, freelancers, advisors
Branch Office100%1 (branch manager)None9% corporate taxExisting foreign companies expanding to the UAE market
Civil Company100% (for professional services)2+None9% corporate taxProfessional partnerships — law firms, engineering, architecture

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Initial Trade Name Reservation

1–2 days

We reserve your preferred company name with the DED. The name must comply with UAE naming conventions and cannot contain offensive terms or names of existing registered entities.

2

Activity Selection & Initial Approval

1–2 days

Select your business activities from the DED's approved list. Some activities require additional approvals from regulatory authorities (e.g., MOHAP for healthcare, SCA for financial services).

3

Document Preparation & MOA Drafting

2–3 days

We prepare the Memorandum of Association, shareholder resolutions, and all required corporate documents. Documents are sent to you for review and signature.

4

Office Lease & Ejari Registration

1–3 days

Secure a physical office and register the tenancy contract through Ejari. Office space is mandatory for mainland companies and determines your visa quota.

5

Trade License Issuance

1–2 days

Submit the complete application package to DED. Upon approval, your trade license is issued — the company is now legally registered.

6

Corporate Bank Account Opening

2–4 weeks

We introduce you to our banking partners and prepare the account opening documentation including business plan, projected financials, and KYC documents.

7

Visa Processing

2–3 weeks

Apply for investor/partner visas and employee visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). Includes establishment card, labour card, and Emirates ID.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 12,000 – 25,000
Our Service FeeUSD 5,000 – 15,000
Annual RenewalAED 10,000 – 20,000
Bank Account OpeningUSD 1,500+
Visa (per person)AED 3,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Dubai has a robust banking sector with both local and international banks readily opening accounts for mainland companies. The process has become more streamlined, though banks still conduct thorough due diligence on applicants.

Account Opening Time
2–4 weeks after license issuance
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Emirates NBDMashreq BankRAKBANKADCBWio BankHSBC UAECitibank UAE

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
9% on net profits exceeding AED 375,000
Personal Income Tax
0% — no personal income tax
VAT / Sales Tax
5% standard rate; some supplies zero-rated or exempt
Capital Gains Tax
Included in corporate tax base (9%)
Withholding Tax
0% — no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

Small business relief: companies with revenue under AED 3 million can elect 0% tax. Free zone qualified income taxed at 0%.

Visa & Residency

Investor Visa

2 or 3 years, renewable

For company shareholders. Allows UAE residency and access to all Emirates.

Employee Visa

2 or 3 years, renewable

For employees hired by the company. Number of visas depends on office size.

Golden Visa

10 years

For investors with AED 2M+ investment, entrepreneurs, or specialized talent. Includes family members.

Green Visa

5 years

Self-sponsored residence for skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors.

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 2–3 weeks after company formation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. Since the 2020 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can own 100% of mainland companies across most commercial activities. The previous requirement for a 51% local Emirati sponsor has been removed for the vast majority of business activities.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
Mainland companies can trade freely anywhere in the UAE — with government entities, consumers, and businesses — without restrictions. Free zone companies are limited to operating within their designated zone and international trade unless they appoint a local distributor or obtain a dual license. Mainland companies require a physical office and are regulated by the DED.
Do I need to be present in Dubai to form a company?
No. The entire formation process can be completed remotely. Documents can be signed electronically or via Power of Attorney. However, you will need to visit the UAE for bank account signatory verification with some banks, though several digital banks now offer fully remote onboarding.
How many visas can I get with a mainland company?
The number of visas depends on the size of your office space. As a general rule, you receive approximately 1 visa per 9 square metres of office space. A small office of 100 sq ft can typically support 2-3 visas. Larger offices proportionally allow more.
What is the corporate tax rate in Dubai?
The UAE introduced a 9% federal corporate tax effective June 2023 on net profits exceeding AED 375,000. Small businesses with revenue under AED 3 million can elect for 0% tax under the small business relief scheme. There is no personal income tax.
How long does it take to open a bank account?
Typically 2-4 weeks with traditional banks after your trade license is issued. Digital banks like Wio Bank can open accounts within days. The timeline depends on the completeness of your documentation and the bank's internal compliance review process.
What business activities can a mainland company perform?
Mainland companies can perform virtually any legal commercial, professional, or industrial activity. Activities are selected from the DED's approved list during registration. Some activities (healthcare, financial services, education) require additional regulatory approvals.
Can I convert a free zone company to mainland?
Yes. The process involves deregistering from the free zone and re-registering with the DED. Incorp International can manage this conversion process, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.