Question 1

What is a mainland company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A mainland company (also called an onshore company) is a business registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. It allows you to trade freely anywhere in the UAE, take government contracts, and operate without geographic restrictions.

Question 2

How much does a mainland company setup cost in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Mainland company setup in Dubai starts from AED 15,000 with AxisOne DC. This typically includes trade license fees, initial approval, MOA drafting, and establishment card. Additional costs may include office space (Ejari), visa processing, and PRO services.

Question 3

Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since the 2020 amendment to the Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can own 100% of mainland companies in over 1,000 business activities without a local sponsor or service agent.

Question 4

What types of trade licenses are available for mainland companies?

Accepted Answer

Dubai mainland offers three main license types: Commercial License (for trading activities), Professional License (for services and consultancy), and Industrial License (for manufacturing). Each license type covers specific business activities approved by the DED.

Question 5

How long does it take to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A mainland company can be set up in 1-3 business days with AxisOne DC. This includes name reservation, initial approval, MOA attestation, and trade license issuance. The process is faster than ever with DED's digital transformation initiatives.

Question 6

Do I need an office to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mainland companies require a physical office address with an Ejari (tenancy contract). Options include full offices, co-working spaces, or flexi-desk arrangements. AxisOne DC can help you find the most cost-effective office solution.

Question 7

What is a DED trade license?

Accepted Answer

A DED (Department of Economic Development) trade license is the official permit to operate a business in Dubai's mainland. It specifies your company's legal name, business activities, shareholders, and office address. It must be renewed annually.

Question 8

Can a mainland company trade in free zones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mainland companies can trade with businesses in free zones and anywhere else in the UAE and internationally. This is a key advantage over free zone companies, which have restrictions on direct UAE mainland trading.

Question 9

How many visas can I get with a mainland company?

Accepted Answer

The number of visas depends on your office space size. Generally, you can obtain 1 visa per 9 square meters of office space. There is no cap on visa allocation for mainland companies, unlike free zones which have fixed visa quotas.

Question 10

What is the difference between an LLC and a sole establishment in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) can have 2-50 shareholders with liability limited to their capital contribution. A sole establishment has one owner with unlimited liability. LLCs are the most popular structure for foreign investors due to limited liability protection and credibility.

Dubai Mainland
Company Formation

Why Choose Dubai Mainland?

Full Market Access

100% Foreign Ownership

Unlimited Visas

Government Contracts

Flexibility

Mainland Company Requirements

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Initial Approval

MOA & Office Lease

Trade License

Visa Processing

Bank Account

Mainland Company FAQs

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Dubai MainlandCompany Formation