Dubai Mainland Company Setup (DET)
Set up a Dubai mainland company with a DET licence and work directly with the UAE local market. We help foreign founders choose the right legal structure, get approvals and start operating in Dubai with confidence.
- Legal structure & activity matched to your business plan
- Mainland licence from DET with clear timeline and cost
- Support with office, bank account and visas
- End-to-end advisory for foreign owners in Dubai
Why work with INLEX for Dubai mainland company setup?
INLEX is a UAE-based advisory firm focused on foreign founders. We combine practical experience with Dubai mainland (DET) regulations, corporate tax and banking, so you don't have to coordinate multiple providers. One team guides you from choosing the right legal structure to opening a bank account and staying compliant.
Specialised in foreign-owned companies
We focus on investors and entrepreneurs who set up their first business in Dubai and need clear guidance in plain language.
Deep understanding of Dubai mainland & DET
We work with mainland (DET) structures daily and know how licensing, activities and office requirements affect your setup.
One team for setup, tax, banking and compliance
Company formation, corporate tax, VAT, accounting and bank account opening are coordinated by one advisory team, not split across different firms.
Trusted Partners & Authorities
We work directly with government authorities and leading banks
What is Dubai mainland and how is it different from a free zone?
Dubai mainland is the "onshore" part of the UAE economy regulated by Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET). A mainland company can trade directly with the local UAE market and work with government clients, but it also has its own licensing and office requirements. Free zones, on the other other hand, are separate jurisdictions with their own rules and incentives. Learn more on our UAE Free Zones overview.
Dubai Mainland (DET) in a nutshell
- Onshore jurisdiction regulated by Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET).
- Allows you to work directly with the UAE local market and government entities.
- Best suited for retail, hospitality, clinics, logistics, contracting and other on-the-ground operations in Dubai.
Free Zones in a nutshell
- Separate jurisdictions with their own authorities and rules.
- Often focused on international business, holding structures and export-oriented activities.
- Best suited for online businesses, trading hubs, holding companies and service providers with limited on-the-ground presence.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | Dubai Mainland (DET) | Free Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | In many activities 100% foreign ownership is possible, for some regulated sectors local participation may still be required. | Usually 100% foreign ownership as standard. |
| Working with UAE local market | Can invoice and contract directly with UAE customers and government entities. | Depending on the zone, may need a local distributor/agent to serve the mainland market. |
| Office requirements | Physical office or flexi-desk in Dubai typically required; office size can affect the number of visas. | Flexi-desk options are common; requirements vary by free zone. |
| Regulatory authority | Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) and related Dubai government authorities. | Individual free zone authorities with their own regulations and processes. |
| Best for | Businesses that rely on the Dubai local market, face-to-face services, government contracts and tenders. | International trading, holding structures, online services and companies with clients mainly outside the UAE. |
Not sure whether Dubai mainland or a free zone is the better fit for your business model? Our advisory team can map your activities, target markets and budget, and recommend the most suitable route. If you are still comparing options, check our free zone setup guide.
Compare Dubai mainland and free zones with an expertWho is Dubai mainland best suited for?
Dubai mainland is typically chosen by businesses that rely on the local UAE market, face-to-face services and government or large corporate clients. If your main goal is to operate "on the ground" in Dubai rather than only run an online or holding structure, mainland is often the more suitable route. Typical profiles range from tourism and hospitality projects to firms that use hubs like DIFC or DMCC as part of a wider Dubai strategy.
Retail shops & showrooms
Stores, boutiques, showrooms and concept stores that need a physical presence in Dubai malls, high streets or retail districts.
Restaurants, cafes & hospitality
Food & beverage concepts, hotels, serviced apartments and other hospitality projects that serve customers directly in Dubai.
Clinics, beauty & wellness
Medical clinics, dental practices, aesthetic centres, spas and wellness studios that require local licensing and on-site operations.
Logistics, trading & contracting
Trading companies, logistics providers, contractors and suppliers that work with UAE-based clients, warehouses and project sites.
Professional & consulting services
Legal, tax, IT, marketing, management consulting and other advisory businesses that sign contracts with UAE clients and need a mainland presence.
Hybrid online + offline businesses
E-commerce and service businesses that combine online sales with local warehouses, pick-up points or in-person service delivery in Dubai.
If your business model relies on local UAE customers, tenders or on-the-ground operations in Dubai, a mainland setup is often preferable to a pure free zone structure.
Check if Dubai mainland fits your businessLegal structures available for Dubai mainland companies
Before you apply for a DET mainland licence in Dubai, you need to choose the right legal structure. It affects ownership, liability, how you sign contracts and what is required from you as a shareholder or director. Below are the most common structures used by foreign founders in Dubai mainland.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most common structure for Dubai mainland businesses. Suitable for trading, services and many commercial activities. Provides limited liability for shareholders and can now, in many sectors, be owned 100% by foreign investors.
Sole Establishment
A structure where the licence is issued in the name of a single individual. Often used for professional and consultancy activities. The owner bears full liability, so it needs careful consideration from a legal and tax perspective.
Civil Company
A partnership-style structure for certain professional activities (for example, consulting, medical or engineering practices). Partners share profits and responsibilities under a civil agreement.
Branch of a foreign company
Allows an existing foreign company to operate in Dubai mainland under the same legal identity. The branch can sign contracts and invoice clients in the UAE, while the parent company remains fully liable.
Representative office
Used mainly for marketing and liaison functions. A representative office cannot conduct full commercial activities or generate revenue but helps to build presence and explore the market.
100% foreign ownership and when a local partner is still required
In many Dubai mainland activities, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed, especially for service and consultancy businesses. However, some regulated sectors and strategic activities may still require local participation or specific approvals.
Our team reviews your planned activities, checks DET regulations and tells you clearly whether a local partner or service agent is needed, and how it can be structured in practice.
Not sure which legal structure is right for your Dubai mainland company? Share your business model and we will recommend the most suitable option from a legal, tax and banking perspective.
Discuss your Dubai mainland legal structureLicence types for companies in Dubai
Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) issues different types of mainland licences depending on your activities. Choosing the right licence type is crucial for what you are allowed to do, how you are taxed and how banks look at your business. Below are the main licence categories foreign founders typically work with in Dubai mainland.
Commercial mainland licence
Used for trading activities, importing and exporting goods, wholesale and retail. Suitable for businesses that buy and sell products in the UAE or internationally from Dubai.
Professional mainland licence
Designed for service-oriented and consultancy businesses: IT, marketing, legal, tax, management consulting and similar professions. Often combined with structures such as Sole Establishment, Civil Company or LLC.
Industrial mainland licence
Required for manufacturing and industrial activities, including factories, light manufacturing and processing. Typically involves additional approvals and specific requirements for premises and equipment.
Ecommerce & online services licence
Suitable for businesses that sell products or services online while still having a presence and clients in Dubai. Often combined with warehousing, fulfilment or pick-up points in the mainland.
Tourism and hospitality licences
Used for travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and other tourism-related projects operating under Dubai mainland regulations.
Matching your activities to the right DET licence
DET maintains a detailed list of activities that can be placed under each licence type. The same business model can sometimes be structured under different activity combinations, which affects compliance, tax and banking perception.
We map your planned activities against the DET activity list and propose combinations that allow you to operate legally, minimise unnecessary approvals and make future changes easier to manage.
Send us your draft list of activities or a short description of what you plan to do in Dubai, and we will suggest suitable mainland licence options.
Review my Dubai mainland activitiesCosts & packages for Dubai mainland company setup
The total cost of a Dubai mainland company depends on your activities, number of visas and office arrangements. To give you a realistic starting point, we outline typical package ranges below. Final pricing is confirmed after we review your specific case and DET requirements.
Starter – Single-owner service business
For consultants and small professional service providers with a basic office solution and limited visas.
- Mainland licence under DET for a single-owner service business
- Basic office or flexi-desk solution in Dubai
- Initial approvals and documentation with DET
- Basic tax and compliance briefing
- Support with first bank account application
Growth – Multi-partner or trading company
For trading companies or multi-partner structures that need more visas and a larger office.
- Mainland licence for trading or multi-partner structure
- Office solution aligned with required number of visas
- Support with customs/registration where applicable
- Tax and VAT registration where required
- Bank account opening support with multiple banks
Custom – Regulated or complex structure
For regulated sectors, group structures or projects requiring additional approvals and tailored support.
- Structuring session with senior advisor
- Review of regulated activities and special approvals
- Coordination with legal, tax and banking partners
- Project management until the licence and bank account are in place
*The above ranges are indicative only and exclude certain government fees, deposits and third-party costs. Exact pricing depends on your activities, number of visas, office size and any special approvals required by DET.
How we calculate your Dubai mainland setup cost
For Dubai, we base the estimate on your planned activities, any links to hubs such as DIFC or DMCC, your visa needs and the kind of office you want – from shared space to a visible presence in a key business district.
We then factor in DET fees, immigration charges and realistic running costs, so you can compare a Dubai mainland setup with relevant free zones and decide whether you want to anchor your operations directly in the city.
Want to see what a Dubai mainland setup would cost for your specific business model?
Request a detailed Dubai mainland cost estimateVisa options when you set up in Dubai
One of the key reasons to choose a Dubai mainland company is the ability to sponsor visas for owners, employees and family members. The number and type of visas you can obtain depends on your licence, office and business model. Here is a practical breakdown of the main visa options linked to a Dubai mainland setup.
Investor / partner visa
Issued to shareholders and partners of the Dubai mainland company. Provides residency in the UAE linked to your ownership in the business and can be structured for long-term planning.
Employment visas
Used for employees you hire into your Dubai mainland company. The number of employment visas typically depends on your office size, licence and activity.
Family visas
Once you hold a valid investor or employment visa, you may be able to sponsor residency for your spouse, children and in some cases other family members, subject to UAE rules.
Special and long-term visas
In certain cases, business owners and key professionals may be eligible for longer-term residency categories such as Golden Visa, depending on investment level and profile.
How your office and licence affect the number of visas
For Dubai mainland companies, the number of visas is often linked to your office solution and the activities on your DET licence. A small flexi-desk may allow only a limited number of visas, while larger offices can support a bigger team.
We help you plan the right combination of office, licence and staffing so that you have enough visa capacity for owners, key staff and future hires without overcommitting on office costs from day one.
How many visas can my Dubai mainland company obtain?
It depends on your activities, office size and sometimes your business plan. We can estimate a realistic range once we know how many people you plan to have in the UAE and what type of office you are considering.
Do I need to be physically present in Dubai for the visa process?
At certain stages, such as medical tests and biometrics, personal presence in the UAE is required. We coordinate the sequence of steps so that your time on the ground is used efficiently.
Can I move existing visas from a free zone or employer to my new mainland company?
In many cases, visas can be cancelled and re-issued under your new mainland company, but the process and timing depend on your current status. We review your situation and propose a transition plan.
Planning to relocate yourself, key staff or family members to Dubai through a mainland company?
Plan my Dubai mainland visa strategyOffice and substance requirements for your Dubai mainland company
For Dubai mainland companies, your office solution is more than just a place to sit. It affects how many visas you can obtain, how banks view your business and whether you meet substance expectations for tax and compliance. Here is a practical breakdown of office options and what they mean in real life.
Flexi-desk and coworking
A cost-effective option often used at the start. Provides a registered address and basic facilities, but may limit the number of visas depending on the provider and DET rules.
Serviced office
Fully fitted office in a business centre with reception, meeting rooms and utilities included. Good for small and mid-sized teams that need a professional presence without managing their own fit-out.
Dedicated office and warehouse
Standalone office or warehouse facilities for trading, logistics, contracting and operations-heavy businesses. Often required when storing goods, running workshops or managing larger teams.
Hybrid setups
A mix of flexi-desk, office and storage or fulfilment solutions tailored to your business model and budget.
How office size and category link to visa capacity
In Dubai mainland, the number of visas your company can obtain is often tied to your office size and category. A minimal flexi-desk may allow only a small number of visas, while larger offices can support more staff.
We align your office choice with your hiring plan, so you don't overpay for space you don't need, but still have enough visa capacity for founders, key employees and future growth.
Substance, banking and tax considerations
Banks and tax authorities increasingly look at your real presence in the UAE: office, staff, management and level of local activity. A well-structured Dubai mainland setup with appropriate office and substance can make bank account opening smoother and support your UAE corporate tax position.
During the setup phase, we flag substance issues early and propose practical solutions, so your office, staffing and governance support your long-term plans rather than just ticking a box for the licence.
Not sure what type of office you really need for your Dubai mainland company and how it will affect visas and banking?
Plan my Dubai mainland office and substanceHow to set up a Dubai mainland company step by step
Setting up a Dubai mainland company is not just a single form to fill in. It is a sequence of approvals, documents and decisions that need to be made in the right order. The outline below shows a typical step-by-step process we follow with foreign founders when working with Dubai mainland (DET).
Initial consultation and planning
We review your business model, target markets and team, then confirm whether Dubai mainland is the right route and which legal structure and licence type make sense.
Activities, legal structure and licence mapping
We match your planned activities to DET activity lists, agree the legal structure (LLC, Sole Establishment, etc.) and outline the expected government fees and timelines.
Trade name reservation and initial approvals
We reserve your company name with DET, prepare initial approval applications and coordinate any required no-objection letters or extra clearances.
Office solution and key documents
We help you secure the right office solution (flexi-desk, serviced or dedicated office) and prepare documents such as MOA, lease agreement/Ejari and corporate documents for shareholders.
Mainland licence issuance by DET
Once approvals and documents are in place, DET issues your Dubai mainland licence and your company becomes legally established in Dubai.
Immigration setup and visas
We arrange establishment card and immigration file, then guide you through investor and employment visa steps — entry permits, medicals, biometrics and Emirates ID.
Bank account opening and ongoing compliance
We prepare your bank file, coordinate meetings with shortlisted banks and outline your ongoing obligations for corporate tax, VAT, accounting and reporting.
Typical timeline for a Dubai mainland setup
For a straightforward Dubai mainland service or trading company, the core setup can often be completed in 3-6 weeks once documents are in order. Timings depend on your activities, approvals, office solution and banking profile. We highlight possible bottlenecks early so you can plan travel and commitments around the process.
What we usually need from you at the start
- Basic description of your business model and activities
- Information about shareholders and directors (passports, residency status)
- Your visa and relocation plans (who needs residency and when)
- Your expectations for banking (preferred currencies, transaction volumes)
- Any existing structures in other countries that the Dubai entity will interact with
Want to see how this process would look for your specific Dubai mainland project and how long it might take in your case?
Get a personalised Dubai mainland setup roadmapOngoing compliance and tax for your Dubai mainland company
Setting up a Dubai mainland company is only the first step. To keep your business in good standing and bank accounts running smoothly, you need to stay on top of corporate tax, VAT, accounting and reporting obligations in the UAE. For a deeper explanation see our Corporate Tax & Accounting guidance. Here is a practical breakdown of the key ongoing requirements most Dubai mainland companies face.
UAE corporate tax (9%) – who is affected?
The UAE has introduced a federal corporate tax, generally at 9% on business profits above a certain threshold. Many Dubai mainland companies now fall within the scope of corporate tax, especially if they generate profits from activities in the UAE.
Some businesses may still benefit from exemptions or different treatment depending on their size, activity and whether they qualify as a qualifying free zone person or not. We review your structure and income flows so you understand if and when corporate tax applies to you.
Learn more about our Corporate Tax & VAT advisoryVAT registration and ongoing returns
If your taxable turnover in the UAE crosses the VAT registration threshold, a Dubai mainland company must register for VAT and file regular returns. Even below the threshold, voluntary registration can sometimes be beneficial for certain business models.
We help you determine whether you need to register, set up proper invoicing and record-keeping and prepare VAT returns so that you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Accounting, bookkeeping and financial statements
Proper accounting is no longer optional for Dubai mainland companies. Banks, tax authorities and potential investors expect clear financial records and timely reporting.
We provide bookkeeping, management accounts and year-end financial statements so you always know your numbers and can respond quickly to bank or regulator requests.
See our Accounting & Payroll servicesESR, UBO filings and general compliance
Depending on your activities and structure, you may need to file Economic Substance (ESR) notifications and reports, maintain up-to-date UBO (ultimate beneficial owner) records and respond to other regulatory requests.
We monitor which filings apply to your Dubai mainland company and prepare the required submissions in line with UAE regulations so you don't miss critical deadlines.
Banking compliance and KYC updates
UAE banks periodically review client profiles, request updated documents and monitor transactions. A well-managed Dubai mainland company with clear accounting and documentation has a much smoother experience with KYC reviews.
We help you prepare and maintain the documents banks typically ask for – licences, corporate documents, financials, contracts – so that account reviews are handled with minimal disruption to your operations.
Typical annual and quarterly tasks may include:
Prefer to focus on running your business rather than tracking every filing and deadline in the UAE?
Let INLEX handle my Dubai mainland complianceBank account opening for Dubai mainland companies
A Dubai mainland company is often easier for banks to understand than a pure holding or free zone structure, but opening a corporate bank account still requires preparation. Each bank has its own risk appetite, minimums and documentation standards. Below is how we typically approach bank account opening for Dubai mainland clients. You can also review our Bank account opening service for additional details.
Business profile and activities
What your Dubai mainland company actually does, who your clients are and which countries you deal with.
Shareholders, UBOs and management
Background of the owners and directors, including experience, residency status and source of funds.
Expected transaction flows
Typical incoming and outgoing amounts, main currencies and counterparties, any high-risk countries.
Substance in the UAE
Office, staff, local presence and how much of your activity is genuinely based in the UAE.
How we support your Dubai mainland banking setup
We start by matching your profile and business model with banks that are likely to be comfortable with your case, instead of sending generic applications everywhere.
We help you prepare a clear business profile, projected transaction flows and supporting documents so that relationship managers and compliance teams can understand your company quickly.
Where possible, we schedule structured meetings with shortlisted banks and guide you through their questions, rather than leaving you to handle everything alone.
Typical documents UAE banks request
- Company licence and corporate documents
- Passports and IDs of shareholders and authorised signatories
- Proof of address and residency status (where available)
- Information on source of funds and source of wealth
- Contracts, invoices or letters of intent from key clients/suppliers (if available)
Choosing the right bank and account structure
Different UAE banks position themselves for different client profiles – from SME-focused to more private-banking style institutions. We help you choose a mix of banks and account types (current, savings, multi-currency) that fits your transaction needs and risk profile.
How long does it take to open a bank account for a Dubai mainland company?
Timing depends on the bank, your profile and documentation quality. Straightforward cases can be opened within a few weeks; more complex profiles may take longer due to enhanced due diligence.
Do I need to be physically present to open the account?
Most banks will require at least one in-person meeting with the authorised signatory. We help you plan this meeting as part of your overall setup and visa timeline.
Can I open accounts in multiple banks?
Yes, many clients diversify across two or more banks for risk management and currency needs. We can help you build a banking setup that is not dependent on a single institution.
Want a realistic view of which UAE banks are likely to work with your Dubai mainland company and what they will expect from you?
Discuss my Dubai mainland banking optionsDubai mainland case studies and success stories
Every Dubai mainland project is different. Some clients need a lean service structure and a basic office; others build operations with warehouses, teams and complex banking. The examples below show how we structure Dubai mainland setups for different business models in practice.
Consulting firm moving from free zone to Dubai mainland
A foreign-owned consulting firm outgrew its free zone setup and needed direct access to Dubai mainland clients and government tenders. We migrated the structure to a Dubai mainland LLC, aligned activities with DET requirements, coordinated office and visas, and supported the banking transition with minimal disruption to operations.
Retail concept launching its first store in Dubai
An international retail brand wanted to open its first physical store in Dubai and test the market. We structured a Dubai mainland company with a suitable commercial licence, secured an office and shop solution, managed DET approvals and helped with initial hiring and banking.
Trading company combining free zone warehousing with a Dubai mainland entity
A trading group needed both free zone warehousing and the ability to invoice mainland customers directly. We set up a Dubai mainland company for local contracts and a free zone entity for warehousing and exports, aligned activities, and coordinated the banking approach for both entities.
What our Dubai mainland clients appreciate most
"We didn't want to become experts in DET rules, tax and banking. INLEX helped us see the whole picture, from licence and visas to bank accounts, and guided us through the sequence step by step."
Want to see how a Dubai mainland structure could look for your business, not just in theory but in practice?
Discuss a Dubai mainland setup similar to these casesReady to set up your Dubai mainland company?
If Dubai mainland is the right route for your business, the next step is to turn a general idea into a concrete plan. We can map out your structure, licence, visas, office and banking in one conversation, so you know exactly what it takes to move forward.
What you get from the first consultation
- A high-level structure for your Dubai mainland setup (legal form and licence direction).
- An indicative cost range and timeline based on your activities and team size.
- Clarity on visas, office options and banking expectations.
What we clarify during the call
- Whether Dubai mainland is really better for you than a free zone or another route.
- How your existing structures (if any) fit with a new Dubai entity.
- What documents and decisions will be needed over the next 3-6 weeks.
Share a few details about your project and we will come back with a proposed Dubai mainland setup scenario.
No obligation at this stage - the goal of the first conversation is to see if Dubai mainland is the right fit and whether we are the right advisory team for you.
Dubai mainland – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from foreign founders considering a Dubai mainland company. If you don’t see your specific situation here, you can always ask us directly.