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Wrong door?
Some setups don’t work on mainland.
If your clients are mostly international, you don’t need a physical office, or you want the lowest possible entry cost, you may need a different route.
Trade across the entire UAE, win government contracts, and build a business with no market restrictions. Corpwise handles the full setup so you can focus on growth, not paperwork.
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Mainland lets you sell directly to any business or consumer in the country. No distributor or dual licence needed.
Only mainland companies can work directly with UAE government entities and semi-government organisations.
Open a shop, clinic, restaurant, or walk-in location anywhere in the emirate. No zone restrictions.
Mainland licences support unlimited visa allocations tied to your office size. Free zones cap it.
Over 2,000 activities are available through DET. Add or change activities by amending your licence.
If your clients are mostly international, you don’t need a physical office, or you want the lowest possible entry cost, you may need a different route.
Mainland offers full market access and operational flexibility. The investment reflects a setup built for serious, scalable businesses that trade locally and beyond.
Best for: Entrepreneurs who want full UAE market access, government contract eligibility, and the credibility of a Dubai DET-issued licence.
Final pricing depends on business activity, legal structure, visa count, office type, and any additional government approvals required.
Best for: Founders seeking a cost-efficient mainland setup outside Dubai while still gaining full UAE market access and trading rights.
Best for: Entrepreneurs seeking a cost-efficient company setup that includes at least one residency visa allocation.
Final pricing depends on activity, visa count beyond the included allocation, and any add-ons you require.
Fill in the form bellow. We’ll reply with the recommended route and checklist.
Tell us what you're building, and we'll recommend the best jurisdiction, walk you through costs, and map out your next steps. 30 minutes. No obligation.
From choosing your activity to opening your bank account, here’s the full process, step by step.
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) classifies over 2,000 business activities. Your selection determines your licence type—commercial, professional, or industrial—and any additional government approvals you may need.
Choose between an LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or a branch of a foreign company. Each structure defines ownership, liability, and operational scope. We help you pick the right one for your goals.
Submit three suggested names to the DET. The name must follow UAE naming conventions—no religious or political references, no abbreviations, and no names already in use. Approval typically takes 1–2 working days.
The DET reviews your application and issues an Initial Approval Certificate. This confirms that your activity, structure, and trade name are all cleared for registration.
Your Memorandum of Association is drafted, signed by all shareholders (or their Power of Attorney holders), and attested by the Dubai Notary Public or relevant judicial body.
Mainland companies require a physical office with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari). Choose from premium business districts, shared offices, or cost-effective commercial zones. Your office size determines your visa allocation.
Once the DET processes your final application and fees, your trade licence is issued. You are now legally authorised to operate anywhere in the UAE.
Register with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE). Your establishment card enables you to sponsor visas for investors and employees.
Apply for investor and employee residence visas. The process includes entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping. Timelines typically range from 5–15 working days per visa.
With your licence and visa in hand, apply for a corporate bank account. We prepare your KYC documents and guide you through the application so nothing delays the process.
Common questions about Mainland setup in the UAE, including costs, ownership, visas, and timelines.
Most mainland setups are completed within 5 to 15 working days once all required documents and approvals are submitted. Timelines may vary based on your business activity, legal structure, or any additional government approvals required. We keep the entire process moving smoothly and transparently.
Yes. Since the 2021 reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most mainland activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. You get full control over your business and profits with no local partner required. A small number of regulated sectors may still require a local service agent, but we’ll confirm this before you commit to anything.
Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of a mainland licence. You can trade with any business or consumer anywhere in the UAE, open branches in other emirates, bid on government contracts, and operate internationally. There are no geographic restrictions on your trading.
Yes. Mainland companies require a physical office with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari). This is a mandatory compliance step. We guide you through choosing the right space for your licence type, visa requirements, and budget. Your office size determines how many visas you can sponsor.
Mainland company formation starts from AED 45,000 for a Dubai DET licence. The final cost depends on your business activity, legal structure, visa count, office type, and any additional government approvals. Use our instant estimate tool for a personalised figure, or message us on WhatsApp for a detailed breakdown.
Yes. The UAE’s 9% corporate tax applies to mainland businesses with taxable income above AED 375,000. Income below this threshold is taxed at 0%. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services. Proper structuring from day one can optimise your tax position.
Mainland companies can trade directly with anyone in the UAE and internationally, open physical locations anywhere, bid on government contracts, and hire unlimited staff. Free zone companies are designed for international trade and offer lower entry costs, but face restrictions on direct UAE mainland trading. We help you choose the right route based on your business model.
Your visa allocation depends on your office size. As a general rule, mainland companies can sponsor 1 visa per 9 square metres of office space. Larger offices support more visas. There is no fixed cap—scaling your office scales your team. We confirm your allocation based on your tenancy contract before you proceed.
Yes. Your mainland licence qualifies you to apply for a corporate bank account in the UAE. You’ll need your licence, MOA, passport copies, establishment card, and proof of address. Approval timelines vary by bank—some take days, others weeks. We prepare your documents and guide you through the application so nothing delays the process.
Licences are valid for one year. Missing the renewal deadline can freeze your visa, bank access, and operations. Renewal costs are typically similar to year one. We track your deadline, handle the paperwork, and make sure nothing lapses. You don’t need to remember—we do.
GO DEEPER
The details behind the decisions. Read before you commit, or after you’ve already started.
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Side-by-side comparison of cost, visa quotas, timelines, and best-fit use cases across 10+ zones.
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How the 9% tax works, what qualifies for 0%, and how to structure your setup correctly from day one.
Residence visas, family sponsorship, Golden Visa eligibility, and the full application process.
Tell us your business activity and how many visas you need. We’ll come back with the right structure, a clear cost breakdown, and the steps to get started.
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