Park Place Tower, 1603 Trade Center First, Dubai UAE
Mainland business setup in Dubai gives you the freedom to trade across the entire UAE market without restrictions. Unlike Free Zones, a Mainland license allows you to engage in both B2B and B2C activities, bid for government contracts, and expand seamlessly across industries. With 100% foreign ownership now available for many business activities, Mainland Dubai has become the most flexible and rewarding option for entrepreneurs and investors.
Select from over 3,000 activities available under Mainland licensing.
Pick the right entity type (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch).
Reserve a unique and compliant business name with the Dubai DED.
Obtain approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Lease or rent a physical office as per Mainland requirements.
Prepare and notarize the Memorandum of Association (for LLC and partnerships).
If your business activity requires additional approvals (e.g., Real Estate, F&B, Education).
Submit all documents, pay government fees, and receive your Mainland trade license.
| License Type | What It Covers | Best Suited For |
| Commercial License | Trading in goods, products, and services | Retailers, wholesalers, import/export businesses |
| Professional License | Service-oriented and professional activities | Consultants, IT firms, marketing agencies, legal, medical, and other professionals |
| Industrial License | Manufacturing, industrial activities, production | Factories, manufacturers, food processing units |
| Tourism License | Travel, tourism, and hospitality services | Travel agencies, tour operators, hotels |
| Freelance Permit | Independent work under personal name | Freelancers, creatives, designers, media professionals |
Firstly, opening a company in Dubai mainland does not require an Emarati local partner or a service agent. Dubai now allows any expat to have 100% ownership without any obligations. However, some legal strictures and business activities might need a service agent or a local partner but not as an obligation. Moreover, the legal structures that can be incorporated in Dubai are:
Note: Every legal struture differs from one to another in terms of incorporation, rules, and documentation.
Secondly, Dubai mainland allows the operation and setup of more than 3000 business activity. A business setup in Dubai mainland offers investors wide-ranging opportunities across industries, supported by government initiatives that promote ease of doing business and attract global entrepreneurs. Many activities has no regulations during the incorporation or in the operation. But, there are still hunderds of activities which require external approvals such as: Real Estate Activities, Building and contracting, Petrochemicals and Engineering Activities, Food & Beverages related businesses etc. Then, it is highly important to navigate widely about the process and procedures of the business setup in Dubai mainland to avoid any issue that could lead to penalties or license suspension.
Given changes in UAE laws (foreign ownership, etc.), clearly state that activities allow 100% foreign ownership in Mainland, which requires a local service agent.
| Factor | Mainland Business Setup | Free Zone Business Setup |
| Market Reach | Operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE without limitations. | Restricted to Free Zone area & international trade (local trading requires distributor/agent). |
| Ownership | Up to 100% foreign ownership available for most activities. | 100% foreign ownership in all Free Zones. |
| Business Activities | Access to 3,000+ activities across multiple sectors. | Activities limited to the scope allowed by each Free Zone. |
| Government Contracts | Eligible to bid for UAE government projects and tenders. | Not eligible for government contracts. |
| Office Requirement | Must lease or rent a physical office space. | Flexi-desk, virtual offices, or shared office options available. |
| Setup Cost | Slightly higher due to office lease & government fees. | Generally lower with cost-effective startup packages. |
| Expansion | Freedom to open branches anywhere in the UAE. | Expansion is limited to Free Zone jurisdiction. |
It was an amazing experience for me to open my furniture business setup with you. Thank you all and special thanks to the business banking team who opened my business bank account smooth. You are the best business setup company in Dubai and UAE. Too simple and easy
The best partner to start your business in Dubai or anywhere in UAE. This company provides the fastest service for the best price. Totally recommended.
The Manager Ziad is very proffessional and he helped me in every step from scratch to fully operational to setup my company “Unified Home” for technical services contracting. He answered all my questions and went above and beyond with his excellence in service and co operative team. I highly recommend (Assertive Zone) for people who want to invest and start their business journey successfully without regulatory or legal issues