Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s top destinations for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses looking to expand into the Middle East. At the heart of this business-friendly environment is the option to form a mainland company, offering flexibility, full market access, and a strong legal framework.
A mainland company refers to a business licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, allowing it to operate freely across the entire UAE market, without any geographical restrictions. Unlike free zone entities, mainland companies can trade directly with the local market and participate in government contracts—making them an ideal choice for those looking to scale or build a long-term presence in the region.
Recognizing the challenges that come with navigating legal paperwork, approvals, and documentation, SH Typing Center offers a seamless and affordable solution to help you start your mainland company in Dubai—with packages starting as low as 9500 AED. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about mainland company formation, including the benefits, the process, and how SH Typing Center can simplify your journey.
What is Mainland Company Formation in Dubai?
A mainland company in Dubai refers to a business entity that is registered under the Department of Economic Development (DED), the official authority responsible for issuing trade licenses for businesses that intend to operate within Dubai and across the UAE. These companies have the legal right to conduct business both inside and outside of the UAE, offering the most operational freedom compared to other business setup options.
Key characteristics of a mainland company include:
- A business license issued by the DED
- Full permission to trade across the UAE and internationally
- Flexibility to open offices in any location within Dubai or the UAE
- Ability to bid on UAE government and public sector projects
- No limitations on the number of visas that can be issued, depending on the size of the office
- Option for 100% foreign ownership in most sectors (as per recent UAE legal reforms)
This structure is ideal for entrepreneurs and companies that want maximum control, growth potential, and unrestricted access to the local and regional market.
Comparison with Free Zone and Offshore Setups
To understand the full value of mainland company formation, it’s important to compare it with other popular business setup options in the UAE—free zone and offshore companies.
Free zone companies are registered within specific economic zones and offer benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. However, they are typically restricted to operating within the free zone itself or conducting business outside the UAE. To trade within the mainland UAE market, they must appoint a local distributor or agent, which can add complexity and cost. They also face limitations on the number of visas they can issue, which may not be suitable for companies planning to scale.
Offshore companies, on the other hand, are used primarily for holding assets, international trading, and financial structuring. These companies are not allowed to have a physical presence or conduct business within the UAE. Offshore setups also cannot issue visas or rent office space in the country, making them unsuitable for companies that plan to operate on the ground.
Mainland companies provide unrestricted access to the UAE market, allow for physical office setups anywhere in the country, and offer the scalability needed for hiring and growth. They also carry greater credibility in the eyes of banks and government institutions, making them a more robust and versatile business structure overall.
Advantages of Operating on the Mainland
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai comes with numerous advantages:
- Unrestricted Market Access: Unlike free zone and offshore businesses, mainland companies can freely operate and trade throughout the UAE without the need for a local agent or distributor.
- Scalability and Visa Flexibility: Mainland companies can apply for an unlimited number of employee visas, depending on their office space. This makes them ideal for businesses looking to scale their workforce.
- Eligibility for Government Contracts: Only mainland companies are permitted to apply for and win government projects and tenders—an important consideration for businesses targeting public sector clients.
- Flexible Office Locations: Unlike free zone businesses that must operate within their respective zones, mainland companies can choose any office location across Dubai and other emirates, giving them more freedom and convenience.
- Wide Range of Business Activities: The DED allows a broad variety of business activities under its license categories, often broader than those allowed in specific free zones.
- Ease in Banking and Legal Formalities: Mainland businesses are typically viewed more favorably by local banks, which can simplify the process of opening and operating corporate bank accounts.
With these benefits, mainland company formation in Dubai stands out as the most comprehensive and future-ready option for entrepreneurs and businesses who want to establish a strong presence in the UAE.
Benefits of Setting Up a Mainland Company
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai offers one of the most flexible and growth-oriented business structures in the UAE. With recent legal reforms and ongoing support from the government to promote entrepreneurship, the mainland setup is now more appealing than ever—especially for foreign investors looking to build a long-term presence in the region. Here are the key benefits:
100% Foreign Ownership (as per updated UAE laws)
Previously, foreign investors were required to have a local Emirati sponsor who held 51% of shares in a mainland company. However, under the amended UAE Commercial Companies Law, most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership—eliminating the need for a UAE national partner. This major change gives foreign entrepreneurs full control of their business operations, profits, and decision-making, making the mainland setup far more attractive than before.
Access to Government Projects and Wider Markets
Unlike free zone companies, which are restricted to operating within their zone or exporting outside the UAE, mainland companies can trade freely across all emirates and participate in government contracts and public sector tenders. This opens up massive business opportunities, especially for sectors like construction, logistics, IT services, and consultancy that benefit from working directly with government entities.
Freedom to Do Business Anywhere in the UAE
One of the standout advantages of a mainland license is the freedom to establish a physical presence and operate in any part of the UAE. Whether you want to open a retail outlet in Dubai Marina, a showroom in Sharjah, or an office in Abu Dhabi, a mainland license gives you the flexibility to choose the location that best suits your business model and target audience—without being restricted to a particular free zone.
No Currency Restrictions
Mainland companies enjoy complete financial freedom when it comes to currency movement. There are no restrictions on capital or profit repatriation, and businesses are allowed to transact in any currency. This is particularly advantageous for companies involved in import-export, international trade, or those receiving payments in multiple currencies from global clients.
Scalability and Unlimited Employee Visa Quotas
Unlike free zones, which often cap the number of visas a company can issue, mainland companies can sponsor an unlimited number of employee visas, provided they have sufficient office space (as per the Ministry of Labor’s guidelines). This scalability is vital for businesses aiming to grow rapidly, hire large teams, or open multiple branches. Whether you’re running a startup or a large corporation, a mainland setup allows you to expand your workforce without operational constraints.
These benefits make mainland company formation in Dubai the ideal choice for ambitious entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses looking to grow, scale, and operate with maximum flexibility in the UAE’s dynamic economy.
What’s Included in SH Typing Center’s 9500 AED Mainland Package
Starting a business in Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. SH Typing Center offers a cost-effective and transparent mainland company formation package starting at just 9500 AED, making it easier for entrepreneurs and startups to launch their businesses in the UAE.
Here’s a breakdown of everything included in this all-in-one setup package:
1. Trade Name Reservation
The first step in forming a company is choosing and reserving a unique trade name. SH Typing Center helps you:
- Check the availability of your desired business name
- Ensure the name complies with DED regulations (no offensive or restricted words)
- Reserve it officially with the DED to prevent others from using it
2. Initial Approval
Before proceeding with full registration, companies must obtain initial approval from the Department of Economic Development. SH Typing Center:
- Prepares and submits your application
- Ensures your chosen business activity is approved
- Handles communication with authorities to fast-track the process
3. Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting
The MOA is a legal document that outlines your company’s structure, ownership, and operations. It’s a key part of mainland company registration. SH Typing Center provides:
- Professionally drafted MOA tailored to your business activity and partners
- Legal formatting in Arabic and English
- Notarization coordination if needed
4. Local Service Agent (if needed)
For certain professional licenses, a Local Service Agent (LSA) is required. This is a UAE national who acts as a liaison with government departments but holds no ownership or control over the business. SH Typing Center:
- Connects you with reliable and approved LSAs (only if required)
- Manages LSA agreement documentation and compliance
- Ensures transparency and legal protection for the investor
5. License Issuance
Once all documentation is approved, SH Typing Center proceeds with the final step—obtaining your trade license from the DED. They:
- Submit the completed application
- Pay government fees (as included in the package)
- Deliver the official business license to you, ready for operations
6. PRO and Typing Support
One of the most challenging parts of starting a company in Dubai is handling paperwork and government interactions. SH Typing Center offers:
- Full PRO (Public Relations Officer) support for all DED-related tasks
- Professional document typing for all forms and submissions
- Accurate, efficient, and compliant with UAE government standards
7. Consultation and Document Submission to DED
Throughout the setup process, SH Typing Center offers:
- Expert guidance tailored to your business model
- A checklist of required documents (passport copy, visa, tenancy contract, etc.)
- On-time submission of all paperwork to the Department of Economic Development
This all-inclusive 9500 AED package is designed to remove stress, save time, and provide real value—giving you a fully licensed mainland company with everything handled by professionals. No hidden fees, no surprises—just fast, affordable, and reliable business setup in Dubai.
