TRADE ANYWHERE IN THE UAE
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
A Dubai mainland licence remains the most rewarding route for investors who want unrestricted access to the UAE market, backed by the emirate's secure and world-class business environment.
Overview
Why investors choose Dubai mainland
For most investors and entrepreneurs, a mainland company is the most popular and profitable way to enter the UAE. Compared with mainland entities in the other emirates, a Dubai-registered company enjoys distinct advantages: the city is a global centre for tourism and premium living, and offers an open, safe and well-regulated commercial environment.
Mainland companies in Dubai are registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai Economy), the government body responsible for shaping and driving the emirate's economic agenda. The department works to transform Dubai into a diversified, innovation-led, service-based economy - improving the business climate, raising productivity, planning economic policy, nurturing strategic sectors and serving both local and international investors.
Several specialised agencies operate under Dubai Economy. Dubai SME promotes entrepreneurship and builds a competitive small-business sector, helping innovative start-ups launch, grow and scale. Dubai Industries and Exports, operating since 2007, develops and promotes exports from the emirate and supports Dubai's exporters with an enabling trade environment. Dubai FDI, the investment development agency, attracts and assists foreign direct investment so overseas businesses can establish and expand from Dubai into regional and global markets.
IZZAT Documents Clearing Services manages your entire registration with these authorities - from choosing the activity and legal form through to collecting your trade licence.
- Operate across all seven emirates with no market restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership now available for most activities
- The old local sponsor requirement for commercial licences has been removed
- Sole proprietorship with full foreign ownership under a professional licence
- Registered directly with the Department of Economy and Tourism
- Licence can be issued the same day the payment voucher is settled
- Eligible for government contracts and unlimited branch expansion
Mainland licence types in Dubai
Commercial Licence
Covers trading activities - buying, selling, importing and exporting goods throughout the UAE, plus certain services. The former obligation to appoint a UAE national as sponsor no longer applies.
Professional Licence
Designed for service providers, consultants and skilled professions. A foreign investor can hold 100% of the business as a sole establishment, and the local service agent requirement has been abolished.
Industrial Licence
Required for manufacturing and industrial processing operations in the UAE, allowing you to produce, assemble and package goods from a licensed facility.
How it works with IZZAT
Prepare your documents
Non-residents provide a passport copy and visit visa or entry stamp; UAE residents provide their Emirates ID and UAE PASS access.
Shortlist trade names
We submit your preferred company name options to the Department of Economy and Tourism for reservation.
Confirm business activities
Our consultants help you finalise the activity list so your licence covers everything you plan to do.
Submit the online application
We file the registration application with the DET and follow up on any approvals.
Pay and collect the licence
Once the payment voucher is issued and settled, the trade licence is released the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues mainland licences in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai Economy) is the registration authority for all mainland companies in the emirate, supported by agencies such as Dubai SME, Dubai Industries and Exports, and Dubai FDI.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. The local sponsor requirement for commercial licences has been revoked, and professional licences allow full foreign ownership with sole proprietorship - the local service agent rule has also been removed.
What documents do I need to register?
For non-residents, a passport copy and visit visa copy. For UAE residents, an Emirates ID copy and UAE PASS account. We prepare everything else, including the application and name reservation.
How long does mainland company formation take?
With documents ready and activities approved, the licence is typically issued the same day the final DET payment is made.
Which licence type do I need?
It depends on your activity: commercial for trading and import-export, professional for services and consultancy, and industrial for manufacturing. We will map your activities to the right licence before you apply.
Ready to register on Dubai mainland? Book a consultation with IZZAT today.
Talk to our consultant today. Call 052 271 7904 or message us on WhatsApp.
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