A Dubai mainland company gives you unrestricted access to the UAE market, the ability to work with government entities, and the most flexible range of business activities available anywhere in the country.
A mainland company is registered directly with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE, trade with the local market without restrictions, and bid for government contracts.
Recent regulatory reforms have opened 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, removing the historic requirement for a UAE national to hold a 51% stake.
Total setup including government and DED fees
From name reservation to trade licence issuance
Full foreign ownership for most business activities
Based on office size — no fixed cap for most activities
A mainland company offers freedoms that no free zone structure can match — particularly if you plan to trade directly with the UAE market.
Trade with any customer, supplier, or government entity across all seven emirates.
No local sponsor or UAE national partner required for most business activities since 2021.
Only mainland companies can directly bid for and win UAE federal and municipal government contracts.
Visa quotas are based on office space rather than a fixed cap — scale your team without structural barriers.
Over 2,000 permitted business activities under DED licensing — far broader than any single free zone.
Operate from any business address in the UAE — from Downtown Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
AURIVON manages every stage from first consultation to bank account opening — you focus on your business, we handle the paperwork.
Define your business activity, legal structure, and ownership requirements with your dedicated AURIVON advisor.
Submit and approve your company name with the DED. AURIVON verifies name availability and compliance before submission.
Obtain DED initial approval for your selected business activity and legal structure.
AURIVON drafts your Memorandum of Association and manages the notarisation process.
Secure your business address and register the tenancy contract with the Ejari system.
For regulated activities (healthcare, education, legal), AURIVON obtains any required external ministry approvals.
Submission of final application and payment of DED fees. Trade licence typically issued within 3–5 business days.
AURIVON processes investor visas and prepares your corporate banking application simultaneously.
Trading activities: import/export, retail, distribution, general trading.
Service activities: consulting, accounting, IT, marketing, and other professional services.
Manufacturing, processing, and production activities with physical output.
Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality, and related tourism businesses.
AURIVON provides a detailed, itemised cost estimate before any engagement begins. No hidden charges.
Not sure which structure is right for you? Here's a direct comparison of the key factors that affect most businesses.
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Market Access | Unrestricted — all seven emirates | Limited — requires local distributor for direct mainland trade |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% for most activities (since 2021) | 100% in all zones |
| Government Contracts | Fully eligible | Generally not eligible |
| Setup Cost | AED 20,000–50,000 | AED 10,000–35,000 |
| Setup Timeline | 2–4 weeks | 3–7 business days |
| Office Requirement | Physical office with Ejari required | Flexi-desk or virtual options available |
| Visa Quota | Flexible — based on office space | Fixed quota based on package |
| Corporate Tax | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 | 0% on qualifying income (conditions apply) |
Let AURIVON handle every step — from trade name reservation to bank account opening. Book a free consultation and we'll build your formation plan.