Company Registration
Dubai Mainland
Company Formation
A company on UAE mainland through the Department of Economic Development (DED/DET) — without a Free Zone's restrictions on trading with the local market and bidding for government contracts.
Find out if mainland registration fits you
We register a company on the UAE mainland through the Department of Economic Development (DED/DET) in your emirate. Unlike a Free Zone, a mainland company can trade directly across the UAE and bid for government contracts, with no restriction on dealing with the local market. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership has been available for most activities. A physical office is required — its size determines your visa quota.
Updated: 21 September 2026Reviewed by Alena Makhnovskaya, Co-Founder · Head of Advisory, OmniTrust AE
Who Mainland Registration Is For
Direct Access to the Local Market
A Free Zone limits direct trading with the local market — mainland has no such restriction.
Government Contracts
Government contracts and tenders are only open to companies registered on the mainland.
Ready to Lease a Physical Office
Mainland registration requires a physical office — unlike many Free Zone packages.
Available Activities and Licensing
The company name and business activity are agreed directly with DED/DET — mainland activity codes are broader than most Free Zone activity lists, covering direct local trading and government-facing work.
Visa Options
The mainland visa quota depends on the size of the leased office — the larger the space, the more visas you can obtain.
Office Requirements
A physical office registered with Ejary is a mandatory part of mainland registration — this is the main practical difference from a Free Zone flexi-desk setup, and it directly determines the visa quota.
Corporate Bank Account Implications
A mainland company applies for a corporate bank account the same way as a Free Zone company; some banks give more weight to a physical mainland office and Ejari registration as a sign of substance. See our Corporate Bank Account Opening guide, or the combined Company Formation + Bank Account process.
Costs
From AED 24,000 for registration through DED/DET. The final cost depends on the activity, the number of visas and office requirements. Our professional support fee is assessed individually during a consultation.
Timeline
From 1 to 3 weeks — accounting for name approval, activity clearance and the office lease.
Tax Considerations
Since June 2023, the UAE applies a 9% federal corporate tax on profit above AED 375,000 per year; profit below that threshold is taxed at 0%. UAE VAT is 5% and applies depending on the business activity. Last checked: September 2026 — confirm your specific tax position with a tax adviser.
Documents Required
- A copy of the founder's (or founders') valid passport
- A description of the planned business activity
- Information on the required visa quota
Next Steps
Book a consultation to confirm the right legal form and activity for your business, and to start the office search alongside the registration process.
How Registration Works
More In-Person Stages Than a Free Zone
Mainland registration involves more in-person stages than a Free Zone — in particular, leasing an office and coordinating with several authorities.
- 1
Choosing the form and activity
We select the legal form and agree the activity with DED/DET.
- 2
Name approval
We reserve and clear the company name with the regulator.
- 3
Leasing an office
We support finding and leasing the office required for registration.
- 4
Obtaining the licence
We obtain the trade licence and incorporation documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Know About Mainland Registration
A mainland company can trade directly across the UAE and bid for government contracts — a Free Zone doesn't grant that right. In exchange, mainland requires a physical office and is typically more expensive to register. See our IFZA Company Formation guide for comparison.
Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership has been available for most activities. A local partner is only required for certain strategic activities — we confirm this individually for your activity.
The mainland visa quota depends on the size of the leased office — the larger the space, the more visas you can obtain.
Related Services
Company Formation in Dubai
Learn more →IFZA Company Formation
Learn more →Corporate Bank Account Opening
Learn more →Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Is Better for Banking?
Read the guide →Контакты
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