Business Goal in UAE
If your goal is to conduct business within the UAE or you prefer to operate outside a free zone, setting up a mainland company is the ideal choice for you.
Businesses established on the UAE mainland outside the boundaries of free zones enjoy the flexibility to operate across various industries. They are permitted to engage in trade with companies and individuals both within Dubai and throughout the UAE, as well as on an international scale.
One of the greatest advantages is that, for most types of mainland companies and across most sectors, you can maintain 100% foreign ownership. That said, keep in mind that certain activities may still require an Emirati partner.
If you’re prepared to embark on this process, here are the key steps to establish your mainland company:
Here’s a rephrased version of the text in English, keeping the structure and intent intact:
- Choose your licence
- Choose your legal structure
- Check foreign ownership eligibility
- Check if you need additional approvals
- Gather your essential documents
- Start your company registration process
Select Your Licence
Every mainland company in the UAE must obtain a licence to operate legally. You can choose from five primary licence types:
Industrial Licence
This licence applies to businesses involved in manufacturing, production, packaging, sorting, or assembling activities. It covers industries such as food production, textiles, paper goods, petroleum products, and equipment or appliance manufacturing.
Note: After obtaining an industrial licence, you’ll need additional approvals from relevant government bodies before starting operations.
Commercial Licence
This licence suits businesses focused on the buying and selling of goods and services. It includes activities like import/export, logistics, trading physical products, software, construction, and real estate.
Professional Licence
Designed for individuals providing services based on their intellectual or creative skills, this licence is ideal for professionals such as consultants, artists, or specialists.
E-Trader Licence
Tailored for home-based individuals or entrepreneurs selling products or services through social media or online platforms, this licence supports digital commerce.
Dual Licence
The dual licensing option enables companies in certain free zones to expand their operations to the mainland without needing extra office space or a local partner. This is currently offered in partnership with five free zones:
- Dubai CommerCity
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Dubai Design District (d3)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- One Central (Dubai World Trade Centre Authority)
Beyond these licence types, you also have the opportunity to enjoy 100% foreign ownership across more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities. (Note that certain activities of strategic importance are excluded; refer to the list of activities not eligible for full foreign ownership for details.)A comprehensive, searchable list of all permitted activities is available on the IID Portal.
Once you’ve selected your desired licence, you can submit your application online or visit one of the service centres located throughout Dubai.
Select Your Legal Structure
Choose a legal entity that best suits your planned business activities.
General Partnership
A structure involving two or more partners who are individually and collectively responsible for the company’s debts, using their personal assets.
Limited Partnership
A business comprising one or more general partners with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment in the company.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An entity where the partners’ liability is confined to their share of the capital. It can be owned by a UAE national, a foreign individual, or a company, with up to 50 partners allowed regardless of nationality.
- Single Ownership LLC: When owned by one individual, it’s termed a Limited Liability Company – Single Ownership, governed by the same rules as multi-owner LLCs.
Private Joint Stock Company
A company with capital split into equal nominal-value shares, limited to 200 shareholders. It can be established by a single legal entity (company), and its shares are not available for public sale.
- Single Ownership Private Joint Stock Company: If owned by one person, it’s called a Private Joint Stock Company – Single Ownership. The owner’s liability is limited to the capital outlined in the Memorandum of Association, and the name must include “One-Person Private Joint-Stock.” It follows the same regulations as multi-owner private joint stock companies.
Public Joint Stock Company
A company with capital divided into equal, tradable shares. Founders subscribe to part of the shares, while the rest are offered to the public via a public subscription.
Civil Company
A partnership of two or more individuals engaged in professional activities such as tailoring, beauty services, consultancy, or training.
Sole Proprietorship
A business owned by a single individual who bears full personal responsibility for all its financial obligations and liabilities.
You can maintain 100% foreign ownership with these legal structures:
- General Partnership (2–50 partners)
- Limited Partnership (2–50 partners)
- Limited Liability Company (Single ownership or 2–50 partners)
- Private Joint Stock Company (2–50 partners)
