Setup your
Mainland Company
in the UAE

A Mainland Trade License is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the UAE and allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE, including the local market and mainland. Key benefits include:

• Ability to trade directly with local and international markets
• Eligibility to bid for government contracts
• Flexibility to expand operations across the UAE
• Full compliance with UAE regulations, including Corporate Tax obligations

Under the UAE's Corporate Tax law, businesses operating in the mainland are subject to a 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 annually.

Here’s how Mainland Trade Licenses differ from Free Zone Licenses:

Mainland Trade License:

• Full access to the UAE mainland market
• Ability to trade directly with local businesses and consumers
• Eligibility for government tenders and contracts
• Compliance with Corporate Tax regulations (9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 annually)

Free Zone License:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Tax exemptions on qualifying income, with 0% Corporate Tax applicable under specific conditions
• Simplified incorporation processes
• Restricted operations within the Free Zone or internationally

The choice depends on your target market and operational goals. DocuBay’s experts can help you choose the right license for your business.

The requirement for a local sponsor depends on the business activity and legal structure:

• 100% Foreign Ownership: Many business activities now allow full foreign ownership without a local sponsor.
• Local Sponsor Requirement: Some sectors, such as those with strategic significance, still require a UAE national sponsor to hold 51% of the shares.

DocuBay will help you identify the appropriate legal structure and sponsorship model based on your business needs.

The time required to obtain a Mainland Trade License depends on factors such as:

• The business activity and required approvals
• The completeness and accuracy of your application and documentation

DocuBay ensures a smooth process, and most Mainland licenses are approved within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.

The cost of a Mainland Trade License depends on:

• Legal structure (e.g., LLC, sole proprietorship)
• Business activity and industry-specific fees
• Location (e.g., office space requirements in Dubai vs. other Emirates)
• Approvals and permits required

DocuBay offers competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a customized quote and a detailed breakdown of costs.