Best Way to Start a Mainland Company in Dubai as a Foreigner

Author: Asghri Bano

Dubai continues to shine as one of the world’s most business-friendly destinations. For foreign investors seeking full access to the UAE market, mainland company formation is often the ideal choice. With a stable economy, modern infrastructure, and strategic geographic location, setting up a mainland business in Dubai offers both opportunity and growth. This blog outlines the best way for foreign entrepreneurs to establish a successful business with the help of trusted UAE company formation services like wayzADVISORY.

Why Dubai Mainland?

Unlike free zones, where business is restricted to within the zone or outside the UAE, a mainland company gives you unrestricted access to trade across Dubai and the UAE. Additionally, you can bid on government contracts, open branches nationwide, and hire a larger workforce without location limitations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mainland Company Formation in Dubai 1. Identify Your Business Activity

The first and most critical step is selecting your business activity. The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai offers a list of over 2,000 licensed activities, ranging from consulting, trading, technology, education, healthcare, and more.

This step directly impacts your licensing process, so be precise. It’s best to consult a professional offering UAE company formation services to ensure your selected activity aligns with legal requirements.

2. Choose a Legal Structure

For foreigners, the most common legal structure is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). With recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in many business sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor in numerous cases.

Other structures include:

  • Sole proprietorship (for professionals)

  • Civil company (for service-oriented businesses)

  • Branch of a foreign company

An expert like wayzADVISORY can help you evaluate which structure fits your business model and expansion goals.

3. Register Your Trade Name

A trade name is your company’s official identity. It must reflect your business activity and follow DED's naming guidelines:

  • No offensive language or religious terms

  • Should not match any existing business name

  • No abbreviations unless part of your personal name

After approval, your trade name is reserved for 6 months.

4. Get Initial Approval

This step means the UAE government has no objections to you starting your business. You’ll need to submit:

  • Passport copies of shareholders

  • Business activity details

  • Trade name reservation certificate

Once granted, you can proceed to the documentation and office lease phase.

5. Secure a Business Location

Mainland businesses in Dubai must have a physical office. Whether it’s a full workspace or a desk in a shared office, this address must be registered and approved through Ejari (Dubai’s tenancy registration system).

WayzADVISORY helps clients find cost-effective and approved office spaces tailored to their budget and business type.

6. Draft the MOA & Submit Final Documents

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlines the roles and responsibilities of shareholders and must be notarized. For an LLC, this is a legal necessity.

Along with the MOA, submit:

  • Initial approval certificate

  • Lease agreement

  • Ejari registration

  • Passport copies

  • Trade name approval

7. Apply for the Business License

With all documents approved, you can now apply for your mainland trade license through the DED. Depending on your activity, you’ll receive either a:

  • Commercial License

  • Professional License

  • Industrial License

This license is renewable yearly and is the official green light to begin operations in the UAE.

8. Visa Processing and Employee Sponsorship

Once your license is issued, you become eligible for a residence visa and can sponsor visas for your employees, dependents, and partners.

Visa process includes:

  • Medical test

  • Emirates ID application

  • Visa stamping

Some business activities may also require approvals from other authorities (e.g., Municipality, Food Control, Health Authority).

How wayzADVISORY Supports Foreign Investors

Navigating Dubai’s legal and business setup environment can be overwhelming without local expertise. That’s where wayzADVISORY steps in — offering end-to-end UAE company formation services including:

  • Legal structure consultation

  • Activity classification and trade name reservation

  • License application and documentation

  • Office space sourcing

  • Visa and immigration services

  • Banking and PRO services

With in-depth knowledge of UAE business regulations, wayzADVISORY helps foreign investors save time, reduce costs, and avoid legal complications during the setup process.

Benefits of Forming a Mainland Company in Dubai

  • 100% Foreign Ownership (in many sectors)

  • Unrestricted Market Access across UAE

  • Eligibility for Government Contracts

  • More Flexibility in office locations and staffing

  • Long-Term Growth with fewer limitations

Whether you're starting small or planning big, mainland Dubai gives your business the foundation it needs to thrive in the UAE’s competitive market.

Final Thoughts

Starting a mainland company in Dubai as a foreigner might seem challenging, but with the right guidance and support, the process becomes streamlined and stress-free. From licensing to leasing, every step is regulated — and being well-prepared is key.

WayzADVISORY provides reliable and personalized UAE company formation services, making your entry into the UAE market smooth and legally compliant. With Dubai’s economic environment favoring innovation and foreign investment, there’s never been a better time to make your move.