How to Register a 100% Foreign-Owned Mainland Company Without a Local Sponsor
A comprehensive step-by-step legal guide for international investors on registering a 100% foreign-owned Dubai Mainland LLC through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
- •100% Foreign Ownership: 1,000+ commercial activities (trading, consulting, manufacturing) require zero local UAE sponsorship.
- •DET Registration: Licensed directly by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.
- •Ejari Lease Requirement: Commercial office lease registered with Ejari required for license issuance and visa quota.
- •Unrestricted Local Trading: Sell directly to UAE businesses, consumers, and government entities without third-party agents.
Table of Contents
1. The 2021 FDI Reform: End of 51/49 Local Sponsorship
The historical requirement for a 51% UAE national local sponsor was officially replaced under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020.
Today, foreign non-residents can incorporate a Dubai Mainland LLC with 100% full equity ownership across general trading, technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
2. Step-by-Step DET Mainland Registration Workflow
- Reserve a unique business trade name with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
- Obtain Initial Approval (Pre-approval certificate) from DET.
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of Association (MOA) via public notary or electronic sign.
- Finalize the commercial lease and register Ejari with Dubai Land Department.
- Pay DET voucher fees to receive your official Dubai Mainland Commercial License.
DUBAI MAINLAND SETUP SERVICES
Form Your 100% Foreign-Owned Mainland LLC with ADVAQ
ADVAQ manages DET trade name approvals, electronic MOA drafting, Ejari lease registration, and investor residence visas.
3. Ejari Office Contract & Virtual Desk Options
Mainland companies must present an approved Ejari lease contract.
For first-year startups, DET offers instant desk licensing options (like the DET Instant License) which allow operating for 12 months before requiring a full commercial office lease.
4. UAE Corporate Tax & Small Business Relief Rules
Dubai Mainland companies are subject to 9% UAE Corporate Tax on net annual profits over AED 375,000. Under Small Business Relief (SBR), businesses with revenue under AED 3,000,000 can elect to be treated as having zero taxable income.
5. Opening a Corporate Bank Account for a Mainland Entity
Mainland LLCs carry high credibility with tier-1 UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) and digital business platforms (Wio Business).
Frequently Asked Questions
DUBAI MAINLAND FORMATION SOLUTIONS
Register Your Dubai Mainland Company
100% foreign ownership, DET trade license, Ejari office registration, and investor visa processing.