Mainland Company Formation
A mainland (DED) licence gives your company full access to the UAE market — local trading, government tenders, and unlimited office locations across the Emirates.
Service Overview
What is this service?
Formation of an onshore company licensed by the Department of Economy, including activity selection, name reservation, external approvals, MOA notarisation, and licence issuance.
Who is it for?
Businesses serving the local UAE market: retail, restaurants, contracting, clinics, trading, and any company bidding for government work.
Why you may need it
Free zone companies face restrictions trading directly in the local market. If your customers are on the mainland, a mainland licence removes every barrier between you and them.
How Ask Darin helps
We select the precise activity codes, secure external approvals where required, prepare and notarise your documents, and manage DED processing — typically within 1–2 weeks.
Key Benefits
Full market access
Trade with any customer, anywhere in the UAE, without an intermediary.
Government tenders
Only mainland companies can bid for lucrative government contracts.
100% ownership
Most activities now allow full foreign ownership — no local partner needed.
Unlimited growth
Open branches and offices anywhere; scale visas with your office space.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Defined business activity (we map it to official activity codes)
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Trade name options
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for the licensed premises
- External approvals for regulated activities (we obtain them)
We manage your application professionally at every stage; final decisions always rest with the relevant government authorities.
Required Documents
- Passport copies
- Photographs
- Entry stamp / visa copy
- Ejari tenancy contract
- NOC from current sponsor (if employed in the UAE)
We review every document before submission and arrange attestation or translation where needed.
The Process, Step by Step
Estimated Timeline
Typically 1–2 weeks from complete documents
Processing times are indicative and may vary according to government authorities and the specifics of each application.
- 01
Activity & Structure
We map your business model to the right activity, jurisdiction, and licence type.
- 02
Trade Name & Approvals
Name reservation and initial approvals filed — usually the same day.
- 03
Documentation
Incorporation documents prepared, signed, and notarised where required.
- 04
Licence Issued
Government fees paid and your trade licence issued in your hands.
- 05
Visas & Emirates ID
Establishment card, residence visas, medicals, and Emirates ID for you and your team.
- 06
Corporate Bank Account
File preparation and introductions to suitable UAE banks for your profile.
Why Choose Ask Darin
Expert Guidance
Specialists who work inside UAE government processes every day — you get answers, not assumptions.
Transparent Process
A written, itemised quotation before we start. Government fees shown as they are — no surprises.
Fast Communication
One WhatsApp thread with a real specialist. Status updates at every stage, without you asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most commercial and professional activities, no — 100% foreign ownership applies. A handful of strategic activities still require Emirati participation; we confirm yours before you commit.
Ejari is Dubai's official tenancy registration. A registered lease is required for mainland licences; we can arrange compliant office solutions if you don't have premises yet.
Yes — through a new mainland licence or a branch. We handle the transition so your operations continue uninterrupted.
Ready to get started?
Speak with a specialist today — a free consultation, clear pricing, and a plan you can act on.