Legislative Framework for Professional Business Entities
Regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies and Dubai DET Regulations, expatriate professionals, consultants, engineers, and healthcare practitioners can establish 100% expat-owned professional entities in the UAE mainland.
For commercial trading setup, see our Mainland vs Free Zone Setup Guide and instant licensing under DET 5-Minute Instant License Guide.
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Eligible for 100% Expat Ownership Mainland License
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, expatriates can hold 100% ownership of a Sole Establishment or Civil Company in Dubai for professional services without an Emirati partner.
Entity Comparison
| Expat Ownership: | 100% Expat Owned |
| Minimum Capital: | No Minimum Capital |
| Liability Protection: | Unlimited Personal Liability |
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (Sole Proprietorship & Civil Co)
Yes. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, expatriates can hold 100% ownership of a mainland Sole Establishment or Civil Company for professional services.
The mandatory Local Service Agent (LSA) requirement was removed for most professional mainland licenses under recent commercial company amendments.
A Sole Establishment is owned by a single individual owner. A Civil Company is formed by two or more professional partners (e.g., medical practice, law firm, consultancy) holding joint professional liability.
Unlike an LLC, a Sole Establishment does not offer limited liability protection. The owner bears unlimited personal liability for business debts.
Dubai DET VerifiedOfficial Business Setup Source
• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET Business Licensing): ded.ae
• Ministry of Economy (MOEC Commercial Companies Portal): moec.gov.ae