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Mainland · UAEMainland company setup in the UAE.
A licence from the emirate's economic department, so you can trade directly with customers and businesses across the country.
A mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate where it is based, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. Unlike a free zone company, it can trade directly with the UAE market, open premises that serve the public and pursue government work.
Changes to federal company law now allow full foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities. We handle the activity selection, trade name, approvals, office and visas, so you deal with one team throughout.
Why set up on the mainland.
Trade directly with the UAE market
Sell to customers and businesses anywhere in the country without going through a distributor.
100% foreign ownership for most activities
Most commercial and industrial activities can now be fully foreign-owned. A small number of strategic activities still carry ownership conditions.
Work with government entities
Mainland companies can pursue government and semi-government work, subject to each entity's vendor registration.
Choose your emirate
Each emirate licenses its own mainland companies, so you can set up where your customers and team are.
Room to grow your team
Visa quotas follow the size of your office, so a larger space supports a larger team.
Open a physical presence
Shops, showrooms, clinics and offices that serve the public operate on a mainland licence.
Licence types
Mainland licences fall into three main groups. A commercial licence covers trading activities, a professional licence covers services and skilled trades, and an industrial licence covers manufacturing. Some activities need approval from an external authority, such as a ministry or regulator, before the licence is issued.
Documents you will need
The typical starting list is below. The emirate may ask for more depending on your activity and structure, and we tell you exactly what applies before you gather anything.
- Passport copies for every shareholder and manager
- A recent passport-size photograph of each
- Proof of residential address
- Current UAE visa page or Emirates ID, if you are already in the UAE
- For a corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, and a board resolution approving the new company
How setup works.
Brief
What the company will do, where your customers are, how many people you need and your timeline.
Activity and name
We confirm the activity codes, check any ownership conditions and reserve your trade name.
Approvals and office
Initial approval, any external approvals your activity needs, and a registered office lease.
Licence, visas and banking
Licence issued, then establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, with help preparing for your bank account.
Questions we are asked.
Do I need a local partner?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. A small number of strategic activities still carry ownership conditions, and we check yours at the start.
Do I need an office?
Yes. A mainland company needs a registered office lease, and the size of the office affects how many visas you can get.
Free zone or mainland: which should I choose?
It depends on who your customers are and how you plan to operate. If you sell directly to the UAE public or need a shop or showroom, mainland is usually the route. We talk it through with you before you decide.
How long does it take?
It depends on the activity and any external approvals it needs. We confirm the timeline for your case at the start.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the emirate, activity, office and visas. Tell us what you need and we will send a written quote.
Get a quote for mainland setup.
A few quick questions, then we come back with the right route and a written quote.