MainlandOverview
Mainland Company Formation
A mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate where it is based. It can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, take premises in any commercial area, and bid for government and semi-government contracts.
Since the ownership reforms, most commercial, professional and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. A small number of strategic activities still require Emirati participation, and we will tell you at the outset if yours is one of them.
- Ownership
- 100% foreign for most activities
- Trade inside UAE
- Yes, anywhere
- Residence visas
- Yes, based on office space
- Office
- Physical office with Ejari
Key benefits
- Trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor
- Eligible for government and semi-government contracts
- No restriction on office location within the emirate
- Visa quota grows with your office space
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Choice of LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch
Mainland by emirate
How setup works
- Choose business activities and legal form
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of Association
- Secure office space and register the Ejari
- Pay fees and receive the trade licence
- Establishment card, visas and corporate bank account
Documents you will need
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa page or entry stamp, or Emirates ID for residents
- Proof of residential address
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA and board resolution
- No-objection letter from your current sponsor, if you are employed in the UAE
Use the cost calculator for an indicative figure, then ask us for a confirmed, itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I own a mainland company outright?
For most commercial and industrial activities, yes. A small number of activities with strategic impact still have ownership conditions, which we check before you apply.
Do I need a physical office?
Yes. A mainland licence needs a registered lease. Business centres offer compact, compliant offices for companies that do not need a large space yet.
Can a mainland company work in other emirates?
Yes. It can trade across the UAE, and it can open branches in other emirates by registering them there.