Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
Trade freely across the entire UAE, work with government entities and enjoy 100% foreign ownership on most activities.
Starting from
AED 12,000
What is a mainland company?
A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate and can trade anywhere in the UAE — with no restrictions on where your customers are based.
Since the 2021 reforms, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most business activities, making the mainland more attractive than ever for entrepreneurs who want to serve the local UAE market directly.
What's included
- Trade name reservation & initial approval
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafting
- DED trade licence issuance
- Office space / Ejari assistance
- Establishment card & labour file
- Visa allocation guidance
Why it matters
Trade Anywhere
No geographic restrictions — sell to customers across all seven emirates and beyond.
100% Ownership
Full foreign ownership on most activities, with no local sponsor required.
Government Contracts
Only mainland companies can bid for lucrative UAE government tenders.
Unlimited Visas
Scale your team with visa quotas tied to your office space.
Any Business Activity
Access to the widest range of licensed commercial and professional activities.
Physical Presence
A real office address that builds trust with clients and banks.
How we do it
01
Choose activity & name
02
Documentation
03
Office & licence
04
Visas & banking
Frequently asked questions
Yes, mainland companies require a registered office with an Ejari tenancy contract. We can help you find cost-effective options, including shared and serviced offices.
Typically 3–5 working days once all documents are ready, though this varies by activity and emirate.
Free zone and offshore setups usually take 5-7 working days; mainland is typically 3-5 days once documents are ready. Bank account opening and visa processing can run in parallel.
Visa quotas are linked to your office size. A standard office supports several visas, and larger premises allow more — there is no hard cap for mainland companies.
Business Setup
Need help getting started?
Talk to a specialist for tailored advice and a clear, no-obligation quote.