Mainland company setup in the UAE
A mainland company lets you trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, lease offices across the emirate and work with government entities. We guide you through licensing with the relevant economic department, from activity selection to visas.
What is a mainland company?
Mainland companies are licensed by the economic department of the emirate where they are based, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. Unlike free zone companies, they can sell directly to customers across the UAE market.
Since 2021, most commercial and industrial activities can be 100% foreign owned, although some strategic activities still have ownership or approval requirements. A mainland company usually needs a physical office lease, and the number of visas is linked to the office space.
Mainland benefits
- Sell directly across the UAE market
- No restriction on business location within the UAE
- Eligible for government tenders and contracts
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Visa quota linked to office space
- Wide choice of commercial and professional activities
Mainland setup across the UAE
Requirements and fees differ by emirate. We help you decide where to base your company.
Dubai Mainland
Licensing through Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
Sharjah Mainland
Licensing through the Sharjah Economic Development Department.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Licensing through Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development.
Ajman and Northern Emirates
Cost-effective mainland options in Ajman and other emirates.
Documents you will typically need
Exact requirements depend on the emirate, activity and legal form.
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy
- Proposed trade names
- Business activities
- Office lease (for example Ejari in Dubai)
- Approvals from other authorities where the activity requires them
How the process works
Structure and activity
We confirm your activities, legal form and the best emirate for your business.
Name and initial approval
We reserve your trade name and obtain initial approval from the economic department.
Office and documents
We help with the office lease and prepare the memorandum of association and other documents.
Licence and visas
Your licence is issued, then we handle establishment card, visas and bank introductions.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?
Do I need an office for a mainland company?
Free zone or mainland: which is better?
How long does mainland setup take?
Related services
Ready to start your UAE company?
Book a free consultation. We will recommend the right free zone, licence and visa package for your plans and give you a clear, itemised quote.
Founder Solutions FZ-LLC is an independent business setup consultancy and an authorized channel partner of the free zones named on this site. We are not a government entity. Licence approvals, government fees and processing times are set by the relevant authorities and may change.
Founder Solutions FZ-LLC helps entrepreneurs set up and grow their business in the UAE: free zone and mainland company formation, licensing, visas and tax registration, handled end to end since 2021.
