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Mainland Company Formation in UAE
Full UAE Market Access & 100% Foreign Ownership
Launch and grow your business in the UAE Mainland with complete flexibility — trade across all Emirates, secure government contracts, and access unmatched opportunities.
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Mainland Company Formation in UAE
- 100% foreign ownership
- Trade anywhere in the UAE
- No currency restrictions
- Ease in Visa Processing
- Repartition of capitals and profits
STARTING FROM AED 17,000*
What Is a Mainland Company?
A mainland company is a business registered with the relevant Department of Economic Development (DED) or equivalent authority in UAE emirates. Unlike free zone entities, mainland businesses can trade directly within the UAE market, serve local clients, and undertake large-scale commercial activities.
Types of Mainland Entities
You can structure your mainland business in multiple legal forms:
Licensing Options
Mainland licences are broadly categorized as:
| License Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Trading businesses |
| Industrial | Manufacturing & production |
| Professional | Service providers & consultants |
Step-by-Step Process to Set Up a Mainland Company
Select from thousands of permitted activities.
Decide on LLC, sole establishment, etc.
Must meet UAE naming guidelines.
Government approvals for your business activity.
Draft and notarize legal documentation.
Apply to DED or local authority.
Final permits issued.
Final operational steps.
Required Documents
Mainland Company Formation Services Across the UAE
We provide end-to-end mainland business setup services across all major UAE emirates. Choose your preferred emirate and start your company with full legal compliance, transparency, and expert support.
Dubai
Key Advantages:
Access to international markets
Ideal for trading, consulting, and tech businesses
Strong government and private sector ecosystem
Best for: Trading, Professional Services, E-commerce, IT, Real Estate
👉 Popular choice for fast-growing businesses
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers a stable, government-driven economy with strong incentives for investors.
Key Advantages:
Excellent for government contracts
Focus on industrial, energy, and large-scale projects
Long-term business stability
Best for: Industrial, Energy, Consulting, Government-linked projects
👉 Ideal for strategic and large investments
Sharjah
Sharjah is a cost-effective emirate with strong access to both Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Key Advantages:
Lower setup and office costs
Strategic location for logistics and trade
Strong manufacturing base
Best for: Trading, Manufacturing, Education, Services
👉 Budget-friendly mainland option
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK is known for simplified processes and investor-friendly policies.
Key Advantages:
Low operational costs
Fast approvals
Growing industrial ecosystem
Best for: Manufacturing, Trading, SMEs
👉 Smart choice for cost-conscious investors
Fujairah
Fujairah connects the UAE to international shipping routes outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Advantages:
Strategic port access
Ideal for logistics and shipping
Less competition, growing opportunities
Best for: Logistics, Transport, Marine-related businesses
👉 Gateway for logistics-focused companies
Ajman
Ajman offers affordable mainland setup with simple compliance requirements.
Key Advantages:
Very low office and setup costs
Suitable for small businesses
Quick license issuance
Best for: Small Trading, Services, Startups
👉 Best for startups and small investors
Umm Al Quwin
UAQ is ideal for entrepreneurs looking for minimal overhead and fast entry.
Key Advantages:
Simplified licensing
Low rental costs
Growing business environment
Best for: Trading, Services, Small Manufacturing
👉 Entry-level mainland setup option
FAQ's
What is a Mainland company in the UAE?
A Mainland company is a business licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and work with both government and private entities without restrictions.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Mainland company in the UAE?
Yes. Most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor, subject to activity approval by the relevant authority.
What business activities are allowed under a Mainland license?
Mainland licenses generally fall under three categories:
Commercial (trading activities)
Professional (services & consultancy)
Industrial (manufacturing & production)
The permitted activities depend on the emirate and regulatory approval.
How long does Mainland company formation take?
The process usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the business activity, documentation readiness, and approvals required.
Do I need a physical office for a Mainland company?
Yes. A Mainland company requires a registered office address in the UAE. The office can be a flexi-desk, shared office, or a dedicated commercial space, depending on your license type.
Can a Mainland company issue visas?
Yes. Mainland companies can apply for employment visas, investor visas, and partner visas, based on office size and license type.
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