Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
Trade anywhere in the UAE, bid on government contracts, and access the full local market with a Mainland licence issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
What is a UAE Mainland company?
A Mainland (onshore) company is registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of an emirate — most commonly Dubai (DED Dubai). It allows you to trade freely across the UAE, open unlimited branches, and work with both public and private sector clients.
Following recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for the vast majority of activities — no local sponsor required.
Why this is the right option
Trade across all 7 emirates
No restrictions on where you serve clients or open offices.
Government contracts eligible
Bid on UAE federal and emirate-level tenders.
100% foreign ownership
Most commercial and professional activities allow full ownership.
Unlimited visa quota
Subject to office size — no fixed cap like most free zones.
Wider activity selection
2,000+ activities available across trading, services, and industrial categories.
Strong banking acceptance
UAE banks generally onboard mainland entities with fewer questions.
Documents required
- Passport copy of all shareholders (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proposed company name (3 options)
- Brief business activity description
- Visa page / entry stamp copy (if in UAE)
How it works, step by step
- 01
Initial consultation
Tell us your activity, goals, and budget. We recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Document collection
We share a clear document checklist and collect everything via secure upload.
- 03
Application & approvals
Our team files the trade name reservation, initial approval, and licence application.
- 04
Licence issuance
Trade licence + MOA are issued. We hand over originals digitally and by courier.
- 05
Banking & visas
Bank account introduction and visa processing handled in parallel where possible.
Starting from AED 15,000
Indicative — exact cost depends on activity, legal form (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Co.), and office requirement. Use the calculator for a tailored estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you need? Our consultants are happy to answer any specific questions.
Ask a ConsultantDo I still need a local sponsor for a mainland LLC?+
No — 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most activities. A small list of strategic activities still require a UAE national partner or service agent.
What is the minimum share capital?+
There is no minimum capital requirement for most mainland LLCs. The MOA simply states the agreed capital.
Can I operate from a flexi-desk?+
Yes — DED accepts ejari for flexi-desk/co-working agreements, with visa quotas tied to the space type.
How long does the whole process take?+
Typical timelines are 3–10 working days from receipt of complete documents, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need to be in the UAE during setup?+
For most setups, no. Many steps can be done remotely. Emirates ID biometrics and bank visits require a short visit.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership?+
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities and is standard across all UAE free zones.
Ready to start your UAE journey?
Speak with a consultant. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.