Mainland company formation in the UAE offers businesses the opportunity to operate within the local market and beyond, subject to certain regulations and requirements. Companies established on the mainland are licensed by the respective Department of Economic Development (DED) of each emirate, allowing for a broad range of business activities including trading, services, and manufacturing. Key features include the necessity of a local Emirati sponsor or service agent, depending on the business type, and adherence to UAE laws and regulations. This setup provides access to the UAE’s robust infrastructure, strategic location, and favorable business environment, facilitating growth and international business operations.

UAE Mainland Company Formation

UAE is a centre for trade in the Middle East and one of the safest nations in the world. Businessmen view the UAE mainland as the perfect location to set up a corporation and a bank account since it is a tax haven with a robust bank network. 

In the UAE’s mainland, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) business form is common. The new cabinet decision eliminates the need for local sponsors for the chosen commercial activities and industry sectors, granting foreigners 100% ownership in mainland companies in certain industries. Because of this, investors can form a limited liability company without a local sponsor. 

Any organisation engaged in commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural, real estate, or other types of economic operations on the mainland is subject to the amendments made to Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies and Amended Law No. 26 of 2020. 

The UAE Government’s Cabinet resolution establishes specific capital criteria and conditions that apply to the expat’s 100% ownership in the mainland firm. Obtaining 100% ownership of mainland (onshore) enterprises in the UAE requires a minimum share capital that ranges from around AED 2 million to AED 100 million, depending on the investor’s preferred industrial sector and line of business. 

Open boundless opportunities for your business with a Dubai mainland company! Choose from over 2000+ business activities, granting you the freedom to trade in the UAE and across borders. Welcome the perfect choice for your venture and seize success like never before!

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Benefits Of UAE Mainland Company Formation

  • Availability of commercial space for lease in any location
  • Capacity to engage in a variety of commercial operations
  • 100% foreign ownership, with the option to trade anywhere in the UAE.
  • No restrictions on currency
  • Processing work visas is simple
  • Benefit of submitting a bid for government work
  • Ease of opening a corporate bank account
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Important Features Of UAE Mainland Company Formation

There are certain benefits that Mainland Company Formation offers to financial professionals searching for a business setting in the UAE. Tax benefits and the chance to swap are these highlights. Let’s look at some other highlights, shall we? 

  • Corporate taxes are not a hardship for mainland enterprises.
  • There is no legal requirement for capital to get a Mainland Company Formation Licence.
  • Setting up a mainland company is possible without a cumbersome process.
  • An audit is not required to be performed.
  • It’s easy to get a permission for UAE Mainland Company Formation.
  • The company may be managed from anywhere in the UAE.
  • The use of money is not subject to any legal restrictions.
  • Services for employment visas are easily and reasonably available in Dubai.
  • Financial health of a company may be successfully disclosed.
  • It is possible to repatriate all capital and profits.
  • The company office is accessible from anywhere in the UAE.

Types Of Mainland Company Formation In UAE

UAE offers a variety of business resources to financial professionals that may be combined successfully.

Branch Of Foreign Office

Dubai offers opportunities to financial experts looking for a platform to expand their firm. You might use Mainland business creation to incorporate your branch office if you’re looking for a platform to expand. to learn more about the consolidation of branch offices. 

Professional Companies

Additionally referred to as common organisations, they are committed to a certain vocation to carry out the professional practise specific to their field. 

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

One of the most well-known forms of business entities is the limited liability company (LLC), which may be formed with the participation of at least two investors and up to a maximum of fifty. The percentage of individual shares determines how much responsibility each accomplice must take.

Representative Office

The UAE allows financial experts from outside to establish a delegate office without the presence of an investor. A delegate office refrains from corporate operating activities and is more inclined to do research and develop promotional activities.

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Mainland Company Formation In UAE

A game-changer for entrepreneurs! This is no ordinary business setup; it’s a licensed venture approved by the prestigious Department of Economic Development in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. So, why is it a must-have for savvy entrepreneurs? Brace yourself for an epic journey as we reveal the exciting perks of mainland company registration. And that’s not all! We’ve got an exclusive guide to conquering the Dubai mainland for your business success! Get ready to soar high!

  • LLC Dubai
  • Professional License
  • Branch Office

Obtaining a professional mainland license in Dubai has become more accessible. Moreover, we provide comprehensive package deals tailored for start-ups situated anywhere in the UAE. These packages include various licenses, such as Commercial Trading Licenses, Consultancy Licenses, E-commerce Licenses, Real Estate Licenses, and Manufacturing Licenses in Dubai.

The UAE’s vibrant business landscape offers numerous pathways to success, and we’re here to guide you through the exciting process of setting up your dream company on the mainland. While the Limited Liability Company (LLC) remains the most popular choice, our experts have unveiled an array of captivating alternatives!

Explore The Possibilities


Acquiring a trade name for your business in Dubai mainland requires adherence to certain guidelines and procedures. Your chosen trade name must align with the nature of your business activities and receive official approval from the authorities before it can be used formally. The approval process ensures that the trade name is not already in use by another entity or has been previously registered. Additionally, it is essential that the trade name does not violate public morals or the public order of the UAE.

To verify the availability of your desired trade name, you can visit the Department of Economic Development (DED) websites of various emirates. You can also check for registered trade names on the UAE Ministry of Economy Unified Commercial Registration System and the National Economic Register.

Alternatively, if you wish to expedite the process, you may provide us with a list of potential trade names that reflect your business’s nature. Our team will then conduct a thorough availability check and proceed with securing the registration. Once approved, your trade name will be accompanied by the acronym of your legal structure, such as LLC, Civil Company or Sole Proprietor.

  • Investor Visa
  • Work Visa for your team
  • Residence Permits for your family
  • Licensing & Documentation
  • Labour Cards
  • Immigration Cards
  • Approvals from Government
  • Renewal of Business Licence
  • World-class infrastructure for every aspect of your business  
  • Unrestricted flexibility to scale up or down as needed  
  • Stable business climate and regulatory framework  
  • Operate in both local and international markets simultaneously  
  • Easy business dealings through international conferences and trade expos  
  • Major banks and audit services to fuel your growth  
  • Freedom to choose your office location  
  • Access to a global pool of talented professionals  
  • Professional Licence or Commercial Licence: Foreigners can have 100% ownership of professional licences or Commercial License. 
  • Mandatory Approvals: Dubai mainland company formation requires approvals from various authorities, including DED (Department of Economic Development), DM (Dubai Municipality), MoL (Ministry of Labor), Mol (Ministry of Interior), and others for specific activity.

Certain business activities in Dubai mainland necessitate special approval from the relevant authorities. These activities include: 

  • RTA Activities 
  • Educational Services 
  • Travel & Tourism Activities 
  • Health Care Activities  

Businesses should seek and obtain the necessary special approval from the concerned authorities before commencing their operations for these specific operations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

UAE nationals, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and foreign investors can establish mainland companies, typically requiring a local Emirati sponsor or service agent.

Mainland companies can operate anywhere within the UAE and are not restricted to specific free zone areas. They can engage in a wider range of business activities and benefit from proximity to local markets.

A local sponsor (for LLCs) or service agent (for professional firms) is required to act as a liaison with government authorities and hold a majority stake (51%) in the company. They facilitate legal compliance and local business understanding.

Steps include choosing a business activity, securing a local sponsor or service agent, drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA), obtaining initial approvals from authorities, leasing office space, and obtaining the trade license.

Yes, mainland companies can conduct business internationally without restrictions, allowing them to engage in global trade and partnerships.

Costs vary depending on the business type, size, and location, including government fees, sponsor fees, legal fees, office rent, and operational expenses.

The timeline typically ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the completeness of documentation and approvals from relevant authorities.

Mainland companies must comply with UAE laws and regulations, including annual license renewals, financial reporting, visa processing for employees, and other regulatory obligations.

Generally, foreigners can own up to 49% of a mainland company, with the remaining 51% owned by a local sponsor or service agent. Certain sectors may allow for 100% foreign ownership with specific conditions and approvals.

Seek guidance from local business consultants, legal advisors, or engage directly with government entities like the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the respective emirate for accurate information and support throughout the process.

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