100%
Commercial and industrial
Amendments to the Commercial Companies Law removed the mandatory 51% Emirati shareholding for the majority of commercial and industrial activities.
Mainland
Mainland Company Formation
A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor, open branches across the emirates, and bid for government contracts.
- Unrestricted UAE trading
- Government tenders eligible
- Visa quota scales with you
Mainland
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai and the UAE
A mainland company, sometimes called an onshore company, is licensed by the emirate's Department of Economy and Tourism. Unlike a free zone entity, it can trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor, open branches across the emirates, and bid for government contracts.
Ownership rules were substantially liberalised in recent years, and most commercial and professional activities now permit 100% foreign ownership. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation.
Ownership
Do You Still Need a Local Sponsor?
For most activities, no. Here is where your business is likely to fall.
100%
With a local service agent
A UAE national is appointed to handle government liaison. They hold no shares, take no profit, and are paid a fixed annual fee. Their role is administrative.
Partner
Strategic activities
A limited list of strategic activities still requires a national partner. We confirm whether yours is on it before you commit to a structure.
Which case applies depends on your specific activity and emirate. We check your activity against the current list and tell you plainly which structure you need, before you commit to anything.
The Advantages
Why Choose a Mainland Setup
What a mainland licence gives you that a free zone entity cannot.
Unrestricted UAE Trading
Sell directly to customers anywhere in the UAE with no need for a local distributor or commercial agent.
Government Contracts
Mainland companies can tender for government and semi-government work, which is closed to free zone entities.
Scalable Visa Quota
Your visa allocation is tied to your office space rather than a fixed package, so it grows as you grow.
Branch Network
Open additional branches in any emirate under the same parent licence, with no separate incorporation required.
Broad Activity List
The mainland activity list is the most comprehensive in the UAE, covering activities that free zones cannot license.
Full Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership is available on most commercial and professional activities under the amended companies law.
Step by Step
The Mainland Setup Process
Six stages from confirming your activity to collecting the licence.
Formation checklist
6 steps
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Step 1
Activity and Structure
Confirm your activity against the DET list and select the legal form, most commonly an LLC or a sole establishment.
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Step 2
Trade Name Reservation
Submit and reserve your trade name in line with the naming conventions of the emirate.
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Step 3
Initial Approval
Obtain the authority's no-objection to your proposed activity, structure and shareholders.
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Step 4
Memorandum of Association
Draft and notarise the MoA, defining shareholding, management and profit distribution.
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Step 5
Office and Ejari
Lease premises and register the tenancy contract through Ejari. Your visa quota is calculated from this space.
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Step 6
Licence and Registration
Settle fees, collect the trade licence, register with the Chamber of Commerce and obtain the establishment card.
Common Questions
Mainland Formation FAQs
For most activities, no. Amendments to the Commercial Companies Law removed the mandatory 51% Emirati shareholding for the majority of commercial and industrial activities. Professional licences use a local service agent, who holds no equity. A limited list of strategic activities still requires a national partner.
For professional licences held by foreign nationals, a UAE national is appointed to handle government liaison. They hold no shares, take no profit, and are paid a fixed annual fee. Their role is administrative.
Broadly, one visa per nine square metres of leased office space, subject to the authority's assessment of your activity and premises. Some activities carry different ratios.
Yes. Mainland licences require genuine premises with a registered Ejari tenancy contract. Some emirates permit shared or serviced offices for specific professional activities, usually with a reduced visa quota.
Typically one to three weeks once documents are complete, depending on the activity and whether external regulatory approvals are needed. Activities requiring third-party clearance take longer.
Yes. A foreign corporate shareholder is permitted, subject to attested and legalised parent company documents and a board resolution approving the incorporation.
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