MAINLAND COMPANY setup

Complete mainland company formation services in Dubai and across the UAE, allowing businesses to operate without restrictions throughout the country and conduct business directly with the local market.

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Mainland Company Setup Services

Our Mainland Company Setup service provides comprehensive assistance for establishing your business on the UAE mainland, where you can operate without geographical restrictions and conduct business directly with the local market and government entities.

With recent changes to UAE commercial laws allowing 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, mainland companies have become increasingly attractive for international entrepreneurs seeking full market access while maintaining complete ownership control.

- Unrestricted Business Operations - Freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE without geographical limitations
- Direct Local Market Access - Ability to contract directly with government entities and the local market
- Multiple Branch Options - Establish branches across different emirates
- Unlimited Visa Quotas - Greater flexibility in employee visa allocations based on office space
- Broader Activity Scope - Access to a wider range of permissible business activities
- 100% Foreign Ownership - Complete ownership control for most business activities
- Local Credibility - Enhanced reputation with local businesses and consumers
- No Restrictions on Number of Partners - Flexibility to have multiple shareholders
1. Initial Consultation - Understanding your business objectives and requirements
2. Legal Structure Determination - Advising on the optimal legal entity structure
3. Business Activity Selection - Identifying and approving appropriate business activities
4. Name Reservation - Securing your trade name with the Department of Economic Development
5. Initial Approval - Obtaining preliminary approval from authorities
6. Legal Documentation - Preparing Memorandum of Association and other required documents
7. Location Arrangement - Securing and registering appropriate office premises
8. External Approvals - Obtaining approvals from relevant external departments (if required)
9. License Issuance - Submitting final documentation and receiving trade license
10. Corporate Bank Account - Assistance with establishing banking relationships
11. Immigration File - Setting up immigration services for visa processing
12. Post-Setup Support - Guidance on operational requirements and compliance
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) - Most common structure, with 1-50 shareholders and minimum capital requirements varying by activity
- Sole Establishment - 100% ownership by a UAE national
- Civil Company - For professional services and licensed professionals
- Branch Office - Extension of a foreign parent company with identical activities
- Representative Office - Limited to promoting the parent company without direct commercial activities
- Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) - For larger enterprises with minimum capital of AED 30 million
- Private Joint Stock Company - Minimum capital of AED 5 million with restrictions on public offerings
- For foreign individuals and corporate shareholders:
  - Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
  - UAE visa copies and Emirates ID (if resident)
  - No Objection Certificate from current sponsor (for UAE residents)
  - Bank reference letters
  - Corporate documents for corporate shareholders (Certificate of Incorporation, Board Resolution, etc.)
  - Business profile or plan
  - Proof of address
  - CV/professional qualifications (for certain activities)
  Our team will provide a detailed document checklist specific to your business activities and structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100% foreign ownership now possible for all mainland businesses?

Following recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most business activities on the mainland. However, certain strategic sectors still have foreign ownership restrictions or special requirements. These typically include sectors like oil and gas exploration, utilities, and certain types of transportation. Our consultants can advise on the current ownership regulations for your specific business activity.

What are the minimum capital requirements for mainland companies?

Minimum capital requirements vary based on the business activity and legal structure. While many commercial activities no longer have fixed minimum capital requirements, banks often expect adequate capitalization when opening corporate accounts. Professional service companies typically have lower requirements than trading or industrial companies. We provide specific guidance based on your business activities and emirate of establishment.

How long does the mainland company formation process take?

The typical timeline for mainland company formation ranges from 2-4 weeks, depending on the business activity, external approvals required, and documentation readiness. Certain regulated activities requiring special approvals (healthcare, education, financial services) may take longer due to additional regulatory reviews. Our streamlined process ensures the fastest possible setup within regulatory timeframes.

What are the office space requirements for mainland companies?

Mainland companies require physical office space with a valid Ejari (tenancy contract registration). The minimum space requirements vary by emirate and business activity, typically starting from 200-400 sq.ft. for commercial activities. Some emirates offer flexi-desk or business center options for certain professional activities. Virtual offices are generally not accepted for mainland companies. We can assist with finding suitable and cost-effective office solutions.

Business Jurisdictions in Dubai