Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most popular structure. One or more shareholders whose liability is limited to their share capital. Suits trading, services and most commercial activity.
Most common
Business Setup in UAE
Mainland company setup in the UAE
Trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government work, with up to 100% foreign ownership on most activities. We handle the legal form, licensing authority, approvals and visas end to end — at a fixed fee agreed before we start.
100%
Foreign ownership on most activities
5–7
Working days, typical licence
7
Emirates you can set up in
2,000+
Activities permitted
What it means
What is a mainland company?
A mainland company is a business licensed by the Department of Economic Development (or its equivalent) in one of the seven emirates, rather than by a free-zone authority. It's sometimes called an "onshore" company.
The defining advantage is reach: a mainland company can trade directly anywhere in the UAE market — sell to customers across all emirates, open branches, lease office space wherever it likes, and bid for government and semi-government contracts. Free-zone companies, by contrast, are designed primarily to operate within their zone or internationally.
Since recent reforms, up to 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most commercial and industrial activities — a UAE national partner is no longer required in the majority of cases. A small list of "strategic impact" activities still calls for an Emirati shareholder or a local service agent, which we confirm for your specific activity before you commit.
In short: if you want to serve the local UAE market, take on government work, or place no limits on where you operate, mainland is usually the right structure.
Legal forms
Types of mainland company you can set up
The right legal form depends on your activity, number of owners, and liability appetite. These are the most common structures we register.
Sole Establishment
Owned by a single individual who holds 100% and bears unlimited personal liability. Common for professional and consultancy practices.
Single ownerCivil Company
A professional partnership of two or more recognised professionals (e.g. doctors, engineers, consultants). Partners share profit and liability.
ProfessionalsBranch of a Foreign Company
An extension of an existing overseas parent — same legal identity, conducting the parent's activities in the UAE. Requires a local service agent.
Foreign parentBranch of a UAE Company
A branch of an existing UAE mainland or free-zone company, letting an established business expand into a new emirate or activity.
ExpansionJoint Stock Company (PJSC / PrJSC)
Capital divided into tradable shares — for larger ventures and businesses planning to raise capital or list. Higher capital and governance requirements.
Large venturesJurisdictions
Where you can set up — and who regulates it
A mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate you choose. Each emirate has its own authority and approach; here's who governs what.
| Emirate | Licensing authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | DETDubai Department of Economy & Tourism (formerly DED) | The largest and most active mainland jurisdiction; broad activity list and fast digital licensing. |
| Abu Dhabi | ADDEDAbu Dhabi Department of Economic Development | Capital emirate; strong for government, energy, industrial and contracting work. |
| Sharjah | SEDDSharjah Economic Development Department | Cost-effective base close to Dubai; popular for trading and light industry. |
| Ajman | Ajman DEDAjman Department of Economic Development | Competitive fees for small and medium trading businesses. |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK DEDRAK Department of Economic Development | Industrial and manufacturing strengths; straightforward licensing. |
| Fujairah | Fujairah DEDFujairah Department of Industry & Economy | East-coast access and ports; suited to shipping and logistics. |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ DEDUAQ Department of Economic Development | Smaller, low-cost jurisdiction for niche trading activities. |
Requirements
What you need to set up a mainland company
The exact list depends on your activity and legal form, but most mainland licences come together from these building blocks.
Business activity
Choose your activity (or activities) from the authority's approved list — this drives your licence type and approvals.
Trade name reservation
A compliant company name, reserved and approved with the economic department.
Initial approval
Government's no-objection to proceed with your activity and structure before final licensing.
Legal form & MOA
Your chosen structure, with a Memorandum of Association (and any partner/agent agreements) notarised.
Office address (Ejari)
A physical office or commercial space with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai).
Shareholder documents
Passport copies, visa/entry-stamp details and, where applicable, a No-Objection Certificate.
External approvals (if needed)
Some activities need a sign-off from a regulator (e.g. health, legal, financial, food) before the licence issues.
Local service agent (select activities)
A handful of activities and foreign branches still require an Emirati service agent — we confirm whether yours does.
How we help
Your mainland company, set up in five clear steps
One team handles the whole process. You always know which step you're on and what's next — with a fixed fee agreed before we start.
1
Day 1
Consultation & structure
We confirm your activity, the best legal form, ownership, and the right emirate — then quote a fixed, all-inclusive fee.
2
Day 1–2
Name & initial approval
We reserve your trade name and secure initial approval from the economic department to proceed.
3
Day 2–4
Documents & MOA
We draft and notarise your MOA and any agreements, and arrange your office address and Ejari.
4
Day 4–6
Licence issued
We submit the final file, clear any external approvals, and collect your trade licence.
5
Day 6–7+
Visas & bank account
We open your establishment card, process investor and staff visas, and support your corporate bank account.
Get started
Get a fixed quote for your mainland company.
Tell us your activity and where you'd like to set up. We'll reply within one business day with the right structure and an all-inclusive price.
Thank you — we've got your details.
One of our setup advisors will be in touch within one business day.
One of our setup advisors will be in touch within one business day.