Mainland company setup
A company licensed by your emirate's economic department, free to trade with customers anywhere in the UAE.
What it is
A Mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate where it is based, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. It can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, bid for government contracts, and open branches across all seven emirates.
Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. A local partner or service agent is still required for a defined list of strategic activities, so we check your activity before you commit.
It suits you if
- You want to sell directly to customers across the UAE
- You plan to bid for government contracts
- You want branches in more than one emirate
What we do for you
- Company formation and registration
- Trade licence application and renewals
- PRO services and government liaison
- Residence visas for owners and employees
- Bank account opening assistance
Documents you will usually need
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the appointed manager (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Three proposed trade names in order of preference
- Intended business activities list
- Proof of address in your home country
You send documents only after you have accepted your quotation and paid.
Licensed by your emirate
Every emirate has its own economic department. We prepare your application for the one where your company will be based.
Dubai
دبي
- Licensing department
- Department of Economy and Tourism
- دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة
- Typical licence time
- 1–7 working days
- Licence types
- Professional licence, for service businesses
- Commercial licence, for trading
- Industrial licence, for manufacturing and production
- Free Zones in Dubai
- DMCC, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, JAFZA (Jebel Ali), Dubai South, Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Media City / Internet City
Questions people ask
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
What is the difference between a Free Zone and a Mainland company in the UAE?
The practical difference is market access, not ownership — both routes now allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
A Mainland company is licensed by the emirate's Department of Economy and Tourism. It can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, bid for government contracts, and open branches across all seven emirates.
A Free Zone company is licensed by one of the UAE's 40-plus free zone authorities. Setup is usually cheaper, packages often bundle a fixed number of visas, and there may be corporate tax advantages if your income profile qualifies. Selling directly into the mainland market typically requires additional licensing or a distributor.
Do I still need a UAE national sponsor to own a mainland company?
For most business activities, no. Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 (consolidated into Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021) removed the requirement for a majority Emirati shareholder for most mainland commercial and professional activities.
A local partner or service agent is still required for a defined list of strategic impact activities (such as defence, security, oil and gas, and certain regulated sectors). We check your specific activity before you commit.
How long does UAE company registration take?
For a straightforward setup with verified documents:
- Free Zone licence: 3–7 working days
- Mainland licence: 1–7 working days
- Residence visas: 7–15 working days per person
- Corporate bank account: 1–5 working days
Does my UAE company pay tax?
Yes — the UAE enforces federal Corporate Tax:
- 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000
- 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
- 5% VAT applies separately once taxable supplies exceed the mandatory threshold
Every UAE company must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority and file an annual return, even if they end up paying zero tax.
Related services
Free Zone company setup
Usually cheaper to set up, with packages that often include a set number of visas.
Read more
Employee visas
Visas for the people you hire, handled alongside your company setup.
Read more
Bank account support
Help preparing your corporate bank account application. The bank makes the final decision.
Read more
Ready when you are
Answer a few short questions. No documents are needed until you have accepted your quotation.
Prefer to talk? Call us+971 56 206 2044