Trade Directly with the UAE's Thriving Local Market
A UAE mainland company offers unrestricted access to trade across all Emirates and the ability to work with government bodies. We streamline your mainland license and company formation with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
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What is a UAE Mainland Company?
A UAE mainland company, also known as an onshore company, is a business licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the respective Emirate. This structure allows you to operate and trade directly within the local UAE market without restrictions.
Historically, this required a local Emirati sponsor. However, recent amendments now permit 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities. Unlike a UAE Free Zone company, a mainland entity provides the ultimate flexibility to operate anywhere in the country. For a complete comparison, see our guide on Mainland vs. Free Zone.
Benefits of UAE Mainland Company Formation
Unrestricted Market Access
Trade directly with any customer or business located anywhere in the UAE, including all free zones.
Government Project Tenders
Qualify to bid on lucrative government contracts and projects, which are exclusive to mainland companies.
100% Foreign Ownership
Benefit from full ownership for most commercial and industrial activities without needing an Emirati partner.
Freedom of Location
Establish your office or retail space anywhere on the mainland, maximizing visibility and accessibility.
Easy Expansion
Open multiple branches and grow your business across the Emirates with a simplified and scalable structure.
Flexible Visa Options
There is no cap on the number of visas; eligibility increases with the size of your office space.
Our 5-Step Mainland Formation Process
Activity & Legal Structure
We consult with you to determine the ideal business activities and legal form (e.g., LLC, Sole Proprietorship) for your mainland company.
DED Initial Approval & Name Reservation
We secure your proposed trade name and obtain the critical Initial Approval from the Department of Economic Development.
MOA & Document Attestation
Our team drafts your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and manages the entire notarization and attestation process on your behalf.
License & Document Issuance
After submitting all documents and tenancy contracts (Ejari), the DED issues your official mainland trade license.
Post-Formation Support
We finalize your setup by managing your Establishment Card, securing your residence visas, and assisting with corporate bank account opening.
Common Mainland Legal Structures
| Legal Structure | Ownership | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | 1-50 shareholders. 100% foreign ownership for most activities. | The most common and flexible structure, suitable for nearly all commercial and industrial businesses. |
| Sole Proprietorship | Single individual owner. | Professionals like consultants, doctors, or engineers offering services. Requires a Local Service Agent. |
| Civil Company | Two or more professional partners. | Firms of doctors, lawyers, accountants, or engineers. Requires a Local Service Agent. |
| Branch of a Foreign Company | 100% owned by the parent company. | Expanding an existing international company into the UAE market to conduct similar business activities. |
Client Feedback
Setting up on the mainland seemed complicated, but their team simplified everything. They handled all the DED paperwork and provided clear guidance on our LLC structure. Our trade license was issued faster than we expected.
David Miller, General Manager, Prime Trading LLC
Mainland Setup FAQs
Do I still need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
For over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities, a local Emirati sponsor is no longer required, and you can have 100% foreign ownership. However, for certain strategic sectors or professional service licenses, a Local Service Agent (LSA) may still be necessary.
What is a Local Service Agent (LSA)?
An LSA is an Emirati national or a 100% Emirati-owned company appointed for professional licenses (like consultancies). Unlike a sponsor in an LLC, an LSA has no shareholding or liability in the company and is paid a fixed annual fee.
Are there any restrictions on office location?
No. A key benefit of a mainland license is the freedom to rent commercial office space anywhere in the Emirate it is registered in, allowing for greater market presence.
What is the minimum capital requirement for a mainland company?
For most LLCs, there is no longer a mandatory minimum capital requirement. The capital is mentioned in the MOA but does not need to be deposited in the bank during setup.
Ready to Access the Full UAE Market?
Our mainland setup experts are ready to provide a free consultation to structure your company for success. Get a detailed, no-obligation quote and a clear action plan.
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