Mainland Company Formation in UAE – 100% Ownership
Establish your Mainland company in the UAE with TAB Consultants and gain unrestricted access to the UAE market. We provide end-to-end company formation services—from DED licensing and visas to banking, VAT, and corporate tax compliance, so you can start trading/ operating in days.
What Is Mainland Company Formation in the UAE?
A Mainland company is registered under the Department of Economy & Tourism (DED) in any Emirate, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
Benefits:
- Operate anywhere in the UAE (local & international clients)
- Eligibility for government and corporate contracts
- Trade across all sectors without Free Zone restrictions
- Sponsor employees based on office size
- Access corporate banking and financial services more easily
Unlike Free Zone or Offshore companies, Mainland entities can trade freely within the UAE market.
Why Choose Mainland Company Setup in UAE?
- Full UAE Market Access — Conduct business across all Emirates
- Extensive Business Activity Options — 2000+ of activities: trading, consulting, IT, manufacturing, tourism
- Government & Corporate Contract Eligibility
- Flexible Visa Sponsorship — No Free Zone caps, sponsor staff based on office size
- Enhanced Banking & Credibility — Faster corporate bank account approvals
Key Features of UAE Mainland Companies
- Operate across the UAE without restrictions
- Mandatory physical office (Ejari-registered lease)
- Serve both local and international clients
- Eligible for government and corporate contracts
- Compliant with accounting, VAT, and corporate tax laws
- Sponsor unlimited employment visas (depending on office size)
Legal Structures for Mainland Companies
Choose the right legal structure for ownership, liability, taxation, and compliance:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common for trading and commercial businesses
- Sole Establishment / Sole Proprietorship: For individual owners, small businesses, professionals
- Partnership: Two or more owners sharing responsibilities
- Public or Private Joint Stock Compan: For large-scale operations or external investors
- Civil Company: Professional services (consultancy, legal, medical, engineering)
- Branch of a Foreign Company: For international businesses operating in UAE
Types of Mainland Licenses
Commercial License
Trading, import/export, retail, distribution services
Professional License
Consulting, IT, freelancers, service-oriented businesses
Industrial License
Manufacturing, assembly, production units
Tourism License
Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality, tourism services
Step-by-Step Mainland Company Formation Process
Select Business Activity
Choose primary activity aligned with UAE regulations — 1 day
Reserve Trade Name
Secure company name with DED approval — 1 day
Submit Initial Approvals
Apply for preliminary approval — 1–2 days
External Approvals
Industry or government-specific approvals — 3–5 days
MOA & Lease Office
Execute Memorandum of Association; lease office & register Ejari — 1–2 days
License Issuance
Receive official business license — 2–4 days
Visa Processing
Apply for investor and employee visas, Emirates ID — 3–7 days
Corporate Bank Account Setup
Open UAE business account with KYC compliance — 2–5 days
VAT & Corporate Tax Registration
Register with FTA for full compliance — 1–2 days
Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
- Passport Copies of Shareholders
- Visa Copies of Shareholders (Required if shareholders are UAE residents)
- Passport-Size Photographs
- Proof of Residence ( such as Utility bill or government-issued document)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Local Service Agent Agreement
- Trade Name Approval (Obtain approval from the relevant Department of Economic Development (DED) of :Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah an dUmm Al Quwain.)
- Initial Approval for Business Activities (some may require additional approval)
- Ejari / Tenancy Contract
- Bank reference letter for each shareholder
- Board resolution if shareholder is corporate.
Why Choose TAB Consultants?
- End-to-End Free Zone Setup
- Lowest Price Guarantee — No Hidden Costs
- Fast Approvals & Clear Timelines
- Expert Consultants with UAE Market Knowledge
- One Partner for Setup, Banking, Tax & Compliance
- Trusted by 500+ Global Entrepreneurs & SMEs
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
Features
Mainland
Free Zone
Offshore
UAE Market Access
Full trading access
Limited
None
Ownership
100% possible
100%
100%
Visa Quotas
Flexible
Limited
None
Office Requirement
Required
Optional / Virtual
Not required
Government Contracts
Eligible
Not eligible
Not eligible
Cost Range
AED 20K – 100K+
AED 15K – 50K
AED 10K – 30K+
Top Industries to Invest in Dubai — 2026
Client Success Stories & Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mainland company?
Licensed to operate across all Emirates with unrestricted local market access.
Can foreigners own 100%?
Yes, most activities now allow full foreign ownership under updated UAE laws.
How long does registration take?
Typically 2–6 weeks depending on approvals.
Is a physical office required?
Yes — a flexi or physical office with Ejari registration is mandatory.
What types of licenses exist?
Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism.
How many visas can I sponsor?
Depends on office size and business activity; Mainland is flexible.
Can a Free Zone company convert to Mainland?
Yes, with regulatory approvals.
Are government contracts exclusive to Mainland companies?
Yes — only Mainland entities can bid directly.
What are the setup costs?
AED 20,000 – 90,000+ depending on license, office, visas, and services.
Will TAB Consultants handle the full process?
Yes — licensing, visas, banking, VAT, accounting, and audit readiness.
Can I operate remotely?
Yes, full remote setup support provided.
How soon can my bank account be opened?
Typically 2–5 days after submission.
Ready to Start Your Mainland Business in UAE?
Whether you’re launching a trading company, consulting firm, tech startup, or tourism business, TAB Consultants provides end-to-end support: licensing, banking, taxation, visas, and compliance