Unrestricted access to the UAE market
Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
A mainland company is licensed by an emirate's economic department and can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. DocTrust handles the licensing, legal documents and government approvals for you.
Quick answer
A UAE mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate where it is based, for example Dubai's DET, Sharjah's SEDD or Abu Dhabi's ADDED. It can trade anywhere in the UAE, take on government contracts and sponsor visas based on its office size. Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
What is a mainland company?
A mainland (onshore) company holds a licence issued by an emirate's Department of Economic Development or its equivalent. Unlike a free zone entity, it is not limited to a designated area. It can open branches across the UAE, sell directly to consumers and businesses, and bid for public-sector tenders.
Common legal forms include the Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Establishment, Civil Company for professionals, and branches of UAE or foreign companies.
Types of mainland licences
| Licence | Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Buying, selling and trading of goods and general services | General trading, e-commerce, real estate brokerage |
| Professional | Services based on qualifications or skills | Consultancy, IT services, design, accounting |
| Industrial | Manufacturing, processing and assembly | Food production, fabrication, packaging |
| Tourism | Travel, hospitality and tour operations | Travel agency, tour operator, holiday homes |
Is 100% foreign ownership available?
Yes, for the vast majority of commercial and industrial activities. Federal amendments to the Commercial Companies Law removed the long-standing requirement for a 51% UAE national shareholder. A limited list of strategic-impact activities, such as certain oil, defence and utility activities, still carries conditions, and some professional set-ups in certain emirates use a local service agent. We confirm the position for your activity before you commit.
Mainland business setup by emirate
Business Setup in Sharjah
Affordable mainland licences through SEDD, with lower rents and quick access to Dubai.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Dubai
DET-licensed mainland companies in the UAE's commercial capital, with full PRO and visa support.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Abu Dhabi
ADDED-licensed companies in the UAE capital, the centre of government and major projects.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Ajman
One of the most affordable mainland options in the UAE, minutes from Sharjah and Dubai.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Ras Al Khaimah
Cost-effective mainland licences in RAK, ideal for industry, tourism and trading.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Umm Al Quwain
A quiet, low-cost emirate with simple procedures and room to grow.
Learn moreBusiness Setup in Fujairah
East-coast access to the Gulf of Oman, with a major bunkering port and logistics hub.
Learn moreKey benefits of Mainland Company Setup
Trade anywhere in the UAE
Sell to customers and businesses in every emirate without needing a distributor.
Government contracts
Mainland companies can register as vendors with federal and local government entities.
Flexible visa quota
Sponsor more employees as your office space grows. There is no fixed package cap.
Multiple branches
Open branches or additional outlets in any emirate under the same company.
Wide activity choice
Thousands of activities, including regulated sectors like healthcare, education and contracting.
Banking credibility
Banks and suppliers tend to view mainland entities as established, local businesses.
How to set up a mainland company
Free consultation & activity selection
We map your business idea to the correct activity codes in the relevant economic department's activity list and confirm whether any extra approvals apply.
Legal form & trade name
We help you choose between an LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch, then reserve a compliant trade name.
Initial approval
We file for initial approval with the relevant economic department. This confirms the government has no objection to you doing business.
MOA & office lease
We draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association where needed and register your office lease (Ejari, Tawtheeq or a municipality-attested lease).
External approvals
For regulated activities, we obtain approvals from bodies such as the municipality, health, education or police authorities.
Licence issuance & next steps
We pay the fees, collect your trade licence and then open your establishment card, labour file and visa quota.
Documents usually required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy (if inside the UAE)
- Passport-size photographs with a white background
- Emirates ID copies for UAE residents
- Proposed trade names (three options in order of preference)
- Signed tenancy contract / office lease for the business premises
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
Mainland Company Setup: common questions
Can a mainland company work in free zones?
A mainland company can supply goods and services to free zone businesses. It cannot operate from inside a free zone office unless it also holds a licence or branch registered there.
Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. A UAE national partner is no longer required. Some professional licences and strategic activities may still need a local service agent or have other conditions.
How many visas can a mainland company get?
The visa quota is set mainly by the size of your registered office, roughly one visa per 9–10 sq m in many emirates, and by your MOHRE establishment classification. There is no fixed package limit.
What is the minimum capital for an LLC?
Most emirates no longer require a fixed paid-up capital for LLCs. You declare a share capital in the MOA. Certain activities and investor visa applications have specific capital expectations.
Speak to a Mainland Company Setup specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
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