Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
A mainland licence, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (or the relevant emirate authority), allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE without restriction — including directly with government entities and the local retail market.
What is a mainland company
- Unrestricted access to the UAE local market
- Eligible to bid for government contracts
- Freedom to open branches anywhere in the country
- Access to the full mainland activity list
- Visa allocation tied to office size, not a fixed cap
- 100% foreign ownership available for most activities
- Strong credibility with UAE banks and clients
Who should choose mainland
- Startups planning to sell directly to UAE consumers
- SMEs that need more than a handful of visas
- Foreign investors targeting government or semi-government clients
- Solo entrepreneurs opening a shop, clinic, or studio
Types of mainland trade licences
- Commercial licence
- Professional licence
- General trading licence
- Industrial licence
- Tourism licence
- E-commerce licence
- Branch of a foreign company
How to set up
- Choose your business activity
- Select your legal structure
- Reserve your trade name
- Submit your application for initial approval
- Sign your memorandum of association
- Secure office space and register your Ejari
- Pay licence fees and receive your trade licence
- Apply for visas and open your bank account
Compare mainland against free zone and offshore on our structure comparison page, or talk to an advisor directly.