Setting up a mainland company in the UAE gives you access to the local market, government contracts, and limitless scalability. Unlike free zones, a mainland license allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. With recent reforms allowing up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, now is the best time to establish your presence in one of the world’s most business-friendly environments.
Emira Legal helps entrepreneurs, startups, and established enterprises set up mainland businesses across all emirates with a seamless, transparent process backed by legal expertise.
Our Process
Chose your required Service and Pay on our website
Send required documents to us when asked
Stay updated until the work is finished
Receive the Deliverables Soft copy and Hard Copies
Documents Required
For Individuals:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- UAE visa copy or entry stamp
- Passport-size photos
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of association
- Board resolution to form a new company in the UAE
- Passport copy of the authorized signatory
Additional documents may be required depending on the business activity and emirate.
Deliverables
When you set up a mainland company with Emira Legal, you receive:
- UAE mainland trade license
- Company name reservation
- MOA (Memorandum of Association) drafting & notarization
- Initial approvals from DED and other authorities
- Establishment card from immigration
- Assistance with UAE corporate bank account opening
- Optional office/flexi-desk solutions
- Visa quota allocation & processing support
How It Works
1
Connect With Us
Share your requirements, and we’ll help you choose the best license type and business activity for mainland setup.
2
Submit Documents
We collect and verify the necessary documents from all stakeholders.
3
Name Reservation & Approvals
Your trade name is reserved and initial approvals are obtained from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
4
Documentation & MOA
We draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and finalize tenancy contracts or flexi-desk agreements.
5
License Issuance
Once all documents are in place, your trade license is issued.
6
Post-License Assistance
We assist with corporate bank account opening, visa allocation, and ongoing compliance support.
Mainland Company Formation in the UAE – Everything You Need to Know
Why Choose Mainland Over Free Zone? Mainland businesses enjoy total freedom to operate across the UAE and abroad, making them ideal for companies that want to trade locally, take on government projects, or establish physical outlets. Unlike free zones, you’re not limited by geography or activity restrictions.
100% Foreign Ownership Now Allowed Thanks to recent legal reforms, foreign investors can now own 100% of mainland companies in most commercial and professional categories—eliminating the need for a UAE national sponsor in many sectors.
Flexible Business Activities Mainland licenses cover a wide range of commercial, industrial, and professional activities, offering flexibility to scale or diversify as your business grows.
Business-Friendly Environment With world-class infrastructure, political stability, and a tax-friendly system, the UAE mainland remains one of the top global destinations for entrepreneurs.
Transparent & Cost-Effective Process At Emira Legal, we believe in simple, cost-effective company formation. No hidden fees. No legal guesswork. Just end-to-end support with clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, as of the latest commercial company law reforms, foreign nationals can own 100% of mainland businesses in most sectors.
With all documents in order, mainland company formation typically takes 5 to 10 working days.
Only for certain restricted sectors. In most cases, a local service agent is sufficient or not needed at all.
Yes, you must have a registered physical address. We offer assistance with cost-effective office or flexi-desk solutions.
Yes, once your license is issued and establishment card is obtained, you can sponsor visas.
Costs vary depending on the business activity and emirate, but setup typically starts from AED 12,000 to AED 18,000, excluding optional services.