Business Setup
Mainland Company Formation
A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government contracts and open offices without geographic restriction. We take the process end to end, from activity selection to licence in hand.
Mainland formation runs through each emirate's Department of Economic Development, and the right structure depends on your activity, ownership plans and where your clients sit. We advise on legal form (LLC, sole establishment or branch), reserve the trade name, draft the Memorandum of Association and manage every government touchpoint through to licence issuance.
Most mainland activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. Where a local service agent or specific approvals are still required, we structure the arrangement so control and economics stay with you.
What we handle
- Legal-form and activity advisory (LLC, sole establishment, branch)
- Trade-name reservation and initial approval
- MoA drafting and notarisation
- Setup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah and UAQ
- Office and Ejari solutions to satisfy licence requirements
- Licence issuance and establishment card
Frequently asked questions
How much does mainland company formation cost in Dubai?
A Dubai mainland LLC typically costs AED 20,000 to AED 35,000 in year one including trade licence, MoA notarisation and establishment card, before office rent. Activity type and external approvals move the number, so we quote a fixed landed cost after a short scoping call.
Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE mainland company?
Yes. Since 2021 most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. A small list of strategic activities still needs Emirati participation, and we flag that before you commit to a structure.
How long does mainland company formation take?
A straightforward LLC takes roughly one to two weeks from name reservation to licence, provided documents are in order. Activities needing external ministry approvals add time, which we build into the plan upfront.
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