Mainland Company Setup
A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, take government contracts and open premises wherever you need them. We set up in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
- 5Emirates
- 100% for most activitiesOwnership
- AED 14,999Packages from
Mainland options
When mainland is the right choice
Sell to UAE customers
No distributor needed for local sales.
Government work
Eligible for public sector tenders.
Premises anywhere
Shops, offices and warehouses.
Room to grow
Add branches and activities.
Legal forms
| Form | Used for |
|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company | Most trading and service companies |
| Sole Establishment | Single owner businesses |
| Civil Company | Professional partnerships |
| Branch | UAE or foreign parent companies |
Mainland setup in five steps
Activity and legal form
Choose activities and legal form with the economic department.
Trade name and initial approval
Reserve the name and obtain initial approval.
Office and Ejari
Lease an office or flexi desk and register the tenancy.
Memorandum and licence
Sign the memorandum of association and pay licence fees.
Visas and registrations
Establishment card, visas, corporate tax and VAT.
Documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport photographs and Emirates ID or visa copy for residents
- Proposed trade names (three options)
- Selected business activities
- Tenancy contract and Ejari for the office (after initial approval)
- No objection letter from a current sponsor, where applicable
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
Tax after setup
Mainland companies pay corporate tax at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. Small Business Relief is available for revenue up to AED 3 million for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months.
Mainland questions
Can I own 100% of a mainland company?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities since the 2021 changes to the Commercial Companies Law. Some strategic activities still need Emirati participation.
Which emirate is best for a mainland company?
Dubai for the widest market and visibility, Abu Dhabi for government and energy clients, and Sharjah, Ajman or RAK for lower premises costs. All can trade across the UAE.
Do mainland companies need an audit?
LLCs must appoint an auditor under the Commercial Companies Law, and corporate tax requires audited accounts where revenue exceeds AED 50 million.
How many visas can a mainland company get?
It depends on the size of the registered office. Larger offices allow more visas.
Talk to our setup manager about mainland
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.