Do I still need a local sponsor?
For most activities no. A few activities still require local participation. We confirm this at the activity-selection stage.
MAINLAND COMPANY SETUPUAE Mainland Company Setup
Set up a mainland company to trade anywhere in the UAE, serve government clients and open retail or office premises. We handle activity selection, approvals and licensing with you.
- Market access
- Entire UAE market
- Ownership
- Most activities up to 100% foreign
- Office
- Leased premises required
- Licensing
- Emirate economic department
Why Choose the Mainland
A mainland licence suits businesses that serve customers in the UAE directly.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE
Sell directly to consumers and businesses across every emirate without a distributor.
- Government and tender work
Mainland companies can contract with government entities and bid on projects.
- Wide activity range
Commercial, professional, industrial and tourism activities, with a large catalogue of permitted activities.
- Ownership flexibility
Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, with a few strategic activities requiring local participation.
- Retail and showrooms
Operate shops, restaurants, clinics and service centres from licensed premises.
- Visa quota
Visa allowances grow with your office space and licence, supporting teams of every size.
Mainland Legal Forms
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most common form, with shareholders' liability limited to their capital.
- Sole Establishment
A single-owner business for individuals offering professional or commercial services.
- Civil Company
For professionals such as consultants, lawyers and engineers.
- Branch of a Foreign Company
Extends an overseas company's operations into the UAE under the parent's name.
Mainland Setup Steps
- Choose activity and legal form
We confirm the licensed activity, any external approvals and the right legal structure.
- Trade name and initial approval
Reserve a compliant trade name and obtain initial approval.
- Lease premises
Secure an office or retail unit and register the tenancy contract.
- Sign the company documents
Memorandum of association and shareholder documents, as required for your legal form.
- Licence and establishment card
Pay the fees, obtain final approvals and receive your trade licence.
- Bank, visas and compliance
Open the company account, arrange visas and register for VAT and corporate tax where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what applicants ask us most.
How much capital do I need?
Requirements depend on the activity and authority, and many activities have no minimum share capital. We confirm the figure for your case.
Do I need a physical office?
Yes. A mainland licence normally needs leased premises with a registered tenancy contract.
Can I move from a freezone to the mainland?
You can open a mainland company alongside or instead of a freezone entity. We can review the best structure and sequence.
Will the company qualify me for residency?
A mainland company can sponsor an investor or partner visa and employee visas. Long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa have their own criteria.
Visatrix Global Services is an advisory firm. Assessing bodies, free zones and licensing authorities set their own rules, fees and timelines, which change from time to time, and only they decide the outcome. Always confirm current requirements on the official website before you apply.
Start Your Mainland Company Today
Our advisors will confirm your activity, approvals and costs before you commit.