Your Trusted Partner for UAE Mainland Business Setup
Establish your UAE Mainland company with 100% foreign ownership and trade freely across all Emirates. Our expert team handles everything from trade license to office setup, getting you operational in just 4 working days.
Establish Your Mainland Business in the UAE’s Economic Powerhouse
The United Arab Emirates has transformed into the Middle East’s premier business destination, attracting over 685,000 companies from across the globe. With its strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE offers unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking growth in emerging markets.
Setting up a Mainland company in the UAE opens doors that simply aren’t available elsewhere. Unlike other jurisdictions, UAE Mainland businesses can trade freely across all seven Emirates, bid on lucrative government contracts, and operate without the geographical restrictions that limit free zone companies.
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Your Pathway to UAE Business Success Starts Here
Prime Setup Business Consultancy transforms the complex process of UAE Mainland company formation into a seamless journey. Our local expertise, combined with direct relationships across government departments, ensures your business setup is completed efficiently whilst meeting all regulatory requirements.
We understand that every business is unique. Whether you’re a tech startup requiring specific licensing, a trading company seeking distribution rights, or a service provider targeting government contracts, our tailored approach ensures your Mainland setup aligns perfectly with your business objectives.
What Makes Prime Setup Different
Our team consists of UAE nationals and long-term residents who understand the nuances of local business culture and regulatory requirements.
We maintain direct relationships with key authorities including DED, MOHRE, and immigration departments for faster processing.
From initial feasibility studies to ongoing compliance management, we provide end-to-end support for your business journey.
No hidden fees or surprise costs – our comprehensive packages include everything needed to get your business operational.
Steps to Set Up Your Mainland Company in the UAE
Unlock the UAE’s complete market potential with a straightforward business setup journey. Here’s how Prime Setup guides you, step by step:
Choose Your Business Activity
Decide on the business activity you wish to conduct. The UAE offers thousands of approved activities, ensuring your venture aligns with your goals and the relevant licence category.
Select a Legal Structure
Pick the company structure that best suits your operations, such as an LLC, Civil Company, or Sole Establishment. Most can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, giving you freedom and flexibility.
Reserve Your Company Name
Select a unique and compliant company name, then reserve it with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Name reservations are typically processed within 1–3 days.
Get Initial Approval
Submit your application to the DED to ensure both your chosen activity and legal structure meet all regulations. This approval confirms your business concept is acceptable and allows you to proceed to the next steps.
Secure Office Space
Obtain a physical office address or shared workspace that complies with UAE requirements. The size and location of your office can determine eligibility for trade licences and visa quotas.
Get Your Trade Licence
Submit all necessary documents—including your MOA, lease agreement, and initial approvals—to the DED. Once reviewed, you’ll receive your official trade licence, granting you legal authority to operate across the UAE mainland.
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Hassle-free setup, banking, and licensing—all in one place.
Important Considerations for Setting Up a Mainland Company in the UAE
Setting up a mainland company in the UAE offers wide market access and long-term growth opportunities, but several legal and strategic factors must be carefully addressed to ensure compliance and success.
Types of Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
Setting up a mainland company in the UAE gives you maximum market access and trading freedom across all Emirates. The UAE offers several company structures to cater to different business needs. Here’s a quick overview of the main types you can choose from:
1
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most popular choice for entrepreneurs and SMEs with 100% foreign ownership.
2
Sole Establishment
Owned by a single individual operating under their own name with 100% foreign ownership.
3
Civil Company (Professional Company)
Designed for professionals such as consultants, engineers, doctors, and accountants.
4
Fast Registration
Extension of an existing overseas business.
5
Joint Stock Companies (JSC)
Suitable for large-scale ventures, public and private.
6
Other Structures
General Partnership/Limited Partnership for two or more individuals to share management and liability.
Frequently Asked Questions – UAE Mainland Company Formation
Discover clear, concise answers to the most common questions about starting and registering a business in the UAE.
A Mainland company is registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and is authorised to do business anywhere in the UAE, including both government and private sectors.
Yes, most business activities now allow for 100% foreign ownership on the UAE Mainland. Some strategic sectors may still require a UAE national partner.
- Trade freely anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
- Bid for government contracts and projects.
- No restrictions on office location or business activities (with some exceptions).
- Full repatriation of profits and capital allowed.
The process can usually be completed within 3–7 working days, provided all documents and approvals are in order. Timelines depend on business activity and regulatory requirements.
Generally required documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Proposed trade name approvals
- Business plan and activities
- Tenancy contract for office space
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) or local service agent agreement (if required)
- Other supporting documents as specified by DED or DET.
Yes, a valid, Ejari-registered office address is mandatory for Mainland setup. Virtual or shared offices are not typically accepted.
- Commercial Licence (trading)
- Professional Licence (services and consultancy)
- Industrial Licence (manufacturing/production)
- Tourism Licence (hospitality and travel), as well as sector-specific licences.
Yes, a valid, Ejari-registered office address is mandatory for Mainland setup. Virtual or shared offices are not typically accepted.
There is no fixed minimum share capital for most Mainland company activities, but the required amount must be stated in the MoA. Check for any activity-specific requirements.
Ongoing compliance includes annual licence renewals, regulatory filings, maintaining proper accounting records, and registering for VAT if the company’s turnover exceeds the mandatory threshold.
Prime Setup offers end-to-end support, including:
- Advising on the best company structure and activity
- Handling documentation and government approvals
- Securing office space
- Managing trade licence application and renewals
- Visa services and post-setup compliance.
Required Documents for Setting Up a Business in the UAE
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s