Skip to content
Expandub
Speak to us
MAINLAND · UAE COMPANY SETUP

Mainland LLC formation with full local-market access.

100% foreign ownership across most activities, DED licensing in 7–14 days, and access to UAE government contracts and direct-to-consumer trade.

  • 100% foreign ownership (most activities)
  • DED or ADDED licence
  • Unrestricted local trading
  • Government contract eligibility
Plan my Mainland setup Check activity rules
OVERVIEW

The right structure for local-market operators.

Mainland licences permit direct B2C and B2B sales anywhere in the UAE, bidding on government contracts, and the broadest commercial freedom. Since 2021, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership — with a handful of strategic activities still requiring an Emirati partner.

  • Activity fit

    We check your activity against the 100% foreign-ownership list and, where required, source a reputable Emirati service agent.

  • Emirate choice

    DED Dubai, ADDED Abu Dhabi, SEDD Sharjah, or the Northern Emirates — matched to your customer base and office needs.

  • Physical office

    Mainland licences require a real office. We source options in Business Bay, DIFC, DMCC offices, and premium coworking with Ejari attestation.

  • Ongoing compliance

    Renewals, NOCs, and PRO services handled by the same senior advisor.

Your Mainland licence, step by step.

  1. 01

    Activity review

    We confirm 100% foreign-ownership eligibility and finalise activities.

  2. 02

    Office sourcing

    Office or flexi-office with Ejari tenancy arranged.

  3. 03

    Initial approval

    DED or ADDED initial approval issued based on name reservation and activity list.

  4. 04

    Documentation

    MoA notarised, tenancy attested, establishment card application filed.

  5. 05

    Licence issuance

    Trade licence issued and chamber-of-commerce registration completed.

  6. 06

    Visa and bank

    Investor visa and bank account opened after licence activation.

Mainland packages.

Government fees vary by emirate and activity — every quote includes them in writing.

Essential

Flexi-office mainland LLC in a supporting emirate.

AED 18,500

  • DED or Northern Emirates licence
  • 1 activity
  • Flexi-office with Ejari
  • 1 investor visa quota
Plan my Mainland setup
Most chosen

Growth

Full-service Dubai or Abu Dhabi mainland LLC.

AED 28,500

  • DED Dubai or ADDED
  • Up to 3 activities
  • Private office (small)
  • 3 visa quota
  • Corporate Tax registration
Plan my Mainland setup

Enterprise

Premium mainland with multi-activity licence.

From AED 48,500

  • Premium licence class
  • Multi-activity + sub-branches
  • Prestige business address
  • 5+ visa quota
  • Bookkeeping retainer (first 3 months)
Plan my Mainland setup

Mainland questions.

  • Do I still need an Emirati partner?

    For most commercial and professional activities — no. Since June 2021, 100% foreign ownership applies across over a thousand activities. A short list of "strategic" activities (defence, fisheries, telecoms, certain oil & gas) still requires local partnership.

  • Can I operate from home or must I lease a full office?

    Mainland licences require a physical office with attested Ejari. A flexi-office in an approved DED co-working space is the most cost-effective compliant option.

  • How do annual costs compare to Free Zone?

    Mainland renewals typically run AED 16,000–30,000 annually, depending on emirate and activity — higher than most free zones, but offset by direct local-market trading rights.

Related services

Ready for a considered approach?

Tell us what you're building. We'll respond within one business hour.

Book a quiet conversation