Setting up a business in the UAE mainland is one of the most strategic decisions an entrepreneur can make today. With 100% foreign ownership available for most activities, unrestricted access to the local UAE market, and the ability to work with government and private entities, mainland company formation offers unmatched flexibility and growth potential.
At Sarsan Corporate Services, we specialize in end-to-end UAE mainland company setup, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses.
What is a UAE Mainland Company?
A UAE mainland company is a business entity licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate. Mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
Key Benefits of UAE Mainland Company Setup
- 100% Foreign Ownership
Entrepreneurs can enjoy complete ownership of their mainland company without the need for a local sponsor, giving them full control over operations, profits, and decision-making.
- No Business Location Restrictions
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE and beyond, allowing you to serve government entities, local markets, and international clients without limitations.
- Multiple Visa Eligibility
Based on office space and business activity, mainland companies can apply for multiple employee visas, making it easier to scale your team as your business grows.
- Trading Compatibility
There are no restrictions on foreign currency transactions, enabling seamless international trade, profit repatriation, and global financial operations.
- Higher Business Credibility
UAE mainland companies are widely recognized for their trust and reliability, enhancing credibility with banks, government authorities, and corporate clients.
- Commercial License
- Professional License
- Industrial License
Step-by-Step Process for UAE Mainland Company Setup
1. Business Activity Selection
This is where you define what your company will legally do.
You must choose activities from the official list issued by the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) or the relevant Free Zone Authority.
Activities determine:
The type of license (Commercial, Professional, Industrial, etc.)
Whether you need external approvals (e.g., health, education, finance).
Ownership rules and visa eligibility.
You can often select multiple related activities, but unrelated ones may not be allowed under a single license.
Why it matters: Everything else—approvals, fees, and compliance—depends on this choice.
2. Trade Name Reservation
This step reserves your company’s legal name.
The name must:
Be unique and not already registered.
Follow UAE naming rules (no offensive terms, religious references, or political words).
Match or reasonably reflect your business activity.
Legal suffixes like LLC, FZE, or FZ-LLC are added depending on the structure.
Tip: Have 2–3 backup names in case your first choice is rejected.
3. Initial Approval
This is the government’s preliminary green light.
Confirms that:
The authorities have no objection to you forming the company.
Shareholders and managers are acceptable.
Documents typically required:
Passport copies of owners/shareholders
Visa or entry stamp (if applicable)
Basic business details
This approval does not allow you to operate yet—it just allows you to proceed.
Think of it as: Permission to continue setting up, not to start trading.
4. Office Space & Ejari
You must have a registered business address.
Options include:
Physical office
For mainland companies:
The tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari.
Office size can affect the number of visas you can apply for.
Why this is required: Authorities need a verified physical presence for compliance and inspections.
5. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
This is the company’s legal foundation document.
It outlines:
Ownership structure and shareholding percentages
Capital contribution
Management authority and decision-making powers
Profit and loss distribution
For mainland LLCs:
The MOA is usually notarized.
Important: This document governs internal disputes and legal rights—accuracy matters.
6. License Issuance
This is when your company officially comes to life.
After submitting:
Signed MOA
Ejari/office lease
Final approvals and payments
You receive:
Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Your business can now:
Start operations
Open a corporate bank account
Sign contracts and issue invoices
License validity: Usually 1 year, renewable annually.
7. Establishment Card & Visas
This step enables immigration and staffing.
Establishment Card:
Registers your company with immigration authorities.
Mandatory before applying for visas.
Visa Process includes:
Entry permit
Medical test
Emirates ID
Visa stamping
You can apply for:
Investor/partner visas
Employee visas
Family visas (after eligibility)
Visa quotas depend on office size, license type, and authority regulations.
Why Choose SCORP?
End-to-End Setup Support
SCORP manages the entire company formation process from start to finish, eliminating complexity and delays.
Guidance on business activity selection, legal structure, and jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone)
Trade name reservation, initial approvals, MOA drafting, and license issuance
Coordination with government authorities, free zones, and notaries
Single point of contact throughout the setup journey
Result: Faster setup, fewer errors, and zero guesswork for the client.
With end-to-end business setup, SCORP removes the complexity of starting and running a business in the UAE. From incorporation to banking, tax, and ongoing operations, we deliver seamless solutions that let you focus on growth—knowing every detail is handled professionally, efficiently, and in full compliance.
