Mainland company licence in the UAE
A mainland licence lets you trade directly with customers across the UAE, bid for local contracts and open offices in any emirate. Many activities now allow full foreign ownership.
What a mainland company is
Mainland companies are licensed by the economic department of the emirate where the office is located, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai or the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The licence defines which activities you may carry out. Some activities are regulated and need approval from another authority, for example health, education, financial services or food.
Why choose the mainland
Direct market access
Sell to UAE customers, government bodies and retail without a distributor.
Any location
Operate from the mainland and open additional branches.
Wider activity options
Broad range of commercial, professional and industrial activities.
Foreign ownership
Many activities allow 100% foreign ownership. Some regulated activities have specific rules.
Visa eligibility
Visa allocations are linked to your licence and office space.
How we set up your mainland company
Select the activity
We confirm the correct activity code and any extra approvals.
Name and initial approval
Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval.
Office and tenancy
Secure a suitable office. Many authorities require registered tenancy.
Sign documents
Memorandum of association or equivalent, signed and registered.
Licence issued
Pay fees and receive the trade licence.
Establishment and visas
Immigration establishment card, visas, Emirates ID and bank account guidance.
Mainland licence types
| Licence | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Trading and commercial activities |
| Professional | Consultancy, services and skilled professions |
| Industrial | Manufacturing and processing |
| Tourism | Travel, hospitality and related activities |
Related pages
Built for businesses serving the UAE market
Sell directly to UAE customers with a licence that matches your activity and ownership plan.
Plan my mainland licenceFrequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?
For many activities, yes. A limited number of strategic or regulated activities have specific ownership rules. We confirm your activity first.
Do I need a physical office?
Usually yes. Requirements depend on the authority and activity. We advise on the right option for your budget.
Which emirate should I choose?
Choose based on your customers, the activity, cost and location. We compare options for you.
How is it different from a free zone?
A mainland company can trade directly across the UAE. A free zone company is designed mainly for international business or business within the zone.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your plan and we reply with the recommended route, an itemised proposal and the next steps.