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Mainland Company Registration in the UAE
Registering a mainland company is the primary path for businesses seeking unrestricted access to the UAE’s local and government markets.
What is a Mainland Company?
A mainland company is an onshore entity licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally without the geographic restrictions common to Free Zones.
How Ownership Works
Since the 2021 reforms, 100% foreign ownership is the standard for over 2,000 commercial and industrial activities. You no longer require a UAE national partner to hold 51% of shares for most business types.
- Commercial/Industrial: Full ownership is permitted for most trading and manufacturing.
- Professional: 100% ownership is permitted, but usually requires a Local Service Agent (LSA) for administrative liaison.
- Strategic Sectors: Activities in oil and gas, defense, and banking still require specific local majority shareholding or federal approval.
Who This Is For
- International Entrepreneurs seeking 100% ownership in the UAE mainland.
- SME Owners transitioning from Free Zones to the local market.
- Corporate Expansion Leads bidding for UAE government contracts.
What You Will Gain
- A clear understanding of 100% foreign ownership eligibility.
- A transparent breakdown of 2026 setup costs.
- A step-by-step roadmap for DED license issuance.
Core Benefits of Mainland Registration
Market Reach: Trade directly with any local consumer or private business.
Government Tenders: Eligibility to bid for high-value government and semi-government contracts.
Physical Flexibility: Open multiple branches or retail outlets across the UAE under one license.
Visa Scalability: Visa quotas are linked to office size, allowing for unlimited staff expansion.
The 7-Step Registration Blueprint
To minimize delays, follow this logical sequence for 2026 registration:
1. Activity Selection
Choose from the DET’s catalog of 2,000+ activities. You can group up to 10 related activities on a single license.
2. Legal Structure
Select your entity type. The Limited Liability Company (LLC) remains the most common for trading, while Sole Establishments or Civil Companies are standard for consultants.
3. Trade Name Reservation
Register a unique name via the “Invest in Dubai” or “TAMM” portals.
Note: Non-Arabic or “foreign” names incur an additional annual fee of approximately AED 2,000.
4. Initial Approval
Obtain the UAE government’s “no objection” status. This confirms your eligibility to move forward with legal drafting.
5. MOA and LSA Agreement
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA). In 2026, this is primarily handled via e-notary services, removing the need for physical presence at the court.
6. Office Space (Ejari)
Mainland entities require a physical office address. You must secure a lease and register it on the Ejari system to finalize your license.
7. Final License Issuance
Submit the Ejari and MOA, pay the government fees, and receive your digital license.
Cost Analysis
| Item | Professional (Service) | Commercial (Trading) |
| Base License Fee | AED 7,000 – 12,000 | AED 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Trade Name Fee | AED 620+ | AED 620+ |
| Market Fee (5% Rent) | Varies by Office | Varies by Office |
| Visa Cost (Per Person) | AED 3,500 – 5,500 | AED 3,500 – 5,500 |
| Total Year 1 Est. | AED 28,000+ | AED 40,000+ |
Tax & Transparency
Mainland registration now carries mandatory compliance obligations that impact your bottom line:
- Corporate Tax: A 9% tax applies to net profits exceeding AED 375,000. All mainland entities must register for Corporate Tax, even if they fall below the threshold.
- VAT: Registration is mandatory if your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually.
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner): You must maintain a UBO register at your premises and update the DET on any shareholding changes to avoid penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a mainland company without a local partner?
Yes. For the vast majority of commercial and professional activities, you can retain 100% ownership of your shares and profits.
What is the minimum office size?
Standard mainland licenses require a minimum of 200 sq. ft. (approx. 18 sq. m.) of office space. “Sustainability Desks” or “Instant Licenses” may offer temporary exemptions for the first year.
How long does the process take?
With digital integration in 2026, an Instant License can be issued in 5–10 minutes. Conventional registration involving office space typically takes 7–10 working days.
Next Steps
To begin your registration, verify your business activity’s eligibility for 100% ownership.
Would you like to check a specific activity against the current DET list?