Activity & Licence Selection
Mapping your business model to the correct commercial, professional or industrial activities and licence type.
Business Setup · Mainland
Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
Establish a mainland company licensed to trade across the UAE market, with guidance on activities, ownership, office requirements and approvals from the very start.
Overview
Direct access to the UAE market
A mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate in which it operates — in Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism. Mainland licensing allows a business to trade directly with customers across the UAE, to work with government entities where eligible, and to open branches in other emirates as it grows.
Following amendments to the UAE's commercial companies law in 2021, foreign investors can hold full ownership of mainland companies for a wide range of activities. Certain activities of strategic importance remain subject to specific conditions or additional approvals — which is why activity selection matters from the outset.
MMAS Advisory helps you decide whether mainland is the right route, selects activities that reflect how you will actually operate, and coordinates licensing so your company is structured correctly from day one.
What We Do
How we support your mainland setup
A coordinated process covering every decision and document between your first consultation and an operating company.
Legal Form & Ownership
Advising on the appropriate legal form — such as a limited liability company, sole establishment or branch — and on shareholding arrangements.
Trade Name & Initial Approval
Preparing trade name reservations and initial approval applications in line with authority naming rules.
Documentation & MOA
Coordinating the memorandum of association, shareholder documents and any attestation required for foreign documents.
Premises & Tenancy
Guidance on office options and tenancy registration, which can influence both licence issuance and visa eligibility.
Post-Licence Setup
Establishment registration, visa coordination, bank account preparation and ongoing licence renewals.
Is It Right for You?
Is a mainland company right for you?
Often well suited to
- Businesses serving customers throughout the UAE
- Retail, hospitality, trading and service companies needing a local presence
- Companies seeking to work with government entities, where eligible
- Businesses planning to operate across multiple emirates
Worth considering
- Physical premises are generally required and affect visa eligibility
- Some activities need approvals from specialist authorities
- Certain strategic activities carry specific ownership conditions
- Annual renewal and ongoing compliance obligations apply
The Process
Your mainland formation, step by step
Step 1: Consultation & Review
We confirm your activities, ownership plans, visa needs and timing.
Step 2: Trade Name & Approval
Trade name reservation and initial approval from the licensing authority.
Step 3: Documentation
Memorandum of association, legal form and any external approvals.
Step 4: Premises & Licence
Tenancy registration and issuance of your trade licence.
Step 5: Visas & Banking
Establishment registration, residence visas and bank account preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Mainland
Can't find what you're looking for? Every business is different — we're happy to answer your questions directly.
Ask an AdvisorFollowing the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, full foreign ownership is permitted for many mainland activities. Some activities with strategic impact remain subject to specific conditions. We confirm the position for your chosen activities before you apply.
In most cases, yes. Mainland companies generally need registered premises, and the size of that space can influence how many residence visas the company may sponsor. Requirements vary by emirate and activity.
Timelines depend on the activity, any external approvals required and how quickly documents are ready. Straightforward licences can move quickly, while regulated activities take longer. We provide a realistic timeline after reviewing your requirements.
A mainland company can serve customers across the UAE. Establishing a physical presence in another emirate usually requires a branch licence there. We can advise on multi-emirate structures.
Begin With Clarity
Your UAE Chapter Starts With the Right Conversation.
Speak with an MMAS advisor about your plans. We will help you understand your options, choose the right structure and move forward with confidence.