UAE Mainland Company Formation
Full Access to the UAE Market with 100% Foreign Ownership
A Mainland company, licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in each emirate, offers the most comprehensive access to the UAE market. Unlike Free Zone companies, a Mainland entity can trade directly with any business or consumer across the entire UAE, bid on government contracts, and operate from any location in the country. Recent legislative changes have made Mainland company formation even more attractive, with 100% foreign ownership now permitted for the vast majority of business activities. T4ME provides expert, end-to-end services for establishing your Mainland company, guiding you through every step from initial planning to full operation.
We help you leverage the full potential of the UAE’s thriving economy by setting up a compliant and strategically positioned Mainland business.
Key Advantages of a Mainland Company
A Mainland license offers unparalleled flexibility and market access:
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Advantage
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Description
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Unrestricted Market Access
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Trade freely with any entity in the UAE—businesses, consumers, and government bodies—without limitations.
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100% Foreign Ownership
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For over 2,000 commercial and industrial activities, foreign investors can now own 100% of their Mainland company without a local partner.
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Government Contract Eligibility
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Mainland companies are eligible to bid on and win lucrative government tenders and projects.
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Operational Flexibility
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Establish your office and operate from any commercial location in the UAE, not restricted to a specific zone.
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No Minimum Capital Requirement
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For most activities, there is no mandatory minimum share capital to start your business.
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Unlimited Visa Quota
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The number of visas you can obtain is based on your office space, offering greater flexibility for growing teams.
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Understanding the Legal Structures
When forming a Mainland company, you will choose a legal structure that suits your business needs:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most common structure for commercial activities. Shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution.
- Sole Proprietorship / Sole Establishment: Ideal for professional services (e.g., consultants, doctors, lawyers). Owned by a single individual.
- Civil Company: A partnership structure for professional service providers.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an existing foreign company to establish a presence in the UAE.
Our Mainland Company Setup Process
We provide a comprehensive, guided service to establish your Mainland company.
- Strategic Consultation: We discuss your business goals, activities, and target market to recommend the optimal legal structure and licensing strategy.
- Initial Approval & Name Reservation: We secure the initial approval for your business activity and reserve your desired trade name with the DET.
- Legal Documentation: We draft and prepare all required legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA), and manage any necessary notarization.
- Office Space & Ejari: We assist you in finding suitable office space and obtaining the Ejari (tenancy contract registration), which is a prerequisite for the license.
- License Issuance: We compile and submit your complete application to the DET and follow up until your official trade license is issued.
- Post-Setup Support: We provide ongoing support for investor and employee visa processing, corporate bank account opening, and other PRO services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For most commercial LLCs, a local partner or LSA is no longer required due to the 100% foreign ownership law. However, for certain professional activities (e.g., legal, medical), a Local Service Agent may still be required. We will advise you based on your specific activity.
The main difference is market access. A Mainland company can trade directly with the entire UAE market, while a Free Zone company is generally restricted from direct trade within the UAE. Mainland companies can also bid on government contracts.
The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the business activity and the speed of obtaining external approvals (if required).
Establish Your Presence in the Heart of the UAE Market
Unlock the full potential of the UAE economy with a Mainland company. Contact T4ME for a free consultation to discuss your business setup.