Business Setup in Mainland
Business setup in the UAE Mainland is suitable for companies planning to operate within the local UAE market without geographical restrictions. Mainland companies are regulated by UAE federal law and allow direct cooperation with local clients and government entities.
What’s Included
selection of business activity and legal structure
preparation and submission of incorporation documents
licensing and government approvals
visa support
banking guidance
compliance with UAE regulations
Under UAE legislation, certain activities can only be conducted through Mainland companies. This option is required for businesses targeting the local market, providing services within the UAE, and working with government entities
Why Mainland
Pricing
Initial approval for company registration
1 200 dh
Preparation of incorporation documents (memorandum of association, articles of association)
1 500 dh
Mainland license
15 000 dh
Immigration establishment card
1 100 dh
Investor visa (general director)
4 500 dh
Virtual office registration
8 000 dh
Opening of a corporate bank account
5 000 dh
Required approvals from relevant government authorities (if applicable)
Calculated individually
Additional services
Priority corporate account opening
15 000 dh
VIP processing of Emirates ID and visa within 2–3 days
13 000 dh
Obtaining a corporate tax registration certificate
1 500 dh
Assistance with company registration in MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) and obtaining visa quotas
3 000 dh
Processing of an employee residence visa
6 000 dh
Priority remote company registration
50 000 dh
FAQ
Company formation in the UAE typically takes between 3 to 10 working days for Free Zone entities and 2 to 3 weeks for Mainland companies, depending on the business activity and document readiness.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most Free Zones and for many Mainland business activities, without requiring a local Emirati partner.
Mainland companies can operate across the UAE and work with government contracts, while Free Zone companies are mainly designed for international business with simplified setup procedures and tax advantages.
Yes, company owners and employees can obtain UAE residency visas, including Investor or Employment visas, which also allow for Emirates ID and medical fitness procedures.
Business setup costs typically start from around AED 8,000–10,000 in Free Zones and can range higher in Mainland setups depending on license type, office requirements, and approvals.
Free Zones often allow flexi-desk or virtual office solutions, while Mainland companies usually require a physical office lease (Ejari) depending on the activity.
Yes, but UAE banks apply strict compliance checks. A complete business profile, KYC documents, and sometimes a business plan are required for approval.
Generally required documents include a passport copy, visa copy (if applicable), proposed trade name, and details of business activity and ownership structure.
You can register a wide range of activities including consulting, trading, e-commerce, professional services, and industrial activities, subject to licensing approval.
In many Free Zones, initial setup can be done remotely, but physical presence is usually required for visa processing, Emirates ID biometrics, and bank account opening.