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UAE Mainland

Dubai, local time

Mainland company in the UAE

Since 2021 most activities allow 100% foreign ownership on the mainland. That gives you the whole UAE market, government work and no limit on where you sell.

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100%foreign ownership for most activities

9%corporate tax above AED 375,000

UAE widemarket access, no distributor needed

3 to 6 weeksto licence and office

Our partners in the UAE

Is UAE Mainland right for you?

We would rather tell you now than after you have formed it.

Start your company Not sure? Talk to an advisor

Built for you if

You sell to customers in the UAE
You need a shop, clinic, restaurant or site
You bid on government contracts
You want to hire a larger local team

Probably not, if

All your clients are abroad: a free zone is cheaper
You want the 0% qualifying income regime
You do not want a physical office lease

What we arrange

Everything you need to start trading, set up in the right order.

Six parts

One team.
One fixed fee.

Handled by one team, from the first filing to the first invoice.

Start your company

Activity and approvals

Licence with the Department of Economy and Tourism, plus any sector approvals.

Office and Ejari

A registered lease, which also sets your visa capacity.

Ownership structure

100% foreign ownership where allowed, or a structure for restricted activities.

Visas and labour

Establishment card, residence visas and labour registrations.

Corporate bank account

A UAE bank, prepared for the questions it will ask.

Corporate tax and VAT

Registration, bookkeeping and returns with the Federal Tax Authority.

How it holds up at home

A mainland company is a real UAE business with a real office. That substance helps, but only if management is actually there. We line up your move, your board and your exit from your home country with the opening of the company.

Timeline

Indicative. Your plan gives the dates for your situation.

Week 1Activity and name approval
Week 1 to 3Office lease and Ejari
Week 2 to 5Licence and establishment card
Week 4 to 8Visas and bank account

Questions about UAE Mainland

Not listed? Ask it on your strategy call.

Can I really own 100% on the mainland?

For most commercial and professional activities, yes, since the 2021 change to the Commercial Companies Law. A short list of strategic activities still has restrictions.

Mainland or free zone?

Free zone if your clients are abroad. Mainland if you sell inside the UAE, need a physical location or want government work.

Is there a 0% option on the mainland?

No. Mainland companies pay 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. The 0% regime is only for qualifying free zone companies.

How many visas can I get?

That depends on the size of your office lease. We size the office to the team you plan to hire.