Mainland Company Setup

Mainland Company Setup

(LLCs, branches, etc.) are registered through an emirates Department of Economic Development (e.g. Dubai DED, Abu Dhabi DED (ADDED), Sharjah EDC, Ras Al Khaimah DED). Mainland licenses grant *unrestricted trade* across the UAE and eligibility for government contracts. Importantly, UAE law (Federal Commercial Companies Law and FDI Law 2020) now allows **100% foreign ownership** of onshore companies in most sectors. Mainland firms use standard license types (commercial, industrial, professional). For example: a professional license covers consulting or skilled services; a commercial license covers trading and import/export; an industrial license is needed for manufacturing or assembly.

    Why Mainland Business Setup?

    Unlock unlimited opportunities with 100% market access across the UAE

    Benefits

    Mainland firms can sell directly anywhere in the UAE and bid for public tenders (full market access, no trade restrictions)’.

    They must meet local office and visa requirements (e.g. local office space, Emirati national service agent if required by activity).

    Relevant Authorities

    Licensing is handled by emirate-level authorities (DED/EDC/Rak-DED/SEDD, etc.), with any sector permits (Municipality, Health, MOJ, etc.) obtained as needed.

    Case Example

    A Dubai-based entrepreneur set up a Mainland LLC under Dubai DED, enabling direct retail sales and government contracts across all Emirates

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      FAQ

      No; under the 2020 Companies Law amendment, most onshore businesses can now have 100% foreign ownership‘. A local service agent may only be needed for certain professional activities.
      A commercial license is required for trading, importing/exporting and selling products; an industrial license is needed only if you manufacture or assemble goods‘.
      Yes “ a UAE Mainland license allows business activity anywhere in the UAE, including with all government entities‘.
      Once documents are ready, mainland company registration typically takes a few days (subject to approvals). With Stratup Associate support, processes like initial approvals and visa quotas can be fast-tracked.
      DED (Department of Economic Development) or equivalent (e.g. ADDED) issue licenses. Stratup Associate liaises with these regulators for you for Registration approvals, activity approvals, Service Aprrovals, etc.

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