Mainland company setup
Mainland Company Setup for Businesses Selling Inside the UAE
A mainland licence lets you trade directly across the UAE market, work with government entities and open offices anywhere in the emirate — with a clear route to visas for your team.
Bizzone UAE
Business Setup Consultants in Dubai, UAE
Why choose mainland
Mainland companies are licensed by the economic department of the relevant emirate. They suit businesses whose customers are inside the UAE, including retail, contracting, professional services and government-facing work.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor
- Eligible to tender for government contracts
- No restriction on office location within the emirate
- Visa allocation linked to office space
- Wide catalogue of commercial and professional activities
- Branch expansion within the UAE is straightforward
Popular mainland activities
General & specialised trading
Import, export, distribution and re-export of approved goods.
Professional & consultancy
Management, engineering, marketing, IT and advisory services.
Contracting & technical
Fit-out, maintenance, electromechanical and technical services.
Retail & F&B
Shops, cafés and restaurants requiring third-party approvals.
E-commerce
Online trading with UAE-based delivery and payment gateways.
Real estate services
Brokerage and property management, subject to regulator approval.
How the process works
Consultation
We review your activity, ownership, visa needs and budget, then recommend the structures that genuinely fit.
Documentation
We prepare and check the application pack so the file is submitted right the first time.
Approval & licensing
We handle authority submissions, name reservation, initial approvals and the licence issuance process.
Post-setup support
Establishment card, visas, Emirates ID, bank account introductions, tax registration and ongoing compliance.
Documents usually required
Exact requirements depend on the authority, activity and nationality. We confirm your list before submission.
- Passport copies for all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs to authority specification
- Proposed company names (multiple options)
- Description of the intended business activity
- Visa page or entry stamp where applicable
- Proof of address or utility bill where requested
Mainland vs free zone at a glance
| Mainland | Free Zone | |
|---|---|---|
| UAE market access | Direct | Usually via distributor or dual licence |
| Office | Physical premises normally required | Flexi-desk upwards |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Generally not eligible |
| Visa allocation | Based on office space | Based on package |
| Regulator | Economic department | Free zone authority |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? A consultant can walk you through the detail in a short call.
In most cases yes — a tenancy contract and Ejari registration are part of the licensing process, and your visa allocation is usually linked to the space.
Many commercial and professional activities allow full foreign ownership. A limited list of strategic activities still requires UAE national involvement. We check your activity before you commit.
Cost depends on the authority, licence type, number of visas and office option you choose. We prepare a written, itemised quotation for your specific case rather than publishing a headline figure that may not apply to you.
Timelines vary by authority, activity and how quickly documents and approvals are returned. Your consultant gives you an indicative schedule at the start and keeps you updated at each stage.
Free consultation
Speak with a Bizzone UAE consultant
Tell us what you plan to do in the UAE and we will map out the licence, visa and compliance path that fits.
- +971 50 121 6915
- info@bizzoneuae.com
- Office No. 105, Alkhayyal Building, Near Karama Medical Fitness Center, Al Karama, Dubai, UAE
Let's Find the Right Setup for Your Business
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Speak with a Bizzone UAE consultant about licensing, visas, banking and compliance — with no obligation.