Trade freely across all of the UAE. Government contracts, no trade restrictions, 100% ownership available.
A Mainland company (also called an onshore company) is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows you to conduct business anywhere in the UAE — including with government entities and across all seven emirates.
Since 2021, most business activities allow 100% foreign ownership on the mainland — no local sponsor required. For activities that still require a local partner, we arrange reliable local sponsorship with full operational control guaranteed to you.
Most mainland activities now allow full foreign ownership under UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments.
Trade with any customer, supplier or government entity across all seven emirates with zero restrictions.
Mainland licences typically take 3–7 working days from document submission to issuance.
For trading activities — buying and selling goods. Covers import, export, distribution and retail across the UAE.
For service-based businesses — consultancies, agencies, IT companies, healthcare, education and more.
For manufacturing and production businesses. Requires a physical facility and specific approvals.
For travel agencies, tour operators and hospitality businesses. Issued by Dubai Tourism (DTCM).
For clinics, pharmacies and medical businesses. Requires DHA or MOH approval in addition to DED licence.
For online businesses selling to UAE customers. Allows you to operate a UAE-based online store legally.
While most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, certain regulated activities — such as legal services, oil and gas, and some government-related activities — still require a UAE national as a local sponsor or partner.
We arrange reliable local sponsorship arrangements where the UAE national holds the required share on paper, while you retain full operational and financial control of your business through a legally binding side agreement.
Activities such as legal consultancy, oil and gas, some government services and certain regulated industries still require a UAE national partner. We assess your specific activity and advise accordingly.
No. The local sponsor arrangement is purely administrative. A legally binding side agreement ensures you retain 100% operational and financial control. The sponsor has no involvement in day-to-day operations.
Sponsorship fees vary depending on the business activity and arrangement. We provide a full transparent cost breakdown before you commit to anything.
We identify your business activity, confirm ownership eligibility and recommend the right licence type and legal structure.
We reserve your trade name with DED and prepare all required documents — MOA, application forms and supporting paperwork.
We submit your application to the Department of Economic Development and manage all government approvals.
Your mainland licence is issued. We then assist with visa processing, Ejari, bank account and any additional approvals.
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