Mainland Company Formation in the UAE: Licences, Ownership and Costs
Looking for the UAE mainland company formation? Hire Avyanco and get comprehensive support for mainland company formation. Our services ensure 100% compliance and smooth registration with DED regulations.
- 11,500+ businesses supported
- DET licence #909402
- Mainland licences across the UAE
Avyanco Helps Businesses Grow in UAE Mainland
UAE mainland company setup leads to various opportunities. If you want to expand your business in this region without restrictions, then a mainland company is suitable for you. With our comprehensive support, you don't need to worry about the local regulations.
We fulfills all the necessary requirements for business setup in mainland zones. Our experts help you determine the business structure and book the trade name. We also move forward with the document preparation and submission.
Watch: why a mainland licence may be worth considering, in 40 seconds
Types Of UAE Mainland Business Licences
UAE mainland business registration requires you to choose the right type of license. You must choose the right trade license on the basis of your business activities.
Professional Licence
A professional license is for businesses and individuals who provide professional services.
E-Trader Licence
E-Trader Licence is for eligible individuals/home-based businesses who conduct online business activities and sell products or services by social media platforms.
Industrial Licence
Industrial license is for manufacturing, assembly, and other industrial businesses.
Dual Licence
Dual license is a free-zone-related arrangement that allows you to conduct business activities outside the free zone areas.
Commercial Licence
If you are involved in the trading, buying, selling, importing, and exporting of goods and products and want to set up your business in mainland areas, then a commercial license is a suitable option.
Timeline of the Company Formation in UAE Mainland
The Company Formation in Mainland UAE takes 1- 2 months, based on your business activities, legal structure, office arrangements, documentation, and external regulatory approvals.
Business Activity & Legal Structure
Assessing the business activity and legal structures takes 3-7 days.
Trademark Application
Filing and submitting the trademark registration applications to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism takes 10-12 weeks.
Trade Name Registration
Submitting the company name and getting approvals from the licensing authority takes 2-5 working days.
Authority Approval
Authority approvals from the UAE Department of Economy and Tourism take 5-10 days.
Regulatory Approvals
The additional permissions and approvals may take 1-3 weeks.
Office Lease & Licence Issuance
Finalising the documentation, premises, paying the fees, and getting the mainland trade license takes 1-2 weeks.
Types of Business Structure for UAE Mainland Companies
For UAE mainland business setup, you should choose the right business structure that affects liability, ownership, and operational flexibility. Our advisors help you choose the right structure for your business goals
| Structure | Shareholders | Foreign Ownership | Liability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Popular | 1 to 50 | Up to 100% | Limited | All business types |
| Sole Proprietorship | 1 only | 100% (professional) | Unlimited | Consultants, Freelancers |
| Civil Company | 2 or more | With LSA | Unlimited | Professionals, clinics |
| Foreign Branch | Parent company | 100% | Parent liable | International expansion |
| UAE Branch | Parent company | Same as parent | Parent liable | UAE expansion |
UAE Tax Obligations For Mainland Companies
The interested individuals should understand the UAE tax requirements, registration deadlines, and filing responsibilities to form their company. We help you to identify your obligations and prepare for ongoing compliance. Here are the tax obligations applicable to UAE mainland companies
| Applicable rate or threshold | Tax or compliance requirement | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Corporate Tax | Taxable income up to AED 375,000 |
| 9% | Corporate Tax | Taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 |
| AED 375,000 | VAT Registration | Mandatory registration threshold |
| AED 187,500 | Voluntary VAT Registration | Minimum eligible threshold |
| 5% | Standard VAT Rate | Applicable to standard-rated supplies |
| Based on entity category | Corporate Tax Registration | Registration within the FTA deadline |
| Every applicable tax period | VAT Return Filing | Generally within 28 days after the tax period ends |
| Generally 7 years | Accounting Records | Maintain records supporting tax calculations and returns |
What after completing the UAE Mainland Company Formation Process?
Once you apply for company formation in the UAE mainland and receive the trade licence, you can contact us. We coordinate the post-registration procedures and allow you to run a mainland business legally. Here is what you can do after the UAE Mainland Company Formation Process
Process Investor And Employee Visas
Apply For Establishment Card
Open Corporate Bank Account
Complete Applicable Tax Registrations
Maintain Licences
We support you with these formation requirements and keep you aware of your responsibilities while running a mainland business in the UAE.
Simplify the Mainland Company Formation in UAE in Few Steps
- 1
Initial Planning
We evaluate your business model and give you jurisdiction guidance to fulfills the mainland company legal requirements in UAE.
- 2
Trade Name and License
Then, we secure your trade name under the mainland trade license in the UAE with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
- 3
Office Space & Paperwork
Next, we arrange the Ejari-registered premises and complete notarization, government approvals, and contracts for the business setup in the UAE.
- 4
Visas, Tax and Banking Setup
We manage the corporate tax registration, visa applications, and help you open a UAE bank account for smooth business operations.
Why Trust Avyanco for the UAE Mainland Company Formation?
Avyanco helps you with company formation in UAE mainland zones. We provide you with reliable and structured company formation services. Here's why you can choose us
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
Compliance Requirements For UAE Mainland Companies
You must focus on the ongoing regulatory responsibilities to set up your business in UAE mainland zones. Avyanco helps you to understand the applicable employment, tax, licensing, and compliance requirements
- Comprehensive support for UAE mainland company formation
- Assist you with the trade licenses, regulatory approval, and government clearances
- Compliance with UAE regulations
- Affordable and transparent pricing
Tax Registration And Filing
- VAT registration and returns
- Corporate tax registration and filing
Employee And Immigration Compliance
- Employee visa and work permits
- Labour and immigration renewals
Licence And Operational Compliance
- Annual trade licence renewal
- Office lease and permit renewals
Accounting And Financial Records
- Accounting records maintenance
- Applicable audit and reporting requirements
Activity-Specific Regulatory Approvals
- Relevant authority permit renewals
- Workplace health and safety compliance
Required Documents for UAE Mainland Company Formation
Below are the essential documents for UAE mainland business setup
- MoA, Articles of Association, office lease, and landlord NOC
- Trade name registration certificate
- Company application form
- DED approval
- Payment proof for initial approval, trade license, and fees
- Company stamp
- Copies of directors' and shareholders' passports and visas
- Address proof of directors and shareholders
- Bank reference letters for shareholders
- Share capital deposit in a UAE bank
- Board resolution appointing directors and authorizing formation
- Statement of Good Standing (if shareholder is an existing business)
Pricing of Company Formation in Mainland UAE
The costs of the UAE mainland company formation depends on the activity, emirate, legal form, owners, premises, external approvals, consultants, and visa scope. The estimated pricing is:
Estimated pricing
| Cost component | Estimated cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade name reservation | 620* |
| Initial approval | 120* |
| Tasheel and typing charges | 464* |
| MOA preparation and notarisation | 1,200 to 1,500* |
| Mainland trade licence | 11,500 to 13,500* |
| Immigration establishment card | 750* |
| Investor residence visa | 4,100* |
| Employee residence visa | Activity and visa-dependent |
| Office rent and Ejari | Quoted separately |
| External regulatory approvals | Activity-dependent |
| Professional service fees | Quoted separately |
| Estimated setup cost without visa | AED 13,904 to 16,204* |
| Estimated setup cost with one investor visa | AED 18,754 to 20,304* |
*Indicative, subject to change. Excludes Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
How much does it cost to set up a business in the UAE mainland?+
The costs of UAE mainland companies setup between AED 18,000* and AED 50,000+ for initial setup, based on the chosen legal structure, business activity, visa requirements, and office space.
Can the UAE Mainland company hire foreign employees?+
Yes, the mainland company can hire foreign employees. The registered mainland companies with the Department of Economic Development (DED) can sponsor the foreign employees for residency visas and work permits.
What type of licenses are available for UAE mainland companies?+
You can get the industrial, commercial, or professional licenses to start your business in mainland zones.
How long does the mainland company registration take in UAE?+
The UAE mainland company registration takes 2-4 weeks, based on the document readiness and selected license type.
Can a mainland company apply for a dependent or employee visa?+
Yes, you can apply for visas for your dependents and employees upon fulfilling the office space requirements.
Guides to help you keep reading
Grow your Business with UAE Mainland Company Formation
Set up your business without restriction with our UAE mainland company formation services. Hire Avyanco today and discuss your business requirements.
- Save on operational costs.
- Regulatory compliance managed in Dubai
Sources: Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) · Federal Tax Authority (FTA) · UAE Corporate Tax and VAT law. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of every UAE authority, and not affiliated with any government agency. Licence rules, fees, approvals and tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by activity and emirate, and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with the relevant authority, or with us, before acting.