UAE MAINLAND COMPANY FORMATION
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai & UAE
A UAE mainland company – licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant emirate authority – gives your business unrestricted access to the UAE’s entire economy. You can trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government contracts, operate physical retail locations, and sponsor an unlimited number of employee visas. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most commercial and professional activities.
Gatewind manages every step of your mainland company formation, from initial business activity selection and trade name registration through to licence issuance, office setup, and bank account opening – all within a streamlined timeline.
Why Choose a UAE Mainland Company?
- 100% foreign ownership available for most business activities
- Full access to the entire UAE domestic market across all seven emirates
- Eligibility to bid for lucrative government and semi-government contracts
- No restrictions on the number of employee visas – scale your team freely
- Operate retail outlets, physical offices, and warehouses anywhere in the UAE
- Enhanced credibility with local partners, banks, and government entities
- Access to UAE double taxation treaties with 100+ countries
- Option to open multi-currency corporate bank accounts with leading UAE banks
Drivers Want More Than a Ride
Automotive diligence projects for private equity and corporate clients
Automotive consulting engagements
Our Client Results in Automotive
We empower automotive leaders to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in a changing industry.
Mainland Company Structures
How We Set Up Your Mainland Company - Step by Step
- Initial Consultation & Business Activity Selection – We identify the optimal DED-approved activities and structure for your business model. (Days 1–2)
- Trade Name Reservation – We reserve your preferred company name through the DED portal and ensure compliance with UAE naming regulations. (Days 2–3)
- Initial Approval – Submission of owner documents and activity details for preliminary government approval. (Days 3–5)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting & Notarisation – We draft, translate, and notarise your MOA at the UAE Notary Public. (Days 5–8)
- Office Space & Ejari Registration – We assist in sourcing a compliant commercial space and register the tenancy contract (Ejari). (Days 6–10)
- Trade Licence Issuance – Final licence issued by the DED or relevant authority upon submission of all documentation. (Days 10–14)
- Establishment Card – Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources, enabling visa and work permit processing. (Days 14–16)
- Visa Processing – Investor and employment visa applications, medical fitness tests, and Emirates ID registration. (Days 16–22)
- Corporate Bank Account Opening – We facilitate introductions to 8+ leading UAE banks and guide your application. (Running parallel – 3–6 weeks)
Mainland Setup Investment -What to Expect
Mainland setup costs vary based on your business activity, number of visa allocations, office type, and required government approvals. Below is a general indicative guide:
Setup Type
- Sole Establishment (Professional)
- LLC Company (Commercial)
- LLC with Special Approvals
- Foreign Branch Office
Approx. Starting Cost (AED)
- AED 15,000 – 22,000
- AED 28,000 – 45,000
- AED 45,000 – 80,000+
- AED 35,000 – 55,000
What's Included
- DED licence, virtual office, 1 investor visa, PRO services
- DED licence, office/Ejari, 1–2 visas, MOA, PRO services
- Above + sector-specific approvals (health, education, finance)
- Branch registration, agent fees, government approvals, visa
