Route · UAE · Mainland
Mainland company in the UAE
971 license combinations tracked in the September 2026 snapshot — entry packages from AED 5,880*, incorporation handled remotely.
- Packages in snapshot
- 971 across this route's authorities
- Entry from
- AED 5,880* market benchmark, Sep 2026
- Setup time
- 4–64 days fastest → slowest filed
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign most activities since 2021
What it is
How this route works
A mainland company is licensed by an emirate's government authority — in the snapshot these are DET (Dubai) and ADDED (Abu Dhabi). It can trade anywhere in the UAE without a distributor, take government contracts and open branches in any emirate. Since 2021, most commercial and professional activities are open to 100% foreign ownership.
What you get
- ✓ Trade anywhere in the UAE — no distributor or local agent needed
- ✓ 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional activities
- ✓ Eligible for government contracts and any office location in the emirate
- ✓ Broad activity lists: 423–548 combinations per authority in the snapshot
Keep in mind
- – Setup involves emirate government approvals — slower than most free zone filings
- – Office requirements are stricter than flexi-desk free zone solutions
- – Some activities still require prior approvals from external regulators
Top authorities
Where founders open it most
Full breakdown per emirate and authority — in the zone guides.
Catalog
Popular mainland-route services
Route comparison
Comparing the two routes head-to-head
Still weighing this route against Free zone? The side-by-side comparison covers price, timeline, visa quota, taxes and office rules on one table.
FAQ
Questions about this route
How much does a mainland company cost?
In the September 2026 snapshot, mainland packages start from AED 5,880**. Both authorities price by activity set and visa quota — the final quote is confirmed before payment.
How long does mainland registration take?
Filed packages run from 4 to 64 days across DET and ADDED. Government approvals set the pace, so mainland filings are typically slower than free zone ones.
Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company?
For most commercial and professional activities — yes, since the 2021 ownership reform. A limited list of strategic activities still requires local participation.
Do mainland companies get residence visas?
Yes — through the establishment card, with a quota tied to the office and business size. Investor and employee visas follow the same filing flow as in free zones.
Match your business model to this route
A 15-minute call is enough to confirm the route, the authority and the license package.
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.