MAINLANDCOMPANY
A mainland company is the usual choice for businesses that want to sell directly to customers across the UAE: shops, restaurants, contractors, agencies, clinics, trading companies and service firms with local clients. It is licensed by the emirate's economic department and is not limited to a zone.
Draft text — under review by Milton Bridge
Milton Bridge helps you choose the licence type, the legal form and the activity list, checks any extra approvals your activity needs and arranges an office that meets the licensing rules. Then we take you from trade name to trade licence, visas and a corporate bank account.
Mainland licence types: commercial, professional and industrial
Mainland licences are generally grouped by the kind of business you do. The licence lists your approved activities, and some activities also need approval from another authority, such as those for health, education, food or transport.
- Commercial licence — trading goods, import, export and general trading.
- Professional licence — services, consultancy, crafts and professions.
- Industrial licence — manufacturing, processing and assembly.
- Other permits — some emirates offer additional licence types for specific activities, such as tourism or home-based businesses.
Trading anywhere in the UAE and with government
The main advantage of the mainland is market access. A mainland company can generally sell to customers anywhere in the UAE, open branches in other emirates and, depending on the activity and the tender rules, take part in government contracts.
It can also trade internationally, and it can work with free zone companies. If most of your income will come from UAE customers, the mainland is often the simpler long-term structure.
Mainland office requirements
A mainland company typically needs a physical address with a registered tenancy contract, and the size of the office usually affects how many visas the company can sponsor. Requirements depend on the emirate and the activity: a trading business may need a warehouse, a clinic needs approved premises, and some service activities may qualify for smaller or shared office solutions.
We check the office rules for your activity before you sign a lease, so the premises match the licence and the visas you plan.
Foreign ownership of a mainland company
Since the reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most mainland activities can be owned 100% by foreign shareholders without a local partner. A limited number of activities with strategic impact may still have ownership conditions or need a local service agent.
Professional companies, such as consultancies, may be set up as a civil company or a sole establishment, depending on the activity and the emirate. We confirm the ownership rules and the right legal form for your activity before you apply.
How it works with Milton Bridge
- 1
Free consultation on WhatsApp or a call
You tell us about your activity, customers, team and premises. At a free expert consultation we recommend the licence type, legal form and activity list.
- 2
Trade name and initial approval
We reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval from the economic department, including any external approvals your activity needs.
- 3
Office and company documents
We help you secure premises that meet the rules and prepare the company documents for signature. Where originals or signatures are needed, our couriers collect and carry them.
- 4
Trade licence issued
Once the authorities approve, your mainland trade licence is issued and we register the company with the relevant labour and immigration systems.
- 5
Visas, bank and compliance
We handle investor and employee visas, help you apply for a corporate bank account and set up corporate tax, VAT where needed and accounting.
Mainland Company Setup: frequently asked questions
What is a mainland company in Dubai?
A mainland company is a company licensed by the emirate's economic department rather than a free zone authority. It can generally trade anywhere in the UAE and with local customers. Depending on the activity, it can also work with government entities.
Who should choose a mainland company?
A mainland company usually suits businesses whose customers are mainly in the UAE. Shops, restaurants, contractors, clinics, agencies and trading companies selling locally often choose the mainland. If your customers are mainly abroad, a free zone may be simpler.
Can a mainland company work with government contracts?
Yes, a mainland company can generally take part in government work, depending on the activity and the tender rules. Government buyers often have their own supplier registration and requirements. We set up the licence so it supports the work you plan.
Do I need an office for a mainland company?
Yes, a mainland company typically needs a physical address with a registered tenancy contract. The size and type of premises depend on the emirate and the activity, and usually affect how many visas the company can sponsor. We check the rules before you sign a lease.
What is the difference between a commercial and a professional licence?
A commercial licence is generally for trading goods, while a professional licence is for services, consultancy and professions. The difference can affect the legal form, the ownership rules and the approvals you need. We match the licence type to what your business actually does.
Can a mainland company open branches in other emirates?
Yes, a mainland company can typically open branches in other emirates, each with its own licence from that emirate. A branch may also need its own premises. We handle the branch licence when you are ready to expand.
Can I convert my free zone company to a mainland company?
Not usually as a direct conversion; the common options are to open a new mainland company, or to register a mainland branch where the rules allow it. The right route depends on your free zone, activity and contracts. We compare the options before you decide.
How much does a mainland company cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on the licence type, the activities, any external approvals, the premises and the number of visas. There is no single price for every business. Use the cost calculator for an estimate or book a free expert consultation for an exact quote.
