Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE mainland company?

Yes. Following the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland business activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A small number of strategic activities still require UAE national participation. StrataLink confirms ownership eligibility during consultation.

What is the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi mainland?

Dubai mainland suits businesses targeting Dubai's commercial economy: retail, services, tech, trading, and professional services. Abu Dhabi mainland suits businesses targeting government contracts, energy, sovereign wealth institutions, and the ADGM financial ecosystem. StrataLink advises based on your target market.

What is the difference between UAE Mainland and Free Zone?

A mainland company has unrestricted UAE market access and can bid on government contracts, with unlimited visa issuance. A free zone company is faster and cheaper to set up but can only supply mainland customers through a registered distributor. Both now allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities.

How long does UAE mainland company formation take?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on activity type and emirate. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both have digital submission portals. StrataLink manages all government liaisons to avoid delays.

What are the tax obligations for a UAE mainland company?

UAE Corporate Tax at 9% applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000. Businesses with annual revenue above AED 375,000 may also be required to register for VAT at 5%. StrataLink manages FTA registration and all ongoing compliance.

Can I set up a mainland company in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Companies can hold mainland licenses in multiple emirates simultaneously. StrataLink advises on the most efficient multi-emirate structure based on your commercial footprint.

Do I need a physical office for a UAE mainland license?

Yes. UAE mainland companies require a registered office address. The size of your office determines your visa quota. More space allows more employee visas. StrataLink's Business Center provides flexi desk and private office options across prime UAE locations.

Can mainland companies open UAE bank accounts?

Yes. Mainland licenses are accepted by all UAE banks. StrataLink assists with bank selection and the full account opening process. We work with Mashreq, RAKBANK, Emirates NBD, Wio, Ruya, and Hubpay.

UAE Mainland Formation

UAE Mainland Company Formation

Full UAE market access, government contracts, and unlimited visa quota — without a local partner.

Full UAE Market Access
No Local Partner Needed
Unlimited Visa Quota

Compare vs Free Zone

100+

Companies Formed

10+

Global Markets Served

25+

Free Zones Covered

What is a UAE Mainland Company?

A UAE mainland company is a business licensed by the relevant emirate's Department of Economy and Tourism. It can trade freely anywhere in the UAE, hire unlimited employees, and bid on government contracts, without the geographic restrictions that apply to free zone companies. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland activities.

✓Unrestricted access to the entire UAE market, trade anywhere in the country
✓100% foreign ownership for most business activities
✓Eligible to bid on UAE government and semi-government contracts
✓Unlimited visa issuance based on office size
✓Dual license option: operate in both free zone and mainland simultaneously

Dubai Mainland

Dubai Mainland Formation

Registered with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Thousands of approved activities across commercial, professional, industrial, and branch license categories.

Authority

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

Ownership

100% foreign for most activities

Visas

Unlimited, based on office size

Capital

No minimum

Governing Law

Federal Law No. 32 of 2021

Dubai License Types

Commercial License (LLC)

General trading, import, export

Professional License

Consulting, advisory, and professional services

Branch Office License

UAE branch of a foreign parent company

Representative Office

Market presence without revenue generation

Industrial License

Manufacturing and industrial activities

E-Trader License

Home-based and online commerce

Dual License

Operate in both free zone and mainland simultaneously

Abu Dhabi Mainland

Abu Dhabi Mainland Formation

Registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Direct access to federal government contracts, sovereign wealth institutions, and Abu Dhabi's energy, finance, and infrastructure sectors.

Authority

Abu Dhabi Dept. of Economic Development

Ownership

100% foreign for most activities

License Types

Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism

Capital

No minimum

Key Sectors for Abu Dhabi

Government & Infrastructure

Federal contracts, public sector projects

Energy & Resources

Oil, gas, renewables, utilities

Finance & Capital Markets

ADGM ecosystem, banking, investment

Healthcare

Hospitals, clinics, pharma, medtech

Technology

GovTech, smart city, ICT

Construction & Real Estate

Infrastructure, property development

Mainland vs Free Zone

A direct comparison of the two most common UAE business structures.

Factor	Mainland	Free Zone
Foreign Ownership	100% for most activities	100%, no local partner required
UAE Market Access	Full direct access, no restrictions	Via registered distributor only
Government Contracts	Fully eligible	Not eligible
Visas	Unlimited, based on office size	Based on package (1–3 entry-level)
Setup Cost	Higher (government authority requirements)	Generally lower
Setup Speed	2–4 weeks	3–7 days (digital)
Corporate Tax	9% on profits above AED 375,000	0% on qualifying income*

* 0% corporate tax applies to qualifying income of qualifying free zone entities under UAE Corporate Tax Law.

View Free Zone Formation

How UAE Mainland Setup Works

From first call to licensed and operational. StrataLink manages every step.

Free Consultation

StrataLink assesses your activity, target market, visa needs, and tax position. We recommend the right emirate and license type.

Documentation & Government Liaison

We prepare all paperwork, handle government submissions, and liaise directly with Dubai or Abu Dhabi authorities on your behalf.

License Issued & Operational

Your trade license is issued, office address is registered. StrataLink assists with banking, visas, and ongoing compliance.

Documents Required

Individual Shareholders

Passport copy
Passport-size photograph
Residence visa copy (if applicable)
Emirates ID (if applicable)
NOC letter (if employed in UAE)

Corporate Shareholders

Certificate of Incorporation
Certificate of Incumbency
Memorandum of Association
Board Resolution

Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Mainland Formation

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Explore other formation options

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