Mainland Company Formation UAE
Full UAE market access, 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and no restriction on who you can trade with — mainland company formation via the DED.
Mainland Formation
About Mainland Company Formation
A mainland company registered with the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED) gives you unrestricted access to the UAE domestic market, the ability to bid for government contracts, and the full range of commercial and industrial activities. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendments, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors.
Prism 7 Corporate manages the complete mainland formation process — from initial activity and trade name selection through to DED licence approval, Ejari office registration, investor visa, and bank account assistance.
What's Included
Our Mainland Formation Service
LLC & Sole Establishment Structures
Mainland entities can operate as a Limited Liability Company, sole establishment, civil company, or branch — each with different ownership and liability implications. We advise on the appropriate structure.
No Restriction on Trading Location
Unlike free zone entities, mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE and take on government contracts. This distinction matters depending on your commercial model.
DED Licensing & Name Reservation
We manage the full application with the Department of Economic Development: trade name reservation, initial approval, Memorandum of Association, and final licence issuance.
Local Service Agent Arrangements
Certain mainland activities require a UAE national local service agent. We have established relationships and handle all necessary agency agreements.
Sector-Specific Activity Guidance
Mainland licences cover commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism activities — each with specific requirements. We confirm what is permitted under your chosen activity codes.
Office Space & Tenancy Contract
Mainland registration requires a physical office address. We coordinate Ejari-registered tenancy contracts as part of the formation where required.
How It Works
Simple, Transparent Process
Get in Touch
Reach out via phone, email, or our contact form — our team responds within one business day.
Free Consultation
We assess your specific requirements at no cost and provide a clear, itemised quote covering all fees and timelines.
We Handle Everything
Our team manages every step — documents, authority submissions, liaison, and tracking — keeping you informed throughout.
Handover & Support
Once complete, your documents are handed over with a renewal calendar. We remain your point of contact for all future requirements.
I had a great experience during the interview process. Everything was well-organized and professional from start to finish. The communication was clear, and I was informed of about…
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Thanks to Ms Mary for your help and Support for obtaining my Equivalence Certification. All the process was very clear and with the constant support of the staff…
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Approached Prism 7 for obtaining equivalency certificate.nnService was very professional and obtained the certificate with minimal efforts.nnThanks to Prism 7 & Maryanne Nicholas
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Excellent experience! The service was outstanding professional, friendly, and efficient. What impressed me the most was the accuracy and consistency throughout the entire process. Highly recommended for anyone…
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This company is amazing, They’re providing good services and with polite staff , Ms. Mary Jane. Highly recommended????????????????⭐️
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I am happy with service of marry jane. She did the attestation of degree????????.nThank you Marry.
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For our initial company setup from recruitment to visa processing and all ad-hoc requirements, Prism 7 has been a good helping hand. Mary Jane you are tenacious person…
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it was a best PRO services i ever had. thanks MJ for helping me to process my employment visa...
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Very good services , MJ is d best
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What Will It Cost?
Get a fully itemised formation cost estimate tailored to your specific activity, visa requirements, and preferred jurisdiction. No obligation — returned within one business day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mainland Company Formation — Key Questions
The DED issues three main licence categories: commercial (for trading activities), professional (for service-based and consultancy activities), and industrial (for manufacturing). Within these categories, there are hundreds of permitted activities. Some activities — such as healthcare, education, legal services, and financial services — require approval from the relevant regulatory authority in addition to the DED licence.
Since 2021, the UAE amended its Commercial Companies Law to allow 100% foreign ownership for most mainland activities. However, certain strategically sensitive sectors — including oil and gas, utilities, security, and some transport activities — are reserved and still require UAE national participation. We confirm the ownership structure applicable to your specific activities before proceeding.
The UAE has removed the minimum share capital requirement for most mainland LLCs. A nominal share capital is typically stated in the Memorandum of Association — commonly AED 300,000 — but this does not need to be deposited in a bank account as a condition of registration in most cases. Regulated sectors such as banking, insurance, and certain financial activities have their own prescribed capital requirements.
Yes — this is one of the key advantages of a mainland licence over a freezone entity. A DED-licensed mainland company can engage directly with federal and emirate government entities, including participation in public tenders and procurement processes. A freezone company typically cannot tender for government work without a mainland presence.
For certain professional licences held by a foreign national sole proprietor on the mainland, a UAE national Local Service Agent (LSA) is appointed. The LSA has no ownership stake and does not share in profits — they serve an administrative role in liaising with government bodies. The LSA relationship is governed by a notarised service agent agreement. This is distinct from a UAE national partner or shareholder.
Ready to explore a mainland licence? Our team will guide you through every step.
Ask Us AnythingGet Started
Ready to Form Your Mainland UAE Company?
Our team will manage the complete DED formation process on your behalf. Get in touch today for a free consultation.
