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Start, Grow & Expand Your Business Across the UAE Mainland
Setting up a Mainland Company in the UAE becomes seamless and strategic with Aetram Corporate Services. The UAE mainland empowers entrepreneurs with 100% foreign ownership for most activities, unrestricted market access, government contract eligibility, and the freedom to trade locally and internationally.
Aetram Corporate Services. The UAE mainland empowers entrepreneurs with 100% foreign ownership for most activities, unrestricted market access, government contract eligibility, and the freedom to trade locally and internationally.
Whether you choose Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah Mainland, Aetram Corporate Services ensures a smooth, fast, and fully compliant company formation process. From activity selection to licensing, documentation, approvals, and PRO support, we help you build a strong foundation to start, grow, and expand your business across the Emirates with confidence.
Aetram Corporate Services ensures a smooth, fast, and fully compliant company formation process. From activity selection to licensing, documentation, approvals, and PRO support, we help you build a strong foundation to start, grow, and expand your business across the Emirates with confidence.
Quick overview — mainland in the UAE (common rules)
What “mainland” means
Foreign ownership (high-level)
Common legal forms
Standard steps to set up on the mainland (applies to all Emirates)
Decide the business activity (this determines required approvals and whether 100% ownership is allowed).
Reserve the trade name with the relevant Emirate authority.
Apply for initial approval / pre-approval (sometimes called NOC); obtain external approvals if the activity is regulated (health, education, food, engineering, etc.).
Prepare MOA, Local Service Agent Agreement, or Shareholder Agreement (based on the chosen legal form).
- Lease a physical office; obtain the Ejari/tenancy contract and tenancy certificate if required.
Submit final documents and pay the licence fee to receive the commercial licence and company registration.
Open a corporate bank account and apply for visas/labour cards.
Why Choose Mainland Company Formation in the UAE?
Why Choose
Mainland Company Formation
in the UAE?
100% Foreign Ownership
(for most commercial activities)
Freedom to Trade Anywhere in the
UAE & Globally
Unlimited Visa Quota Based on
Office Size
No Currency Restrictions
Eligibility for Government Tenders
Ability to Open Branches Across the UAE
Unlimited Visa Quota Based on
Office Size
Ability to Open Branches Across the UAE
Robust Legal & Business Infrastructure
The mainland is the ideal choice for investors who want full operational flexibility and long-term business growth.
Mainland Company Formation in the UAE – Emirate-Wise Guide
Dubai Mainland offers unmatched global connectivity, advanced infrastructure, and diverse business activities.
- 100% foreign ownership for most sectors
- Suitable for trading, services, retail, hospitality, technology, and more
- Rapid business registration with DED
- Ejari-required office setup
- Ideal for businesses targeting international markets or high commercial activity
A cost-effective setup option for trading, industrial and SME businesses.
- Lower licence and rental costs
- Popular for manufacturing & trading businesses
- Strong industrial zones and logistics advantages
- Business-friendly regulations
The capital of the UAE offers high stability and strong government-led industries.
- Strategic location for large-scale businesses
- Investor-friendly laws and innovation-driven sectors
- Flexible ownership rules
- Ideal for consulting, engineering, professional and industrial activities
- Budget-friendly setup
- Fast incorporation process
- Suitable for consultancy, trading & small manufacturing
- Lower office rental and government fees
- Cost-effective licensing
- Attractive for manufacturing units
- Easy access to GCC markets
- Flexible ownership and activity options
Quick Comparison — Documents Only
| Requirement | Dubai | Sharjah | Abu Dhabi | Ajman | RAK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Copies |  | | | | |
| Entry Stamp/Visa | | | | | |
| Emirates ID | | | | | |
| Photos | | | | | |
| Trade Name Options | | | | | |
| Activity List | | | | | |
| MoA / LSA | | | | | |
| Tenancy Contract | Ejari | Sharjah Municipality | Tawtheeq | Ajman Municipality | RAK Municipality |
| External Approvals | As required | As required | As required | As required | As required |
Aetram Mainland Company Formation Services
We offer end-to-end solutions to make your business setup fast, compliant, and hassle-free.
Why Choose Aetram for UAE Mainland Company Formation?
Expert guidance across all UAE emirates
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
Fast processing with dedicated PRO support
100% compliance with UAE laws
End-to-end business setup and post-setup support
Local + international investor assistance
