Company Formation
Free Zone Company Formation
Establish a mainland company with 100% foreign ownership, access to all UAE markets, and eligibility for government contracts — managed end-to-end by DM & CO.
Ownership
UAE Mainland
Full UAE Market Access — No Restrictions
A UAE mainland licence, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), gives your business unrestricted access to the entire UAE market. Since the landmark 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendment, 100% foreign ownership is available for the majority of commercial and professional activities.
Whether you are setting up a trading company, professional services firm, consultancy, or retail operation, mainland formation positions your business to trade freely with government entities, operate across all seven emirates, and expand without jurisdictional barriers.
Key Advantages
Why Choose UAE Mainland
100% Foreign Ownership
Full ownership without a local Emirati partner for most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendment.
Full UAE Market Access
Trade with government bodies, local businesses, and consumers across all seven emirates — no restrictions on who you can sell to.
2,000+ Licensed Activities
Trading, manufacturing, professional services, retail — the widest activity selection of any UAE business structure.
Government Contract Eligibility
Bid on lucrative government tenders and public sector contracts that are unavailable to free zone entities.
Flexible Visa Quota
Unlimited visa quota based on your office space — typically 1 visa per 9 m², supporting rapid team growth without a ceiling.
Strong Legal Framework
Governed by UAE Federal Law with robust IP protection, internationally recognised dispute resolution, and stable commercial regulations.
Step by Step
How We Set You Up
A fully managed process — DM & CO. handles every step from activity selection to licence issuance.
Activity Selection
Define your business activity — this determines the licence type and approving authority.
Trade Name Approval
Reserve your company name with the DED, ensuring it meets UAE naming regulations.
Initial DED Approval
Obtain initial approval confirming your activity and ownership structure are permitted.
MOA Drafting
Draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association with the correct share structure.
Licence Issuance
Receive your trade licence, open your bank account, and begin operations.
Transparent Pricing
Choose Your Package
All packages include a free initial consultation. Prices vary by activity and office requirement.
Professional Licence
Per year, including DED fees
- Service / professional activities
- 1 activity included
- Flexi-desk office option
- 1 investor visa entitlement
- MOA drafting included
Commercial Licence
Per year, including DED fees
- Trading / commercial activities
- Up to 3 activities
- Physical office required
- Multiple visa entitlements
- MOA + LSA agreement
- Bank account assistance
General Trading
Per year, including all approvals
- General trading / all goods
- Unlimited activities
- Warehouse / showroom eligible
- Large visa quota
- Multi-emirate operations
- Full regulatory liaison
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most mainland licences are issued within 2–4 weeks depending on activity type. Activities requiring special approvals (healthcare, education, financial services) may take longer. DM & CO. proactively manages all authority liaisons to minimise processing time.
Most commercial and trading activities require a physical office or retail space. Professional licences may qualify for a flexi-desk arrangement. Our team will advise on the minimum office requirement for your specific activity and help source suitable space.
Yes. The DED allows multiple related activities on a single licence. Activities are grouped by category and additional activities within the same group are available at a nominal fee. We will advise on the most cost-effective activity combination for your business model.
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) has 2–50 shareholders with limited liability protection. A Sole Establishment is 100% owned by one individual and is suited to freelancers and professionals. A Civil Company is used for licensed professionals (doctors, engineers, lawyers) and allows 100% foreign ownership.
Yes. Mainland companies can sponsor employment visas for any number of staff. The quota is linked to your office space — typically 1 visa per 9 square metres. DM & CO. manages the full visa process including medical testing, Emirates ID biometrics, and labour card issuance.
Explore More
Related Services
Free Zone Company
100% ownership with 0% tax options. Fast-track licence in 3–7 days across 15+ UAE free zones.
Offshore Company
Asset protection and tax-efficient holding structures — ideal for wealth management and international operations.
Bank Account Opening
Corporate bank account setup with UAE and international banks — full documentation and liaison support.
Get Started Today
Ready to Set Up Your
Free Zone Company?
Book a free consultation with a senior DM & CO. consultant. We will identify the right structure, activity, and pathway for your business.