Refer a client. Earn up to AED 5,500. Become a referral partner

Off-hours — we reply first thing at 9:00 local. Vy is always on.

Referral Contact WhatsApp
Sign in Start your setup

Is mainland the right route for you?

A mainland licence lets you invoice any customer in the UAE directly, take government contracts and open premises anywhere in the emirate. It costs more and asks more of you. This is when that is worth it.

Mainland licensingDET & economic departments
Activity approvalsExternal approvals where required
ICP / GDRFAEstablishment & visa capacity
BanksAccount-readiness context

What mainland actually unlocks

A mainland licence is for direct UAE trading, local premises, and on-shore contracts.

Direct sales activity in the UAE

Direct UAE sales

Sell to UAE customers without a second route.

A mainland business premises in the UAE

Physical mainland premises

Use a shop, clinic, office, warehouse, or workshop.

Preparing documents for government contract work

Government work

Bid for public-sector and semi-government contracts.

An on-shore business team at work

On-shore operating team

Run local staff, visas, and day-to-day activity in one setup.

Eligibility, activities, trade-offs

Broader scope, heavier setup, and more operating obligations than a free zone.

How mainland setup runs

Three to six weeks end to end — the licence issues quickly, Ejari, MOHRE quotas and bank onboarding set the calendar.

  1. 01Choose the activityConfirm the licence activity that matches your work.
  2. 02Reserve the nameSecure the trade name and initial approval.
  3. 03Set up the premisesRegister the tenancy and supporting documents.
  4. 04Issue the licenceReceive the mainland trade licence and establishment file.
  5. 05Arrange visasProcess founder and employee residency where needed.
  6. 06Open the bank accountStart banking in parallel once the licence is issued.

How much does a mainland setup cost?

AED20,00045,000

Mainland runs higher than free zone because DED/DET fees, Ejari, MoJ notarisation and MOHRE quotas all apply.

What’s included

  • DED / DET trade licence
  • Ejari-registered office
  • MoJ notarisation
  • Establishment card + eSignature

Price varies by

  • Business activity
  • Office grade
  • MOHRE quota
  • Sector approvals
Get a tailored estimate →

Founders and teams who pick mainland.

Your setup, in your pocket

Every filing, deadline, and document — visible on iOS and Android. Same evidence you already see in the console, now portable.

Banks we can help you approach.

Bank suitability depends on your activity, ownership, documents and transaction profile.

See our banking partners

Is mainland the right route for you?

Tell us the activity and where your customers are. We confirm whether mainland is required.

  • A dedicated specialist reviews your case.
  • Fixed scope in writing before any work begins.
  • Avg reply 3 minutes on WhatsApp, 24 × 7.

Request a consultation

No obligation. We tell you if it is not the right route.

What do you need help with?

Compare the other routes

Talk to a UAE specialist

What clients say

Frequently asked

What is a UAE mainland company?
A mainland company is licensed by the relevant emirate-level economic authority and operates under the applicable federal and local rules. The legal form, ownership position, activity approvals, premises requirements, and immigration setup depend on the specific business being established.
Can a mainland company be fully foreign-owned?
Many mainland activities can be structured with full foreign ownership, but the answer depends on the intended activity and any sector-specific or regulatory conditions. Where additional approvals apply, the correct ownership and licensing route should be confirmed before incorporation.
Do I need a physical office for a mainland company?
Often, a mainland company needs a compliant premises arrangement, but the exact requirement depends on the activity, emirate, licensing authority, visa needs, and business model. A virtual or flexi solution is not suitable for every activity. We confirm the facility requirement in advance.
Can a mainland company trade across the UAE?
A mainland licence can support UAE operations for many activities, but its scope still depends on the licensed activity, local permits, contracts, customs treatment where relevant, and any regulated-sector rules. The licence should match the commercial activity; it should not be assumed to cover everything.
How long does mainland formation take?
Timing depends on the emirate, activity, owner documents, trade-name and initial approvals, premises, external approvals, immigration steps, and authority questions. We map the expected sequence and prepare the file, but the authority controls final approval timing.
Can I use a branch instead of incorporating a new UAE company?
Sometimes. A branch can be appropriate where an existing foreign company needs a UAE operating presence without creating a separate shareholder structure. The practical fit depends on the parent company, activity, customer contracts, licensing route, office and visa needs, tax position, and any authority conditions.
Professionals discussing a client referral partnership

Refer a client. Get paid.

Send the case. We do the work. You get paid.

Earn up to AED 5,500 per client

More clients onboarded, higher payout.

Paid within 30 days of completion

Straight to the account.

Tiered rewards as you scale

More referrals unlocks higher payouts.

Ready to go mainland?