Launch, Operate, and Expand Your UAE Business with Confidence
A Mainland License is one of the most flexible and powerful business licenses in the UAE that allows entrepreneurs, investors and businesses the ability to conduct business in any of the seven Emirates without restrictions in geographic location. Generically speaking, unlike free zone licenses and other types of licenses that limit activities to certain geographical boundaries or zones, a mainland license gives your business the right to be in dealings with clients and work with government organizations anywhere in the country, and allows you to trade freely, without restrictions.
A Mainland License lays a strong foundation for anyone who wants to base themselves in the UAE for the longer-term regardless if you want to open a start-up business, you are figuring out how to scale a small or medium (SME) business, or you are opening or expanding an international business in the UAE. A Mainland License provides you with more options with how you set-up your business so you can have an office anywhere in the UAE, hire employees with no restrictions, and work with both local and international customers.With relaxed foreign ownership rules, the UAE now allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, making a Mainland License highly attractive for international businesses. It boosts credibility, opens networking opportunities, and enables government and private contracts.
Launch Your UAE Business with a Mainland License Today
Take the first step toward launching or expanding your business in the UAE with complete confidence. A Mainland License provides you with the freedom to operate across all Emirates, the credibility to build trust with clients and investors, and the flexibility to grow your business without boundaries. Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur, an SME looking to expand, or an international investor seeking a regional base, a Mainland License gives you the strategic advantage to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic and business-friendly economies.
Contact DubaiSetupNow today to schedule a personalized consultation and secure your Mainland License quickly, efficiently, and with expert guidance at every step. Our team will guide you through license selection, registration, visa processing, PRO services, and post-license support, ensuring your business setup is smooth, compliant, and ready for immediate operations. Don’t wait — start your UAE business journey smarter, faster, and stronger, and unlock the unlimited opportunities the Emirates have to offer
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Choose Mainland for Growth
Why Choose a Mainland License?
Unlimited Market Access
Government Contracts Eligibility
Employee Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship
Credibility with Banks and Partners
Long-Term Stability
Explore Mainland License Options
Types of Mainland Licenses
Commercial License
Professional License
Industrial License
Eligibility for Mainland License
Who Can Apply for a Mainland License?
A Mainland License is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors seeking full access to the UAE market without restrictions. It allows trading across all seven Emirates, enabling work with government and private clients, and supporting SME growth beyond free zones.
For international businesses, it offers entry into a fast-growing economy, full foreign ownership in most sectors, and long-term residency options like the Golden Visa. A mainland setup provides flexibility, visibility, and credibility—empowering your business to grow and thrive in the UAE’s dynamic market.
Mainland License Key Benefits
Benefits of a Mainland License
Mainland Company Setup Services
Our Mainland License Services
At DubaiSetupNow, we provide end-to-end support for your Mainland License application and management
Why Partner with DubaiSetupNow?
Starting a business in the UAE involves navigating an intricate framework of rules and regulations, dealing with various types of licenses, and following different procedures. That's when we can help. We make easy every aspect of setting up your business, from helping you understand the business environment in the UAE as an entrepreneur, start-up, small business, or international investor, to ensuring you understand your license options. We will walk you through the process from your initial license selection to understanding the best legal structure that suits you. We will help you understand the multiple layers of federal and Emirate-specific laws and make sure your business is compliant, providing you with a strong foundation for growth and success for the long term.
We provide comprehensive services that support you end-to-end through the setup process, including managing your trade license application, preparing documentation, facilitating government approvals, managing employee's visas, sponsoring a family member, and ongoing trade license renewals. We have strong relationships with the UAE authorities, which provides the ability to obtain faster approvals and a smoother process, saving you time and ensuring you do not have to deal with unnecessary delays in your setup process.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
A Mainland License is a type of business license that permits a company to conduct business across all seven Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Unlike a Free Zone license, the Mainland License allows for an open trade with consumers, government entities and the ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE without restriction.
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, multinational companies, freelancers, consultants and overseas investors can apply for a Mainland License. A Mainland License is for anyone who wishes to experience unfettered access to the UAE market and the ability to work with both local and international clients.
There are three key types of Mainland Licenses:
Commercial License (for trading, import/export and retail business),
Professional License (service providers, consultancy and professionals) and
Industrial License (manufacturing, production and industrial entities).
Comparatively speaking, yes. Under recent UAE regulations, for a Mainland company, in most sectors, 100% foreign ownership is permissible. This allows foreign investors to establish a UAE Mainland company without a local partner.
A Mainland License permits unlimited market access, qualification for government contracts, the ability to sponsor family members and expands your hiring options, stronger credibility with banks, licenses that are renewable for longer periods of time, and domestic and international recognition!
This is the case! A physical office, or another type of facility, is a requirement of obtaining a Mainland License. A physical office can be as small as an office space, or larger commercial facilities depending on the activity required for your business type.
Absolutely. A Mainland company can Sponsor employees, along with family members such as the spouse, children, parents, and domestic employees so that they can live in the UAE on a long-term basis and will be able to conduct business operations.
This depends on the business activity you are pursuing and the type of license. Adding to this, a total or incomplete set of documents will determine how long it will take. While each setup is different, it will usually take somewhere in between 2 to 4 weeks to set up a standard Mainland License, as long as the documents and information are provided accurately, and relevant authorities approve APPLICATION promptly.
Yes. One of the key benefits of having a Mainland License is that you can bid for government tenders, public sector-related business, and Infrastructure contracts, which Free Zone Companies usually cannot compete for.
Yes. We have robust post-license services available. These include, working on renewals, amendments, visa management, PRO services, and general regulations compliance, as well as expansions related to your business. We strive for you to operate to the best of your ability and to support you as you stay compliant for Sustainability and Growth into the UAE.
