01
Commercial activities
For trading and commercial activities, the licence structure should reflect the products, markets and approvals involved.
Mainland Setup
A flexible route for operating across the UAE
A mainland company can suit businesses that want a broad onshore operating model, access to UAE customers and flexibility across a wide range of approved activities.
Rhem Corporate Services can help you organise the setup process, compare practical requirements and coordinate the steps with the relevant licensing and government authorities.
Discuss Mainland Setup
Business Activities
Mainland licence routes
The correct licence depends on the activity, ownership structure and approvals required for the proposed business.
02
Professional activities
For professional and service businesses, the setup should align the legal form, activity description and operational requirements.
03
Industrial activities
Industrial or production-related activities may involve additional approvals, premises requirements and authority coordination.
Why Mainland
Why businesses consider a UAE mainland company
The mainland route can offer a strong operating base when the structure is matched carefully to the business model.
Market access
A structure designed for onshore operations and direct commercial activity in the UAE, subject to the licensed activity.
Activity flexibility
A wide range of commercial, professional and industrial activities can be considered under the appropriate licence.
Office & growth planning
Workspace, staffing and expansion requirements can be planned around the selected activity and authority rules.
Visa pathways
Eligible companies can proceed with immigration and residence visa steps after the relevant establishment formalities.
Government coordination
Some activities require external approvals; planning these early can reduce avoidable delays.
Ongoing support
Licence renewals, amendments, visas, accounting and other corporate requirements can be coordinated after formation.
The Setup Journey
A clear mainland formation process
The exact sequence varies by activity and emirate, but the project is easier to manage when each stage is prepared in advance.
Initial consultation
Define the activity, ownership, emirate and intended operating model.
Name & activity review
Check proposed names, activities and any external approval requirements.
Initial approvals
Coordinate preliminary approvals and the selected legal structure.
Premises & documents
Prepare required documents and premises information where applicable.
Licence issuance
Submit the final formation requirements and complete authority formalities.
Post-licence setup
Move to immigration, visas, banking preparation and ongoing compliance support as required.
Practical Preparation
Prepare the right information before submission
A well-prepared application starts with the business activity, shareholder information, proposed trade name and supporting identification documents.
Some activities may require additional approvals or documents, so the final checklist should be confirmed for the selected setup.
- Passport and identification documents
- Proposed company and activity details
- Shareholder and manager information
- Premises or tenancy details where required
- Additional authority approvals where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers before you proceed
Requirements can vary by activity, authority, institution and individual circumstances. We can help you understand the next steps for your case.
A mainland company is licensed by the relevant onshore economic authority and can carry out the activities listed on its licence, subject to applicable UAE rules and approvals.
Foreign ownership is available for many mainland activities and structures. The position should still be checked for the proposed activity and legal form.
Premises requirements depend on the activity, licence and authority. Some businesses require a physical office or other approved premises.
Timing depends on the activity, approvals, documents and authority processing. A realistic timeline can be discussed once the proposed structure is reviewed.
Eligible companies can proceed with establishment and immigration formalities and then apply for residence visas subject to the applicable requirements.
Yes. Rhem can also assist with selected visa, PRO, accounting, banking preparation and other corporate support requirements.
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We can assist with UAE company formation, residency services, Golden Visa applications and accounting requirements.