UAE Mainland
- Operate in the UAE market subject to licensing rules
- Wide range of business activities
- Commercial premises options
- Employ staff and apply for eligible visas
- Suitable for long-term local operations
BUSINESS SETUP IN THE UAE
Turn Your BusinessPlans Into Reality
Professional support for mainland and free-zone company setup, licensing, approvals and post-licence procedures across the UAE.
Mainland & Free Zone
Licensing & Approvals
Visa & Labour Support
Ongoing PRO Services
MAINLAND OR FREE ZONE?
Find the Right Setup
for Your Business
There is no single structure suitable for every business. We help you understand the options based on your activity, ownership, office requirements, visa needs and future plans.
Compare Your Options →UAE Free Zone
- Specialised business environments
- Flexible office and facility options
- Owner and employee visa options vary by package
- Different activity and licence packages
- Useful for international or sector-specific operations
7 STEPS TO SET UP YOUR BUSINESS
A Clear and Simple Process
The exact steps depend on your activity, licensing authority and approvals required. This is a general guide.
Understand
Your Activity
Choose the
Structure
Reserve the
Trade Name
Obtain
Initial Approval
Complete
Company Documents
Get External
Approvals
Issue the
Trade Licence
More Than
Just a Licence.
A Stronger Future.
HOW AL FADHA CAN ASSIST
- 01Business setup consultationUnderstand the activity, ownership and operational requirements.
- 02Application preparationPreparation and submission support for applicable applications and documents.
- 03Government transaction coordinationAssistance with licensing authorities and relevant external approvals.
- 04Document follow-upPractical follow-up and updates throughout the processing stages.
- 05Post-licence supportLabour, immigration, establishment, visa and ongoing PRO support.
DOCUMENTS NORMALLY REQUIRED
The exact documents depend on the setup type, activity, shareholders and authority.
◫
Passportcopy
▣
Emirates ID(if applicable)
▤
Shareholderdocuments
▥
Memorandumof Association
⌂
Tenancy / officedocuments
✣
Additional approvals(if required)
WHO NEEDS THIS SERVICE?
- First-time entrepreneurs
- UAE residents and overseas investors
- Existing companies adding an activity or branch
- Partners starting a new venture
- Foreign companies exploring a UAE presence
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Requirements vary between emirates, free zones and activities.
- Additional approvals may be required.
- Government fees and documents can change.
- Processing times vary by transaction and approval.
- Final approval remains with the competent authority.
Last reviewed: 18 September 2026
USEFUL OFFICIAL LINKS
UAE GovernmentMainland Business Setup → UAE GovernmentFree Zone Business Setup → Ministry of Economy & TourismCompanies Legislation →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Quick answers to common questions.
100% foreign ownership is permitted for many UAE mainland activities. Strategic or specially regulated activities can be subject to additional ownership or approval conditions.
Premises requirements depend on the licensing authority, business activity and setup type. Mainland and free-zone requirements can differ.
No. Initial approval generally allows the incorporation process to continue; it does not itself authorise the business to conduct the licensed activity.
That depends on your activity, customers, location, office requirements, visa needs and future operating plans. We review those factors before recommending a route for consideration.
No. Additional approvals are generally needed only for activities regulated by another competent authority.
Yes, after we understand the actual activity, ownership, setup type, visa requirement, premises and any external approvals. Government charges and Al Fadha service charges should be shown separately.
Ready to Start Your Business?
Talk to our team for personalised guidance and a clear quotation.
◉Fast Support◎Experienced Team◌Clear Communication