Questions to Settle Before You Apply

Mainland setup is easier when a few decisions are made before the application starts. Changing them halfway usually means new approvals, amended documents or extra fees.

Which activity, and does it need an external approval?

Choose the licensed activity carefully, because it decides your licence type, your approvals and what you can invoice for. Some activities need approval from another body before the licence is issued. Read the activity code guide and the external approvals guide before you finalise the choice.

How will ownership and control be set out?

Decide the shareholders, their percentages, who manages the company and who can sign for it. These points go into the Memorandum of Association, so it is worth reading how the MoA works and agreeing the terms with any partners first.

What office will you use, and how many visas do you need?

A mainland licence is tied to a registered office address through the tenancy contract, and the office usually influences how many visas the company can obtain. See how to get Ejari and the visa quota rules. If you expect to hire soon, plan the office size around that.

What will it cost every year, not just in year one?

Budget for licence renewal, the tenancy contract, visa renewals, insurance, accounting and tax registrations. The mainland cost breakdown lists the usual items, and the figures on this site are indicative until you have a written quote.

Who are your customers?

A mainland licence makes the most sense when you need to serve clients inside the UAE directly, bid for local contracts or want a physical presence. If most clients are overseas and you rarely meet them, compare it honestly with a free zone before you decide.