100% Foreign Ownership UAE
Complete guide to full foreign ownership in UAE mainland companies. Access the entire UAE market with 100% control of your business.
Why Choose 100% Foreign Ownership?
The UAE's progressive Commercial Companies Law allows international investors complete control and unlimited market access.
Full Market Access
- Direct access to UAE's AED 1.4 trillion economy
- GCC market entry with preferential trade agreements
- Government contracts and tenders eligibility
- Direct import/export without agents
Complete Control
- 100% ownership of profits and assets
- No local sponsor or Emirati partner required
- Full decision-making authority
- Unrestricted profit repatriation
Investment Benefits
- Lower setup costs vs. free zones
- Enhanced business credibility
- Access to UAE banking facilities
- Potential for Golden Visa eligibility
Eligible Business Sectors for 100% Ownership
Over 600 business activities across key growth sectors are eligible for full foreign ownership.
Technology & Innovation
+45% FDI in 2024- Software Development & IT Services
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
- E-commerce & Digital Platforms
- Telecommunications Infrastructure
- Data Centers & Cloud Services
Manufacturing & Industry
+38% Investment Growth- Advanced Manufacturing
- Renewable Energy Equipment
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Food Processing & Agriculture Tech
- Automotive Components
- Aerospace & Defense
Services & Consulting
+52% Service Sector FDI- Management Consulting
- Financial Advisory Services
- Engineering Consulting
- Healthcare Services
- Educational Services
- Professional Training
Mainland vs Free Zone: Complete Comparison
Understand the key differences to make the right choice for your business expansion in UAE.
Requirements for 100% Foreign Ownership
Complete checklist of legal, financial, and business requirements for establishing your UAE mainland company.
Legal Requirements
- Minimum 2 shareholders (can be same person)
- Valid passport copies with UAE entry stamp
- No-objection certificates from home country
- Apostilled/attested documents
- Proof of address in home country
Financial Requirements
- Minimum share capital varies by activity
- Bank statements for last 6 months
- Proof of fund sources
- Initial deposit for company bank account
- Capital adequacy for business operations
Business Requirements
- Detailed business plan and feasibility study
- Office lease agreement or ejari
- NOC from building owner/management
- Suitable business activity classification
- Compliance with sector-specific regulations
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Follow our comprehensive 8-step process to establish your 100% foreign-owned UAE mainland company.
Activity Selection
Choose from 600+ eligible business activities and verify 100% ownership eligibility
Name Reservation
Reserve your company name with DED and obtain initial approval certificate
Document Preparation
Prepare and attest all required documents including passports, NOCs, and business plan
Office Lease
Secure office space and obtain ejari registration and NOC from building owner
License Application
Submit complete application to DED with all supporting documents and fees
License Issuance
Receive trade license and memorandum of association from licensing authority
Bank Account
Open corporate bank account and deposit minimum share capital as required
Visa Processing
Apply for investor/manager visas and employee work permits as needed
Investment & Cost Breakdown
Transparent pricing structure for establishing your 100% foreign-owned UAE mainland company.
Government Fees
Service & Setup Costs
Important Investment Considerations
- • Minimum share capital varies by business activity (typically AED 300,000 - 1,000,000)
- • Office size determines visa allocation (minimum 500 sq ft for 2-3 visas)
- • Additional costs may apply for specialized business activities
- • Annual renewal fees range from AED 8,000 - 25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about 100% foreign ownership in UAE mainland.
What business activities are eligible for 100% foreign ownership?
Over 600 business activities across technology, manufacturing, services, and consulting sectors are eligible. Key sectors include software development, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and most manufacturing activities.
Do I need a local sponsor or Emirati partner?
No local sponsor or Emirati partner is required for eligible activities. You can own 100% of shares, profits, and have complete control over business decisions and operations.
What's the minimum investment required?
Minimum share capital varies by activity, typically ranging from AED 300,000 to AED 1,000,000. Total setup investment including fees, office, and other costs ranges from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000.
Can I access the full UAE market with mainland company?
Yes, mainland companies have unlimited access to the UAE domestic market, can participate in government tenders, and have direct import/export rights without requiring local agents.
How long does the setup process take?
The complete setup process typically takes 4-6 weeks, including document preparation, approvals, office setup, and bank account opening. Express services can reduce this to 2-3 weeks.
Are there any ongoing compliance requirements?
Yes, annual license renewal, maintaining physical office, filing annual returns, and compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law. Corporate tax filing is required for profits above AED 375,000.
Ready to Establish Your 100% Foreign-Owned UAE Company?
Take advantage of UAE's progressive business environment. Get expert guidance for your mainland company setup with complete foreign ownership.