UAE mainland LLC formation steps: (1) choose activities + trade name; (2) draft and notarise MOA; (3) submit to DED (Dubai) or equivalent; (4) register tenancy contract (Ejari); (5) obtain trade licence; (6) apply for establishment card and investor visa. Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks. Cost: AED 15,000–40,000 (government fees + professional fees, excluding visa costs).
UAE LLC — key features
- Shareholders: 1–50 shareholders (individuals or corporate). Since 2021, foreign nationals can own 100% for most activities listed by the Ministry of Economy. A small negative list still requires UAE majority ownership.
- Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution. The LLC is a separate legal entity.
- Minimum capital: AED 300,000 nominal capital under Companies Law — but DED in Dubai and ADCD in Abu Dhabi generally do not require paid-up proof for small LLCs in service activities. For trading and manufacturing, paid-up capital may be required.
- Activities: DED classifies activities into commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism. Each LLC licence is restricted to its approved activities. Choosing the right activity codes upfront avoids re-licensing later.
- Directors and managers: An LLC must appoint at least one manager (who may be a shareholder). The manager’s name appears on the trade licence and has signing authority. A board resolution is required to change the manager.
UAE mainland LLC formation process
1. Select activities and reserve trade name
Identify your DED activity codes — up to 10 activities on one licence (some activities require additional approvals). Apply for trade name reservation on the DED portal or through a business setup agent. Name reservation: AED 620 for 2 years.
2. Draft and notarise the MOA
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) sets out shareholder names, capital split, activities, and manager appointment. It must be drafted in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English), reviewed by a licensed legal practitioner, and notarised before a UAE notary public. Notarisation: AED 1,500–3,500.
3. Submit initial approval application
Submit the MOA, shareholder passports, and activity approvals to DED for initial approval. Some activities require pre-approval from other authorities (e.g., Dubai Health Authority for healthcare, RERA for real estate brokerage, KHDA for education).
4. Register tenancy contract (Ejari)
A physical office or flexi-desk in a UAE business centre is required for the DED licence. The tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari (Dubai) or the equivalent authority in other emirates. Flexi-desk/business centre arrangements are accepted.
5. Submit final licence application and pay fees
Submit all documents (MOA, initial approval, Ejari, activity approvals) and pay DED licence fees. DED issues the trade licence — typically within 5–10 business days after payment.
6. Apply for establishment card and investor visa
Apply for the GDRFA establishment card (enables company to sponsor visas). Then apply for investor/director residence visa. Total visa cost per person: AED 3,000–5,000.
Forming a UAE mainland LLC and need end-to-end support?
We handle DED activity selection, MOA drafting and notarisation, tenancy registration, and visa applications. Fixed fee — all government fees disclosed upfront.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UAE national partner for a mainland LLC?+
No — for most commercial and professional activities, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted under Cabinet Resolution 16/2021. However, some activities (RERA-licensed real estate brokerage, certain government-adjacent activities, and a small list of strategic sectors) still require a UAE national local service agent or majority UAE ownership. Your business setup advisor should verify your specific activities against the current permitted list.
What is the difference between a UAE LLC and a sole establishment?+
An LLC has 1–50 shareholders with limited liability — the shareholders are not personally liable for company debts beyond their capital contribution. A sole establishment (civil company for professionals) is a single-owner structure with unlimited personal liability — more common for professional activities like medical or legal practices. For trading and commercial activities, an LLC is almost always preferred.
Can a UAE LLC have a corporate shareholder?+
Yes — a UAE LLC can have individual or corporate shareholders. A foreign company can be a shareholder in a UAE mainland LLC. The corporate shareholder provides its certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and a board resolution authorising the investment — all attested by the UAE embassy in the country of origin (or apostilled for Hague Convention countries).
How much does a UAE mainland LLC cost per year to maintain?+
DED trade licence renewal: AED 5,000–12,000 depending on activity and office space. Professional fees for annual DED renewal: AED 1,500–3,000. If audited accounts are required (bank loan covenant, CT revenue over AED 50M), add audit fee: AED 8,000–25,000. Total annual compliance cost: AED 8,000–40,000 depending on size and structure.