The UAE's updated commercial laws allow expatriate investors to hold full ownership in mainland companies across key sectors — without a local sponsor. AURION guides you through every step, from structure selection to your first bank account.
A mainland licence lets you trade directly in the UAE market, bid on government contracts, and operate from any commercial location in the emirate — advantages no free zone can offer.
Unrestricted Market Access
Trade directly with UAE customers and government entities. No intermediary or mainland distributor required.
100% Foreign Ownership
Recent cabinet amendments allow full expat ownership in selected sectors — no local sponsor needed.
No Currency Restrictions
Repatriate profits and capital freely. The UAE imposes no foreign exchange controls.
Gateway to the GCC
A UAE mainland company is the preferred base for regional expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Legislative Update
The Sponsor Requirement Is Gone — For Most Investors
Cabinet Decision amendments to Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 (updated by Law No. 26 of 2020) removed the mandatory local sponsor requirement for expatriates in selected commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural, and real estate activities. Full ownership is subject to minimum capital requirements set by the UAE Government, ranging from AED 2 million to AED 100 million depending on your sector and activity.
Not sure if your activity qualifies? Our consultants will confirm your eligibility in the first call — at no charge.
We Don't Just Register Your Company. We Build It With You.
Most business setup firms hand you a checklist and disappear. AURION assigns you a dedicated consultant who owns your case from the first conversation to the day your licence is in your hand — and beyond.
End-to-End Service
Company formation, PRO services, banking assistance, VAT registration, and ongoing compliance — all under one roof. You never need to manage multiple vendors.
Dedicated Consultant Model
One expert handles your entire case. You speak to the same person every time. No ticketing queues, no repeated explanations.
Transparent Process, No Surprises
You receive a clear cost breakdown and a step-by-step timeline before you commit. No hidden government fees, no last-minute add-ons.
04
The Process
From First Call to Active Licence — Here's Exactly What Happens
We handle the paperwork, government coordination, and approvals. You focus on building your business.
Timeline varies by activity and emirate. Most straightforward LLC formations complete within 2–4 weeks.
1
Free Consultation
We discuss your business activity, ownership structure, and emirate preference. You leave with full clarity on cost and timeline.
2
Activity & Structure Selection
Our consultant recommends the right legal form and business activity codes for your specific goals.
3
Trade Name Registration
We handle name reservation and initial approval with the relevant authority (DED or equivalent).
4
Document Submission & Initial Approval
All shareholder documents are compiled, attested if required, and submitted. Initial approval is issued.
5
Office Registration (Ejari)
A registered office address is required for most mainland licences. We advise on the most cost-effective option for your stage.
6
Licence Issuance
Your trade licence is issued. Your company is legally active.
7
Bank Account Opening
We introduce you to our banking partners and support the full corporate account application process.
05
Company Structures
Find the Right Legal Form for Your Business
UAE mainland law recognises multiple company structures. LLC is the most chosen form for foreign investors — but depending on your activity, capital, and partners, another form may serve you better. Our consultants help you decide.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The go-to structure for foreign investors. Between 2 and 50 shareholders, each liable only to the extent of their share in the capital. Offers operational flexibility, full mainland access, and eligibility for 100% foreign ownership in qualifying sectors.
2–50 shareholders
Liability limited to capital share
100% foreign ownership available in qualifying activities
Can convert to any other legal form (except public shareholding)
Sole Proprietorship
Owned and operated by one individual. Full control and 100% profit retention. Liability is unlimited — the owner is personally responsible for all business obligations.
Civil Company
A professional partnership structure for licensed practitioners — doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants. Governed by civil law rather than commercial law.
One Person LLC
A single-shareholder company (natural person or corporate body). Liability is limited to the capital share — unlike a sole proprietorship. Suited to individual investors who want liability protection.
Branch of a Foreign Company
Extends an existing foreign company's operations into the UAE. Carries out the same activities as the parent company. Must appoint a Local Service Agent (UAE national). The parent company bears full liability.
Branch of a Free Zone Company
If your company is registered in a UAE free zone (not as a foreign branch), you can open a DED branch licence to operate on the mainland. Activities must match the free zone licence.
Branch of a GCC Company
A popular route for GCC nationals and businesses expanding into the UAE. Activities must align with the parent company's licence. Documents must be attested via the UAE embassy in the home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Branch of a Dubai / UAE-Based Company
Allows an existing UAE-licensed entity to open additional branches. Each branch may carry out any activity covered by the original licence.
Private Shareholding Company
A partnership of 2 to 200 shareholders with a minimum capital of AED 5,000,000. Suited to larger investment vehicles.
The go-to structure for foreign investors. Between 2 and 50 shareholders, each liable only to the extent of their share in the capital. Offers operational flexibility, full mainland access, and eligibility for 100% foreign ownership in qualifying sectors.
2–50 shareholders
Liability limited to capital share
100% foreign ownership available in qualifying activities
Can convert to any other legal form (except public shareholding)
The following structures are available and may apply to specific scenarios. Contact our team for guidance:
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) · Simple Limited Partnership · Partnership Company · Representative Office · Intelaq License (UAE Nationals only) · SME License (UAE Nationals only)
We had an outstanding experience with Aurion Business Setup Consultants, and special appreciation to Mr. Santhosh for the exceptional way he handled our company closure in SAIF Zone. From start to finish, the entire process was managed with remarkable efficiency, clarity, and professionalism.
What truly stood out was the complete lack of hassle on our end. Santhosh took ownership of every detail, kept us consistently informed at each stage, and ensured the process moved smoothly without any delays or complications. The closure was completed in a much shorter time than anticipated, which speaks volumes about his expertise and commitment.
His responsiveness, transparency, and hands-on approach made what is usually a complex process feel effortless. We highly recommend Aurion and Santhosh to anyone seeking dependable, efficient, and top-quality corporate services.
Nazia Hussain
Excellent Service & Outstanding Support from Ashley at Aurion Consultants. I've had a great experience working with Aurion Consultants, and I'd especially like to appreciate Ashley, who is an absolute star. She is an amazing administrator — always on top of things, extremely organized, and very responsive.
Ashley follows up proactively, keeps everything moving smoothly, and makes the entire process feel stress-free. It's rare to find someone so efficient, detail-oriented, and genuinely helpful.
Overall, Aurion Consultants provides professional and reliable service, and having someone like Ashley on their team truly makes a big difference. Highly recommended!
MrandMrs Sinclair
I highly recommend Nancy from AURION Business Setup Consultants for consultation and visa processing services. From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, efficient, and very supportive. She took the time to explain all requirements, answered all our questions promptly, and ensured everything was processed smoothly. She guided me through every step with patience and clarity, making the whole process stress-free. Her dedication and attention to detail gave us great peace of mind. Her support and professionalism truly made a difference. I highly recommend her services.
Robert Ibel
I had an amazing experience with Ms. Norien. She went above and beyond to help me, supporting me to the fullest extent possible. I truly couldn't thank her enough for her effort and professionalism. She is such an incredible person, and it reflects how outstanding this company is as a whole.
I've never had any problems with them—whenever I need help with business consultancy, advice, driver's license, Emirates ID, or residency, I always go to this company. They make everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended
Annil Gehaani
We had an outstanding experience with Aurion Business Setup Consultants, and special appreciation to Mr. Santhosh for the exceptional way he handled our company closure in SAIF Zone. From start to finish, the entire process was managed with remarkable efficiency, clarity, and professionalism.
What truly stood out was the complete lack of hassle on our end. Santhosh took ownership of every detail, kept us consistently informed at each stage, and ensured the process moved smoothly without any delays or complications. The closure was completed in a much shorter time than anticipated, which speaks volumes about his expertise and commitment.
His responsiveness, transparency, and hands-on approach made what is usually a complex process feel effortless. We highly recommend Aurion and Santhosh to anyone seeking dependable, efficient, and top-quality corporate services.
Nazia Hussain
Excellent Service & Outstanding Support from Ashley at Aurion Consultants. I've had a great experience working with Aurion Consultants, and I'd especially like to appreciate Ashley, who is an absolute star. She is an amazing administrator — always on top of things, extremely organized, and very responsive.
Ashley follows up proactively, keeps everything moving smoothly, and makes the entire process feel stress-free. It's rare to find someone so efficient, detail-oriented, and genuinely helpful.
Overall, Aurion Consultants provides professional and reliable service, and having someone like Ashley on their team truly makes a big difference. Highly recommended!
MrandMrs Sinclair
I highly recommend Nancy from AURION Business Setup Consultants for consultation and visa processing services. From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, efficient, and very supportive. She took the time to explain all requirements, answered all our questions promptly, and ensured everything was processed smoothly. She guided me through every step with patience and clarity, making the whole process stress-free. Her dedication and attention to detail gave us great peace of mind. Her support and professionalism truly made a difference. I highly recommend her services.
Robert Ibel
I had an amazing experience with Ms. Norien. She went above and beyond to help me, supporting me to the fullest extent possible. I truly couldn't thank her enough for her effort and professionalism. She is such an incredible person, and it reflects how outstanding this company is as a whole.
I've never had any problems with them—whenever I need help with business consultancy, advice, driver's license, Emirates ID, or residency, I always go to this company. They make everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended
AH
AhmedWalid HalabiVSD Global
Aurion is one of the best consulting teams in the UAE for all activities of company formation and related matters. We trust them the most.
CS
Chyngyz ShermatovBrimpex FZC
I thank Aurion for their timely advice. It definitely saved me a lot of money & time.
EM
Edwin Marshall BerkinsPEREGRINE Development International Inc.
It's happy to note that Aurion registered the branch of BVI Company in Dubai Airport Freezone perfectly complying with all legal attestations. Thanks to Syam and team.
HS
Humaira SiddiquiSTRYX FZE
I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by AURION. They were very professional and got the work done with expediency.
AH
AhmedWalid HalabiVSD Global
Aurion is one of the best consulting teams in the UAE for all activities of company formation and related matters. We trust them the most.
CS
Chyngyz ShermatovBrimpex FZC
I thank Aurion for their timely advice. It definitely saved me a lot of money & time.
EM
Edwin Marshall BerkinsPEREGRINE Development International Inc.
It's happy to note that Aurion registered the branch of BVI Company in Dubai Airport Freezone perfectly complying with all legal attestations. Thanks to Syam and team.
HS
Humaira SiddiquiSTRYX FZE
I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by AURION. They were very professional and got the work done with expediency.
Our team manages the full journey — from selecting the right jurisdiction to licensing, visas, banking support, and ongoing compliance — so you can focus on building a successful business.
