Can Foreigners Own 100% Mainland Companies in the UAE ?

The United Arab Emirates has transformed its business environment in recent years, making it one of the most attractive destinations for global investors to do the company registration. The introduction of 100% ownership for mainland companies in the UAE has become the most significant development to transform the business landscape. The reform has created new business opportunities by eliminating previous restrictions that prevented entrepreneurs from managing all aspects of their business.

Since 1st June 2021, the UAE’s commercial Law permits the 100% ownership in most sectors on the Dubai mainland. The UAE plans to enhance its status as a major global business center following this development. This blog explains the new law and outlines the eligibility requirements for obtaining 100% ownership of a Mainland company in the UAE.

Elimination of the Requirement for a 51% Local Partner

Traditionally, foreign investors needed a UAE national sponsor who held a 51% stake in mainland companies. While this arrangement enabled market entry, it limited control over ownership. With the updated UAE Commercial Companies Law, this requirement has been eliminated for most business activities.

Today, foreign entrepreneurs can 100% own their mainland companies in the UAE in 2026 without sharing equity with a local partner. This shift has significantly improved transparency, control, and investor confidence.

Overview 100% Ownership in the UAE Mainland

From June 2021, Investors can own 100% Ownership in a mainland company in the UAE that operates directly within the UAE market, giving companies the flexibility to trade locally and internationally by opening a business bank account without any local partner restrictions. Opening a business bank account positions the Dubai mainland as a powerful alternative to free zones. With 100% ownership now available, investors benefit from:

Complete authority over decision-making
More than 1000 activities qualify, including manufacturing, trading, and services.
100% ownership applies to LLCs and professional or civil companies.
Access to government and private sector projects.
Investors gain full control, increased profitability, and a simplified business setup process.

Steps to Secure 100% Ownership

To secure a 100% ownership of your company in the UAE, follow the steps:

Defining business activity: Confirm your business activity is on the approved list of full ownership.
Company Structure: After defining your business activity, choose the appropriate entity type, typically an LLC or a branch.
Submit Application: Now, you need to submit the license application to the Department of Economy and Tourism.
License issuance: After approval, the trade license will be issued, reflecting 100% foreign ownership.

Which Business Activities Allow 100% Ownership?

Following the amendment to the new law, the UAE now permits full foreign ownership of most business activities, including Retail and Trading, E-commerce, Manufacturing, and Technology, across a wide range of sectors. But you will still have a question: Is your business activity on the approved business activity list? Can foreigners own 100% mainland companies in the UAE in 2026? To answer this, yes, still for some activities, you may need a local partner, including:

Oil and Gas Exploration
Banking and Financial Services
Insurance
Defense and Military activities
Manufacturing and industrial operations

Benefits of the 100% Ownership

By the new law of 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies in the UAE, there are various benefits that result in being the global business hub for all entrepreneurs to company formation:

Enhance appeal: Position the UAE as the ideal choice.
Control: Full decision-making authority rests with the foreign investors.
Simplify setup: Streamline the entire process of establishing the mainland companies.
Growth: To ensure long-term growth, we need to bring in new capital, skilled talent, and new, creative businesses.

What Does this Mean for Your Business?

The reform, about 100% ownership of mainland companies in the UAE, changes how businesses operate in the UAE. For new entrepreneurs, it removes entry barriers and simplifies the setup process. For existing businesses, it provides an opportunity to restructure ownership and gain full control. It also enables companies to scale faster and operate more independently.

For new businesses, you can register a mainland LLC/ sole establishment company with 100% ownership, which allows you to trade directly across the UAE without a local partner.
For existing mainland companies, you can now amend your license and MOA to transfer 51% of the shares to your name, thereby gaining full ownership.

Is 100% Mainland Ownership Right for You?

Having 100% ownership of your mainland company in the UAE is beneficial, but it may not suit every business model, as some business activities may require additional approvals or a local sponsor. If you need a low-cost, tax-exempt setup, or if your focus is international trade or remote operations, a Freezone would be better. Mainland ownership is ideal if you:

Want to operate within the UAE market
Plan to open a physical office
Intend to work with government clients
Your Business activity does not engage in Oil and Gas, Banking, or Defense sectors.

Achieve 100% Ownership with Dhanguard

The new legal requirements after the new law of 100% ownership of mainland companies in the UAE create multiple challenges because they require different processes, several approvals, and specific compliance standards. DhanGuard simplifies the entire process by providing complete support from planning to execution. DhanGuard helps entrepreneurs and investors through the following assistance programs:

Business Consultation: Expert guidance to help you choose the right business structure, such as Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.
Company Formation: The service helps you register your trade name and complete the needed documentation to receive your UAE trade license.
Bank Account Support: The team assists with document preparation and the opening of business bank accounts in the UAE.
Visa & PRO Services: The program assists with visa services, including investor and employee visas, as well as Emirates ID and immigration requirements.
VAT & Compliance: The company provides professional services to help businesses with VAT registration, accounting, bookkeeping, and regulatory compliance.

The company provides support for license renewals and business expansion, as well as operational assistance. DhanGuard provides comprehensive business setup services, which make it easy to establish and operate a business in the United Arab Emirates.

Conclusion

The UAE’s decision to allow 100% foreign ownership in mainland companies marks a significant milestone in its economic evolution. It empowers entrepreneurs with complete control, increased profitability, and unmatched growth potential. If you’re considering starting a business in the UAE, there has never been a better time. With proper planning and expert guidance from Dhanguard, you can establish a fully owned company and thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

To obtain 100% ownership in Mainland companies, contact dhanguard today at +91 98217 68914.