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UAE MAINLAND COMPANY SETUP OWNED BY GCC NATIONALS

Overview of UAE Mainland Company Registration
Guidelines for GCC Nationals

The United Economic Agreement was signed in Riyadh on June 7, 1981, by the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(The UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain). In this agreement, key points are outlined for
forming a GCC company in Dubai, other parts of the UAE, and other states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Sole Proprietorship Rules

A GCC national can register as either a sole proprietor or as a partnership firm (provided that all partners are GCC citizens). Nationals of the GCC can own 100% of commercial and professional companies.

Limited Liability Companies

A GCC national who intends to establish a business and involves a non-GCC national as a partner can only do so as a limited liability company fromation Dubai, and the UAE national shareholder must own 51% of the shares.

Branch Company Setup

Branches of Mainland Company Setup for GCC Nationals are allowed if all of the shareholders are from the GCC. These companies do not need to be referred to the Ministry of Economy.

Flyingcolour® assists in all types of company registrations in United Arab Emirates. We assist in Mainland, Free zones or Offshore company registrations in all Emirates of UAE. We also assist in opening bank account with all local leading banks. We closely work with all Government Departments and banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. GCC nationals can generally own 100% of a mainland company in the UAE, subject to the business activity and applicable regulations.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar can establish mainland companies in the UAE and benefit from GCC ownership provisions.

GCC nationals can engage in trading, professional services, consultancy, manufacturing, contracting, and various commercial activities subject to licensing requirements.

The process can typically be completed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the business activity, approvals required, and documentation submitted.

In many cases, GCC nationals are not required to appoint a local sponsor and may own their mainland company directly, subject to regulatory requirements.

Common requirements include passport copies, GCC identification documents, business activity details, trade name reservation, and licensing application forms.

Yes. A mainland company can generally conduct business throughout the UAE and participate in government and private sector projects.

Most mainland companies are required to have a registered business address or office space to obtain and maintain their trade licence.

Yes. Mainland companies can apply for employee visas and labour approvals based on their licence type, office space, and operational requirements.

Flyingcolour provides end-to-end company formation support, including licence selection, documentation, approvals, visa processing, office solutions, and compliance assistance.