Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
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Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
A Mainland Company in Dubai is registered under the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing businesses to operate both within the UAE and globally. Thanks to recent reforms, foreign investors can now own 100% of their business in most sectors without the need for a local sponsor. Golden Business Zone provides expert guidance to help you establish your company smoothly and efficiently.
Setting up a mainland business in Dubai provides a tax-friendly environment along with the freedom to trade, hire talent, and establish headquarters without location restrictions.
At Golden Business Zone, we specialize in simplifying the Dubai mainland business setup process, ensuring a seamless experience from registration to licensing. Our team of expert consultants, legal advisors, and PRO specialists is here to support you at every step.
Business Activities Allowed for Dubai Mainland Companies
Here are some of the most common and popular options:
- Import, export, wholesale, and retail of goods
- Distribution of products and services
- Representation of foreign companies
- Trading in a variety of products
- Production of goods
- Assembly of components
- Processing of raw materials
- Management, engineering, legal, financial, and other consulting services
- Architectural, interior design, and graphic design
- Hotels and accommodation
- Software development, IT consulting, and IT support
- Restaurants and cafes
- Tourism activities
- Event management
- Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Media and Advertising
- Financial services
- Educational Services
Types of Company Structures for Dubai Mainland
1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the preferred choice for mainland business setup in Dubai. It is a versatile structure suitable for trading, manufacturing, and service-based businesses. An LLC can be owned by one or more shareholders, offering limited personal liability and greater operational flexibility.
2. Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is a business owned and managed by a single individual, making it ideal for professionals and consultants seeking full control. However, the owner has unlimited liability, meaning personal assets are not protected.
3. Civil Company
Civil companies are fully owned by professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. They are ideal for service-oriented businesses providing professional consultancy or expertise. However, partners hold personal liability for the company’s debts and obligations.
4. Branch of a Foreign Company
A branch of a foreign company operating in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership. The parent company remains fully responsible for the branch’s liabilities.
Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Starting a mainland company in Dubai involves thorough planning, and ensuring you have the correct documentation is a vital step in the journey. At Golden Business Zone, we’re here to guide you through the process effortlessly. To help you get started, here’s a checklist of essential documents required to set up your business in Dubai’s mainland:
1. Shareholders’ Passport Copies – Make sure to provide clear and valid passport copies for all shareholders participating in the company. These documents are essential for identification and verification during the setup process.
2. Shareholders’ Visa Copies – For shareholders who are already UAE residents, a valid visa copy is necessary. This document confirms their legal residency status in the UAE and is a key requirement for the process.
3. Passport-Sized Photographs – Recent passport-sized photos of all shareholders and directors are required. Ensure the images are clear and meet the UAE’s official standards for documentation.
4. Proof of Residence – Shareholders are required to submit proof of their current residential address. This can include a utility bill, bank statement, or any official document displaying their address. This step ensures the accuracy and legitimacy of each shareholder’s residency information.
5. Memorandum of Association (MOA) – In certain situations, especially when working with local sponsors or partners, a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is required. This document details the company’s framework, including share distribution and the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
6. Trade Name Approval from DED – Prior to setting up your company, it’s essential to obtain approval for your selected trade name from the Department of Economic Development (DED). This step confirms that your business name aligns with UAE regulations and is unique, ensuring it isn’t already in use by another company.
7. Initial Approval for Business Activities – Once you have selected your business activity, it is necessary to obtain an initial approval certificate from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant regulatory authorities. This crucial step permits you to move forward with the subsequent stages of the company formation process.
8. Ejari Registration (Office Lease Agreement) – For any mainland business in Dubai, having a physical office is a must. To comply, you will need to submit an Ejari registration, which acts as an official tenancy agreement for your office location. This document verifies that you have a legitimate office space in Dubai, ensuring your business meets all legal criteria for registration.
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Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai
The type of license needed for setting up a mainland business in Dubai varies based on the business activities. Some of the most common license categories include:
1. Commercial License
A commercial license in Dubai is required for businesses engaged in trading activities, including buying and selling goods, importing and exporting, or running general trading operations.
2. Professional License
A professional license is granted to businesses offering specialized services and expertise. This includes industries such as IT, marketing consultancy, legal services, and engineering firms.
3. Industrial License
An industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing or any industrial activity that requires the use of machinery and labour to produce goods.
4. Tourism License
A tourism license is necessary for businesses in the tourism industry, such as travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality establishments like hotels.
Steps for Establishing a Mainland Company in Dubai
Step 1: Choose a Mainland Business Structure
- Decide whether to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC), sole establishment, or branch of your free zone company.
Step 2: Partner with a Local Sponsor (If Required)
- For certain business activities, a local Emirati sponsor or service agent may be required.
Step 3: Obtain Necessary Approvals
- Secure approvals from the Department of Economic Development (DED) and relevant regulatory bodies.
Step 4: Cancel Free Zone License (If Needed)
- If transitioning completely, cancel the existing free zone license.
Step 5: Register the Mainland Company
- Submit all required documentation and obtain the trade license from DED.
Step 6: Open a New Corporate Bank Account
- If required, open a new account for your mainland company.
Step 7: Process Employee Visas & Start Operations
- Apply for new visas and commence business activities under mainland regulations.
Our Mainland Company Formation Services include:
Trade Licence Issuance
We assist in obtaining trade licenses from the Department of Economic Development (DED), along with helping with Chamber of Commerce registration and securing Lease Agreements.
Reliable UAE National Sponsorship
We connect you with reliable UAE Nationals to serve as Local Partners or Service Agents, tailored to your business needs.
Government Processing
Our team takes care of all essential government procedures, including processing Labor Cards, Immigration paperwork, and Establishment Cards.
PRO Services
We offer professional PRO services for all visa processing, whether for investors or employees, including medical tests, stamping, and renewals.
Legal Documentation
We provide typing services for the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and translate all legal documents. Additionally, we manage the notarization procedures with Dubai Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.
Company Incorporation & Renewal
We offer seamless company incorporation, license renewal services in Dubai, and streamlined company liquidation procedures.
Bank Account Opening
We help you open commercial bank accounts in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
A mainland company is registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and can operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
- Ability to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
- No restrictions on office location
- Ability to bid for government contracts
- More business opportunities compared to free zones
For certain business activities, a local Emirati sponsor (51% shareholder) or a local service agent may be required. However, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed for many activities.
Yes, mainland companies can operate freely across free zones and the UAE market.
Businesses involved in retail, manufacturing, construction, professional services, and general trading are ideal for mainland setup.
The process usually takes between 3 to 5 days depending on the required approvals.
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Trade name reservation approval
- Initial approval from DED
- Office lease agreement
- Local service agent agreement (if applicable)
Costs typically include:
- Business license fees
- Local sponsorship fees (if applicable)
- Office space rental
- Visa and work permit fees
Yes, mainland companies can open corporate bank accounts with any bank in the UAE.
Yes, a free zone company can transition to the mainland by canceling its free zone license and registering with the DED.
