Company Formation in Dubai Mainland
Company formation in Dubai Mainland is a type of company formation that has proved fruitful for those who wish to own the Dubai mainland business setup. With the establishment of Dubai Mainland Company comes freedom for the business owners because the rules and regulations do not define the business activities being conducted. The major step to start the mainland company setup procedure is to have a verified office address obtained from the Dubai municipality.
Our company’s mainland solutions allow you to set up your company and trade freely in the UAE while maintaining 100 percent control of your business. Overseas traders wanting to start a business in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), can opt to register their company on the mainland. Working with Start Any Business (SAB) ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of your choices before opting for where and how to set up your company’s appearance in Dubai.
Dubai Mainland Business Setup 2025
Choosing a Dubai mainland business set up under the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) provides the key advantages if you wish to have maximum freedom and versatility for your business. By setting up on the mainland, you can plan for any type of trade without having to worry about overstepping your trade permission throughout Dubai and all over the UAE.
Selecting the mainland choice implies you can apply for unlimited visas. It is worth remarking that the more visas you apply for, the more warehouse or office space you require to have.
Mainland Dubai Company Formation Services
Start Any Business is your trusted partner for mainland company formation in Dubai. We understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs, and our expert services ensure a hassle-free setup process. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits, licenses, and steps involved in mainland business setup.
Procedure for Establishing a Mainland Company in Dubai
Forming a Dubai mainland company is a structured process supervised by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Below is an overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Select Your Business Activity
Before setting up a mainland company in the UAE, deciding the type of business activity you will engage in is essential. The DED offers over 2,000 approved activities that cover sectors such as trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Step 2: Choose a Business Location
The next step involves selecting a location for your business within the UAE. Unlike free zones, mainland companies are not limited to specific areas and allow you to choose any location in the country. It is important to select a location that aligns with your business goals and operational needs.
Step 3: Decide on the Business Legal Structure
Choosing the right legal structure for your Dubai mainland company is vital as it determines your business’s legal responsibilities and tax obligations. Foreign entrepreneurs can choose from various structures,
Step 4: Secure a Local Sponsor or Service Agent
Foreign entrepreneurs often need a local sponsor or service agent. For LLCs, a local sponsor owns 51% of the company, as certain sectors now allow full foreign ownership.
Step 5: Choose a Trade Name for Your Company
Selecting the right trade name is crucial. It should comply with specific guidelines, such as avoiding offensive language, using only full names if personal names are involved, and ensuring consistency across languages.
Step 6: Apply for a Mainland Trade License
Applying for a trade license through the DED is a key step. You will need to submit various documents, including your license application, sponsor arrangements, ownership details, and shareholder visas.
Step 7: Secure Office Space
Once your trade license is approved, you must find office space for your business. Additionally, an Ejari registration is required to formalize your office lease agreement.
Step 8: Apply for Visas
After setting up your business, you can apply for visas for yourself, employees, and dependents. The number of visas allowed depends on your office space size, generally one visa per 100 sq. ft.
Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account is necessary to manage the business finances of your Dubai mainland company. Banks normally require the trade license, passport copies of shareholders and directors, the Memorandum of Association (MOA), proof of business address, and a business plan.
Step 10: Register for VAT
If your business’s taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually, you must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority. This involves submitting an online application, providing business details, and completing VAT registration forms. Regular VAT returns must be filed to remain compliant.
Benefits of Mainland Business Setup Dubai
Office Space Flexibility: Mainland businesses have the freedom to operate anywhere in the country, providing more flexibility compared to free zones and offshore entities.
Nationwide Business Operations: Conduct your business anywhere in the UAE without restrictions, leveraging the diverse opportunities across the country.
Strategic Geographical Location: Dubai serves as the gateway to the Middle East, offering opportunities for business diversification into other GCC countries.
International Business Exposure: A business setup in Dubai mainland provides international exposure, expanding your reach to global clients and markets.
Corporate Tax and Income Tax Exemptions: Enjoy the advantage of corporate tax and income tax exemptions, making mainland companies more financially favorable.
Capital Incentives: UAE’s pro-business environment provides various concessions and incentives, eliminating minimum capital prerequisites for business setup.
No Currency Exchange Restrictions: Mainland companies in UAE are exempt from currency exchange regulations, facilitating seamless financial transactions.
Professional Business Ethos: Dubai’s professional business culture caters to enterprises of all types, fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals.
Mainland Business Licenses
Embark on your business journey in the UAE mainland with an understanding of the four major licenses tailored to different business natures. Each license caters to specific activities, ensuring that your venture operates in compliance with regulations and industry standards.
Professional License: The Professional License is designed for businesses engaged in service-oriented endeavors, such as consulting, legal services, and various professional activities. Notably, the cost associated with obtaining a Professional License is comparatively lower, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to establish consultancy services or other professional ventures in the UAE mainland.
Commercial License: Tailored for businesses involved in buying, selling, or trading goods and services, the Commercial License is one of the most common licenses sought by entrepreneurs in the UAE mainland. This license provides the flexibility to engage in diverse commercial activities, allowing businesses to conduct trade and commerce efficiently. Many traders opt for the Commercial License, as it permits a range of trading endeavors under a single license.
Industrial License: If your business involves manufacturing activities, the Industrial License is essential. This license requires approvals from external ministries and government departments, ensuring that the manufacturing processes align with regulatory standards. Whether your venture includes factories or industrial facilities, the Industrial License is a crucial step in establishing and operating manufacturing entities in the UAE mainland.
Tourism License: For businesses engaged in tourism-related activities, the Tourism License is a mandatory requirement. Issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), this license ensures that businesses operating in the tourism sector adhere to specific regulations and standards. Whether you are involved in inbound or outbound tour activities, obtaining a valid Tourism License is essential for a seamless and compliant operation in the UAE mainland.
Start Any Business, we guide you through the licensing process, providing expert assistance to ensure that you choose the most suitable license for your business in the thriving landscape of the UAE mainland. Explore the possibilities, and let us pave the way for your business success.
Documents Required for Dubai Mainland Business Setup with Start Any Business in 2025
Starting your business journey in the UAE mainland with Start Any Business is a seamless process, and understanding the necessary documents is a crucial step. The required documents vary based on the type of shareholder, ensuring a tailored approach to your specific business needs.
Passport Copies: Foreign shareholders, directors, and managers are required to provide clear copies of their passports. This documentation is essential for establishing the identity of key individuals involved in the business.
Employer’s NOC (No Objection Certificate): When the shareholder has an employment visa, an Employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) is needed. This certificate confirms that the employer has no objections to the individual’s involvement in a business venture and ensures compliance with visa regulations.
Removal of Local Emirati Sponsor Requirement: The mandatory requirement of a local Emirati sponsor has been removed, marking a significant advancement for expatriate businesspersons and strengthening the UAE economy.
UAE Shareholder’s National ID Card Copy: For UAE shareholders, providing a copy of the National ID card is a mandatory requirement. This document serves as a crucial piece of identification and verification for local shareholders participating in the business. Understanding and fulfilling these document requirements is vital for a smooth and efficient incorporation process with Start Any Business. Our dedicated experts will assist you at every step of the way of your company formation.
As your trusted partner, Start Any Business goes beyond facilitating the paperwork – we provide guidance and support to make the entire incorporation process hassle-free. Count on us to navigate the intricacies of document submission, allowing you to focus on the exciting journey of establishing and growing your business in the dynamic landscape of the UAE mainland.
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
If you are seeking for Dubai mainland company setup, then it is for sure you require a trustworthy business setup in Dubai mainland. The company setup in Dubai mainland is tough but not for us, as being one of the best business setup consultants we are the solutions for any circumstances.
A Dubai mainland company is a legitimate entity that can work inside and outside the country without any limitations. The major advantages of setting up a mainland company comprise the freedom to opt for premises in any area of Dubai, the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE or outside the country, and the ability to manage various business activities.
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Dubai mainland Business setup is known to be the most developed entity in Dubai. To open a mainland company, your business must meet the government’s legal structure and requirements to meet the Government policies. They must be located within the commercialized geographic region’s limitation covered under the Emirati government’s jurisdiction.
Mainland companies get massive scope for business development as compared to Free zone companies. The free zone companies are restricted to work within a specific region or field while the mainland is permitted to work within any area. The best advantage that mainland companies get is that they can be set up in any area of Dubai, UAE. Our team of expert business consultants is ready to listen to your essentials considering your Dubai mainland Business setup and bring it into existence with full support in each and every legal process needed for the same.
Types of Company Formation in Dubai Mainland UAE
Incorporation of Professional Company: Suited for businesses relying on intellectual capabilities, requiring a professional trading license.
Branch Office: Allows setting up a branch in Dubai, operating as a child company of the parent company.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) Incorporation: Preferred for businesses with multiple shareholders, accommodating various business activities.
Representative Office: Ideal for international businesses seeking UAE-wide representation, established for business promotion.
Mainland Business Setup Jurisdictions in Dubai 2025
Choose from diverse locations for your mainland business setup:
Business Bay: Ideal for service and hospitality businesses, located between Dubai Creek and Sheikh Zayed Road.
Deira: One of the oldest parts of Dubai, suitable for small shops and medium enterprises.
Al Quoz: An industrial area preferred for warehouses and industrial activities, located in the southwest region.
Al Qusais: Close to Dubai International Airport, suitable for commercial establishments and educational concerns.
Jumeirah: Located on the west coast, attractive for real estate and tourism sectors with resorts and restaurants.
At Start Any Business, we guide you through the entire process, offering documentation services, local service agent assistance, government agency coordination, branch location support, and corporate bank account opening assistance. Whether you are establishing a professional company, branch office, LLC, or representative office, we simplify the journey to your business success in the UAE mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions on Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
A mainland company is a unit licensed by the Department of Economic Development in the concerned emirate of the UAE. There are several benefits to forming a mainland company. The company framework makes sure a wealthy future in your pro ventures.
If you want to start a company on the mainland, then follow the steps are – choose a business activity, find the right location, choose a legal structure, find a local sponsor, apply for a mainland license, secure an office space, and apply for relevant visas.
There are several benefits of a mainland company formation in Dubai –
- Freedom to trade throughout the UAE.
- Ability to business globally and extend your existence.
- Ability to diverse your company.
- Freedom to develop your company.
- Ability to deal with the UAE and GCC governments and a lot more.
No, you don’t require a sponsor to start a company in mainland according to the new law. Although, in case an overseas wishes to give services or consultancy then a local sponsor would be t agent of the corporation not the 51 percent stakeholder of the company.
The mainland is usually the spot outside of a free zone region. Corporations in the mainland are onshore companies with their licenses granted by the DED. A free zone is usually spot in the UAE that has its jurisdiction in the stated spot. The free zone companies are permitted to do business inside or outside the UAE.
A mainland company is an onshore corporation licensed by the Department of Economic Development of the concerned emirate which is permitted to do business in the domestic market outside the UAE without any boundaries.
A Freezone corporation can start its business in the mainland by registering its branch with the Ministry of Economy and the DED. The branch should run a similar business activity as the parent company and should need to be the same name.
In Dubai, all business units that fall under professional, commercial, and sole establishment registered under the economic department of Dubai are recognized as Dubai mainland license. Primary, holding a Dubai mainland license assists you experience maximum freedom and adaptability to run your business.
In order to start a free zone company in Dubai, you have to follow some steps such as choosing a business activity, applying for a business license, visa process, and bank account opening. The best way is to connect with the business formation consultants to make it very smooth.
The minimum share capital to open a Freezone company in Dubai is AED 50,000 per company and AED 10,000 per stakeholder. For a corporation to be granted a general trading license, this must have a minimum of AED I million share capital. There are different costs for different free zone.
There are several free zones but the best six are – DMCC, Al Khaimah Economic Zone, JAFZA, DWC, DAFZA, and KIZAD. You can choose according to your needs. In these free zones have a lot of perks and benefits.
A free zone license permits 100 percent overseas ownership. Investors aren’t needed to partner with a UAE citizen throughout the formation procedure. This is compulsory for an LLC to give the existence of a UAE citizen as a local sponsor.
A free zone company set is possible with or without premises. In the term of the UAE free zone, virtual offices are permitted. The mainland corporations don’t have any type of limitations related to visa eligibility. The spot of the workspace determines the score of visas granted.
The minimum amount varies remarkably for every free zone and can array from a minimum of AED 1,000 to as much as AED 1,000,000 based on the business activities and licenses. Usually speaking, the estimated cost needed for free zones in Dubai is around AED, 50,000.
There are over 30 free zones functioning in the Dubai emirate. Free zone in Dubai and the UAE are governed pursuant to a specific structure of rules and regulations. A free zone authority gives business licenses to overseas-owned ventures.
There are so many businesses that are very beneficial. But the business consultancy services is one of the most profitable in UAE. This requires experience and a few professionals onboard but has proved to be a successful business venture.
Applying for a UAE free zone visa can sound tough. But no need to worry as you can connect with the best business setup consultants in Dubai. These professionals will help you in getting your free zone visa in a short possible time.
