Dubai mainland offers countless opportunities for entrepreneurs planning to set up their businesses in the UAE. And the Department of Economic Development (DED) is authorised to issue mainland licenses in the UAE. A mainland licence enables entrepreneurs to run their business inside the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
According to the new commercial law of UAE, introduced in June 2021, a foreign investor does not need a local sponsor anymore to obtain a Dubai mainland license. They can now get 100% ownership of their business on the mainland. More than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities investors can choose from with 100 per cent foreign ownership in the Dubai mainland.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced several restorative measures to encourage foreign investors and strengthen the local economy and entrepreneurship talents.
Advantages of Setting Up a Company in Mainland
- Freedom to rent commercial space in any area
- Ability to conduct a wide range of business activities
- Option to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
- Ability to open a corporate bank account easily
- The advantage to bidding on government projects
- Easy employment visa processing
- No currency restriction
- 100% foreign ownership
- company setup license
Mainland Company Licence Types
- Professional license: Encompasses a wide range of service activities
- Commercial license: Encompasses a wide range of trading activities
- Manufacturing / industrial license: Encompasses a wide range of manufacturing activities
Mainland Company Setup Legal Structures
- Sole establishment
- LLC (Limited Liability Company)
- Civil company
- Branch
- Representative office
- Subsidiary
Documents Required for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- Trade Name (At least 3 name choices)
- Business Activity
- Passport copy of the shareholders.
- Entry stamp or Visa page.
- Passport size photograph.
Mainland Business Setup Process in Dubai (UAE)
Choosing Business Activity
Hire a company formation specialist or a business set-up consultant to assist you in finding the right jurisdiction and business activities while setting up your business in a mainland Dubai company.
Select Company Structure
Select a sole establishment or a limited liability company (LLC), depending on your business activity. Your business setup consultant can help you understand your shareholdings for both; you can decide accordingly.
Get Trade Name Approval
You can consult a company formation expert to find the most suitable name for your business if you cannot find one. Many times, the name you select is already registered, and you cannot register a duplicate company name. A consultant can advise you on suitable alternatives.
Obtain an Initial Licence Approval
Your business setup consultant in Dubai can help you complete the license application process smoothly.
Obtain External Approvals (if required)
If there is a requirement for external approvals, you can get them done with the help of your consultant. They can guide you in the right direction.
Obtain Your Licence
Once you have received your licence, you can process your visa for yourself and your employees. You can also initiate the process of your establishment card and labour file.
Opening Corporate Bank Account
If you are confused about the process or find it tiring, you can take the help of business setup firms to open your corporate bank account.
Obtain Your Establishment Card
After you have received the establishment card, you can apply for visas.
Visa Processing
Again, you can consult a professional for a hassle-free service.
Labour File
This is important if you need to hire employees.
Wrap Up
The process of setting up a mainland company in the UAE is simple, but if you are not comfortable running from one place to another for approvals, clearances and submissions, you can always hire a reputable and knowledgeable business setup or company formation consultant. Therefore, you need not panic about starting a business setup in Dubai mainland.
