landscape, with the “mainland” area being a prime choice for those seeking freedom to trade across the
Emirates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and benefits of obtaining a
mainland license Dubai and establishing your presence in this dynamic market.
with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the UAE government regulators. Unlike
free zones, a Dubai mainland company can conduct business directly with the local market and engage in
a wider range of activities. Recent changes in the law, allowing 100% foreign ownership for most
business sectors, have made Dubai mainland company formation even more attractive.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: For most business activities, you can now own your company without the need for a local partner or sometimes referred as sponsor.
- Freedom to Trade: A mainland company gives you the flexibility to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
- Wider Range of Business Activities: Access to a broader spectrum of commercial such as retail store, industrial, professional, and tourism-related activities.
- Low Corporate Tax Rate: The UAE's low corporate tax rate makes it a tax-efficient jurisdiction.
- Simplified Registration: The process for setting up a company in Dubai has been streamlined for efficiency.
- 1Determine Your Business Activity: Define your business type to choose the correct license (e.g.,Commercial, Industrial, Professional).
- 2Choose a Company Name: Select and reserve a trade name that complies with UAE regulations.
- 3Submit Required Documents: This includes passport copies of shareholders, a visa copy, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) if you are on an existing visa.
- 4Get Initial Approval: Obtain an initial approval from the DET.
- 5Third party regulatory approval – if required
- 6Secure Office Space: Find a physical address for your business.
- 7Finalize Registration: Submit all documents for the final license issuance.
- Why Choose a Business Setup in Dubai Mainland? Choosing a business setup in Dubai mainland is a strategic move for businesses aiming for a strong local presence and the ability to expand globally. The vibrant economy, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make setting up a company in Dubai a smart investment.
Industrial License
Production- Segregation
- Accumulation
- Packaging
Commercial License
- Retail
- Construction
- Real Estate Activities
Professional License
- Artisanship
- Carpentry
- Consultancy services
- Medical services
- Printing and publishing
- Beauty salons
- Repair shops
- Security
- Document clearing
Tourism License
- Inbound tourism license
- Outbound tourism license
- Travel agency license
Sole Proprietorship
100% Foreign Ownership, A professional sole proprietorship can be owned by an individual.
The company can legally practice professional services anywhere in the UAE.
Branch Office of Local and Foreign Companies
Businesses with UAE or foreign registrations are permitted to open a branch in the Dubai Mainland. The parent company’s license must include multiple activities the branch must perform.
Civil Company
In the UAE, recognised professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers can establish a civil company with 100% ownership. The company is limited to professional services, requires no local sponsor, and can have a few managers. It must be set up by at least two qualified professionals, and foreign companies can invest only if they are in the same business activity.
Single-Person Limited Liability Company
An individual or corporate entity can establish and own a single-person LLC.
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) comprises two to fifty shareholders. For foreign nationals and expatriates aiming to establish a new business in the United Arab Emirates, an LLC represents the most effective legal structure. Certain business ventures allow foreign investors to hold 100% ownership in an LLC.
Private Joint Stock Company
A Private Joint Stock Company in the UAE requires at least three investors and is suited for commercial and industrial activities, excluding professional businesses. It must appoint one manager and have a minimum capital of AED 2 million. A GCC national can own 100% of the shares, and the company can operate multiple branches under the main license.
Public Joint Stock Company
A Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC) must have a unique trade name and is required to have at least 10 founding members, with UAE nationals holding between 30% and 70% of the capital. A PJSC can engage in industrial, commercial, or professional activities in accordance with DED regulations.
Advantages of a Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
- No requirement to have a local sponsor
- Freedom to operate anywhere
- Collaborate with governmental entities
- The physical office must be on the mainland and have at least 200 square feet of space
- There are no restrictions on currency
- Easy bank account opening procedures
- Mailand business setup in Dubai is straightforward to incorporate additional visas, thereby facilitating flexibility in expansion
- Benefits of connecting with a vibrant local and international market network
- The capability to engage in trade and commercial activities within and outside the UAE
- No minimum capital is required for most activities
- A streamlined and uncomplicated process for registration and company formation in the UAE
- Minimum corporate tax with the exemption of 0% corporate tax for businesses with a taxable income less than AED 375,000
- No income tax levied
- World-class infrastructure
- There is no withholding tax applicable to income
UAE Mainland Company Formation Procedure
Foreign Ownership Regulations and Sectoral Restrictions
The government of the United Arab Emirates has granted foreign nationals the liberty to establish businesses within the country with full ownership; however, restrictions remain applicable to companies engaged in the gas, oil, energy, and other specified sectors. Should your enterprise fall within this category, selecting a reliable Emirati national, either as an individual or a corporate entity, is imperative.
Available Commercial Activities from DET
The Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai (DET) offers more than 2000 commercial activities, such as manufacturing, e-commerce, media, and agriculture.
Choosing a Legal Business Structure
This includes deciding on legal business structures such as sole proprietorship, public joint stock company (PJSC), limited liability company (LLC), branch of a UAE company, or foreign company.
Selecting a Company Name Aligned with UAE Regulations
This involves picking a name for your company that reflects your business’s mission and values. Both originality and compliance with UAE regulations are essential.
Obtaining Government Approvals for Business Setup
This entails starting the authorized government agencies’ approval process for company creation in the UAE while making sure the paperwork complies with legal standards.
Drafting Legal Documentation in Compliance with UAE Law
Gatestone Group’s in-house attorneys will draft your legal documentation in accordance with UAE legislation.
Meeting Office Space Requirements in Mainland UAE
It is imperative to adhere to the minimum office space requirements for business establishments in mainland Dubai and the United Arab Emirates when considering the lease of office space. A range of physical office options is available, including co-working spaces and flexible desks.
Acquiring Your Trade License from DET
You will obtain your trade license from DET following the completion of the necessary paperwork and adherence to the fundamental standards for establishing a business on the UAE mainland.
If the business surpasses the threshold, the FTA mandates that UAE enterprises register for corporation tax and value-added tax (VAT).
Opening a Corporate Bank Account for Your Business
Upon the completion of your company setup service, you may proceed to register a corporate bank account for your enterprise. This step is crucial for engaging in any form of business activities within the country. Thanks to the expertise of Gatestone Group, your business can initiate operations swiftly, facilitated by a streamlined and efficient bank account setup process.
Visa Application Requirements and Guidelines
This includes following the customary guideline of 100 square feet per visa while applying for visas under the firm.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
- Private Joint Stock Company
- Branch of a Foreign Company
- Representative Office
- Civil Company
Documents Required from Shareholders
- Initial approvals from DET
- Passport copies
- Copies of Emirates IDs
- Notarised Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Proof of Address
Additional Documents Required
- Parent company documents
- Board resolution from the parent company
- Power of Attorney (PoA) for the general manager
25+
Years Experience in the Middle East
457
Clients Worldwide
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Jurisdictions
203
Projects Completed
100%
Customer Satisfaction Rate
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Client Retention Rate
- Selecting a business activity
- Securing a unique business name
- Obtaining local sponsorship
- Drafting legal documents such as the memorandum of association
- Gaining initial approval from the Dubai Economy and
- Tourism (DET)
- Leasing office space
- Obtaining the necessary license
- Commercial license: For businesses that engage in trading activities and e-commerce license in Dubai and the UAE.
- Industrial license: For businesses that are involved in manufacturing or processing activities
- Professional license: For businesses that provide professional services
- Tourism license: For businesses that operate in the tourism and hospitality sector