A Mainland Company in Dubai is a business entity registered under the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows companies to operate both within the UAE and globally. As of recent reforms, foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership in most business activities without needing a local sponsor.
Dubai’s mainland business setup is not just a tax-friendly jurisdiction but also offers complete freedom for businesses to trade, recruit, and establish their headquarters without restrictions on location.
At Shuraa Business Setup, we specialize in streamlining the process of business setup in Dubai mainland to ensure a hassle-free experience from registration to licensing. Our team of experienced consultants, legal experts, and PRO executives is here to guide you every step of the way.
When considering business setup in the UAE mainland, you can choose from various business structures depending on the nature of your operations, the number of shareholders, and the desired ownership model.
Here are the most common options for company formation in Dubai mainland:
Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most popular option when considering mainland business setup in Dubai. This is the most common structure, suitable for trading, manufacturing, and service-oriented businesses. Mainland LLC is owned by one or more shareholders, with limited personal liability.
A business owned and operated by a single individual. Ideal for professionals and consultants who want full control over their business. The owner has unlimited liability, meaning personal assets are not protected.
Civil companies are 100% owned by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Best for service-oriented businesses offering professional consultancy or expertise. Partners are personally liable for the company’s debts and obligations.
A subsidiary of a foreign company operating in Dubai. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. The parent company is responsible for the branch’s liabilities.
1. Passport Copies of All Shareholders – Ensure you have clear, valid copies of the passports for all shareholders involved in the company. These will be needed for identification and verification purposes.
2. Visa Copy of Shareholders – If the shareholders are already UAE residents, a copy of their valid visa is required. This visa will demonstrate their legal residency status in the UAE.
3. Passport-Size Photographs – Recent passport-sized photographs of all shareholders and company directors are mandatory. These should be clear and adhere to UAE standards for official documentation.
4. Proof of Residence (e.g., Utility Bill) – Each shareholder must provide proof of their current residence. A utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing the residential address will usually suffice. This helps verify the authenticity of each shareholder’s residency details.
5. Memorandum of Association (MOA) – In some cases, particularly when involving local sponsors or partners, a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is needed. This document outlines the company’s structure, including the distribution of shares and responsibilities between partners.
6. Trade Name Approval from DED – Before proceeding with company formation, you must secure approval for your chosen trade name from the Department of Economic Development (DED). This ensures that your business name complies with UAE regulations and is not already registered by another entity.
7. Initial Approval for Business Activities – After selecting your business activity, you must obtain initial approval certificate from the DED or relevant regulatory authorities. This is an important step that allows you to proceed with the rest of the company formation process.
8. Ejari registration (Tenancy contract) – All mainland businesses in Dubai are required to have a physical office. You’ll need to provide an Ejari registration, which is a certified tenancy contract for your office space. This document proves that you have a legitimate office in Dubai, meeting the legal requirements for company registration.
The type of license required for a mainland business setup in Dubai depends on the nature of the business. Common license types include:
Commercial license in Dubai is for companies involved in trading activities such as buying and selling goods, importing/exporting, or operating general trading businesses.
A professional license is issued to businesses providing professional services and expertise. Examples include IT services, marketing consultancy, legal firms, and engineering services.
An industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing or any industrial activity that requires the use of machinery and labour to produce goods.
A tourism license is required for businesses operating in the tourism sector, including travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.
Establishing a business in Dubai mainland is a streamlined process with the right guidance. By following a structured approach, the setup can be made simple and efficient, ensuring your company is established smoothly and successfully.
The first step is to determine the type of business you want to run. This could be trading, consulting, manufacturing, e-commerce, or another activity. Your choice will influence the type of license you need to operate in Dubai.
Next, you’ll need to pick a unique trade name for your company. The name must comply with UAE regulations, which means it can’t contain religious or offensive terms and shouldn’t be a duplicate of an existing company name. You can check the availability of your chosen name through the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Once you’ve settled on your business activity and trade name, the next step is to apply for initial approval from the DED. This approval gives you the green light to proceed with the setup process.
All mainland businesses in Dubai needs a physical office. Find a location that meets your business requirements and submit the lease agreement to the DED as part of your license application.
Once you have all the required documents, such as your trade name certificate, memorandum of association (MOA), initial approval, and office lease, you can submit them to the DED to apply for your business license. This license is the official document that allows you to legally operate your business in Dubai.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need additional approvals from relevant government bodies, such as healthcare, education, or finance authorities, where industry-specific regulations apply.
With your business license in hand, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Dubai offers a wide range of banking options, including both local and international banks, to help you manage your business transactions smoothly.
After obtaining your business license, you can apply for investor and employee visas. Mainland companies have the advantage of no visa restrictions, allowing you to sponsor visas for your employees and their families, depending on the size of your office.
The entire company formation process can be handled seamlessly, from managing documentation and approvals to securing office space and providing PRO services. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a large corporation, the process can be customized to meet your needs, ensuring your business is set up efficiently in Dubai mainland.
The cost of Mainland company formation in Dubai typically ranges from AED 12,000* to AED 40,000*. This cost varies depending on factors such as the type of business activities, office space requirements, number of visas, and other legal considerations.
At Shuraa, we provide customised packages to meet your specific business requirements, offering you an efficient and cost-effective solution for Dubai mainland company setup.
Get in touch with Shuraa Business Setup for a tailored approach that ensures your company formation is smooth and economical.
Mainland company formation in Dubai refers to the process of setting up a business that is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
