Get Your Mainland Formation Right in the Dubai
Is a Dubai mainland company the right choice for you? With over 3,000 business activities to choose from, you’ll benefit from the freedom to trade across the UAE and internationally.
Why Setting Your Company in a UAE Mainland?
1. Wider Business Opportunities
Mainland companies can trade freely across Dubai and the UAE, giving you access to a broader market.
2. Full Ownership
You’ll enjoy 100% ownership of your business, offering you complete control and flexibility.
3. Flexible Locations
Select from a range of prime locations to set up your business, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your needs.
4. Government Contracts
One of the key incentives for establishing a mainland business in Dubai is the access to lucrative government contracts in the UAE. Recently, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved AED 17.5 billion (USD 4.76 billion) for government projects, including over AED 4 billion for infrastructure, AED 2 billion for education, and AED 1.2 billion for upgrades to government and social facilities. As a mainland company in Dubai, you’ll be strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.
Switching From Free Zone to Mainland in Dubai
If you’re currently operating within a free zone and considering a transition to a mainland company, we’re here to help. While over 30,000 companies thrive in the UAE’s three largest free zones, this model has its limitations. Free zones offer convenient, pre-packaged business setups, making them an excellent starting point. However, for growth and expansion, transitioning to a mainland company is often necessary. With the right UAE national sponsor or company formation specialist, this shift can be both strategic and seamless, paving the way for your business’s continued success.
Steps to Setup a Mainland Business in Dubai
1. Choose Your Business Activity
The first step in setting up a mainland company in the UAE is deciding on the industry you want to operate in. With thousands of permitted business activities listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), including trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing, mainland businesses enjoy the freedom to engage in any of the 2,000+ DED-listed activities, unlike many free zone businesses which may face restrictions based on location.
2. Find the Ideal Business Location
After choosing your business activity, the next decision is where to operate. Mainland businesses in the UAE have no restrictions on where they can set up, offering greater flexibility. The ideal location depends on factors like budget and business type. For companies reliant on imports and exports, setting up near major ports like Jebel Ali, Mina Zayed, or Mina Khalid is a smart move. Mainland businesses can also easily open branch offices, allowing for expansion and a strong local presence over time.
3. Determine Business Legal Structure
Foreign entrepreneurs have several business structure options on the UAE mainland. The most common is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), an independent legal entity owned by two or more shareholders. Companies engaging in commercial or industrial activities must establish an LLC and will require a local sponsor. Conversely, professional service companies can be 100% foreign-owned and do not need a local sponsor. More details on this will follow.
4. Obtain a Local Sponsor or Agent
Previously, foreign entrepreneurs needed a local sponsor or service agent to set up a mainland business in Dubai. For LLCs with a commercial or industrial license, a local sponsor, either a UAE national or UAE-based company, is required, owning 51% of the business. Get Set Go can provide a Corporate Nominee to act as your Local Partner, allowing you to retain 100% operational and financial control while mitigating risk. For professional companies, only a local service agent (LSA) is needed, who will not own any shares but will represent you in administrative and governmental dealings.
5. Name Your Company
Selecting a trade name that reflects your brand and values is a crucial business decision. In the UAE, the trade name must comply with guidelines, avoiding offensive language, religious references, or allusions to other organizations. Only full personal names are allowed, and names in different languages must be spelled out phonetically rather than translated. For more details, check out our guide on Choosing a Company Name in the UAE.
4. Apply For a Mainland Trade License
Apply for a mainland trade license with the Department of Economic Development. The application process requires several documents, including a license application, memorandum of sponsor arrangements, ownership details among partners, and shareholder visas, among others.
7. Secure Your Office Space
After obtaining your business trading license, you’ll need to secure office space. Mainland office options range from fully serviced offices, which include furniture, internet, and reception services, to ‘shell and core’ spaces that require full fit-out and decoration. There are also pre-fitted offices where you only need to bring your own equipment and handle utilities separately.
8. Apply For Relevant Visas
There’s no limit to the number of visas you can apply for as a UAE mainland business owner, but the number of visas should align with your office space. Typically, 100 sq. ft. of space per visa is required, although exceptions exist for certain business types, like domestic cleaning companies. You can also sponsor dependents, including family members and domestic staff. As a mainland business owner, you’re entitled to an investment visa, allowing you and your family to live and work in the UAE for up to three years.
9. Partner With a Company Setup Consultant
Setting up a mainland company in the UAE involves a deep understanding of legal and business formation processes. Partnering with UAE-based business setup consultants can simplify the process, allowing you to focus on your business goals while they handle the details, ensuring a smooth and successful company formation in Dubai.
Meet Our Team
Meet the passionate professionals behind Get Set Go! Our team of experienced experts is dedicated to helping you launch, grow, and succeed in your business journey with personalized support and innovative solutions.
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