Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Name: Shuraa Business Setup
Brand: Shuraa
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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

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.

Business Activities Allowed for Dubai Mainland Companies

Here are some of the most common and popular options:

Import, export, wholesale, and retail of goods

Distribution of products and services

Representation of foreign companies

Trading in a variety of products

Production of goods

Assembly of components

Processing of raw materials

Management, engineering, legal, financial, and other consulting services

Architectural, interior design, and graphic design

Software development, IT consulting, and IT support

Hotels and accommodation

Restaurants and cafes

Tourism activities

Event management

Healthcare

Real Estate

Media and Advertising

Financial services

Educational Services

While most business activities are allowed in Dubai mainland, there may be specific regulations or licensing requirements for certain industries.

Types of Company Structures for Dubai Mainland

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:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

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.

2. Sole Proprietorship

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.

3. Civil Company

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.

4. Branch of a Foreign Company

A subsidiary of a foreign company operating in Dubai. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. The parent company is responsible for the branch’s liabilities.

Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE

Choosing a company setup in Dubai mainland provides numerous advantages, including:

World-class infrastructure for every aspect of your business

100% ownership in key sectors

Unrestricted flexibility to scale up or down as needed

Stable business climate and regulatory framework

Operate in both local and international markets simultaneously

Easy business dealings through international conferences and trade expos

Major banks and audit services to fuel your growth

Freedom to choose your office location

Access to a global pool of talented professionals

Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai requires careful preparation, and having the right documents ready is a critical part of the process. Below is a list of the key documents you’ll need to successfully establish your business in Dubai mainland:

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.

Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai

The type of license required for a mainland business setup in Dubai depends on the nature of the business. Common license types include:

1. Commercial License

Commercial license in Dubai is for companies involved in trading activities such as buying and selling goods, importing/exporting, or operating general trading businesses.

2. Professional License

A professional license is issued to businesses providing professional services and expertise. Examples include IT services, marketing consultancy, legal firms, and engineering services.

3. Industrial License

An industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing or any industrial activity that requires the use of machinery and labour to produce goods.

4. Tourism License

A tourism license is required for businesses operating in the tourism sector, including travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.

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Key Steps for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai mainland is straightforward when you have expert guidance. At Shuraa Business Setup, we make the process simple, ensuring your company is established efficiently.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

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.

Step 2: Secure a Trade Name

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.

Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval to DED

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.

Step 4: Secure Office Space

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.

Step 5: Submit Documents and Apply for a Mainland License

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.

Step 6: Obtain Additional Approvals (If required)

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.

Step 7: Open a Corporate Bank Account

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.

Step 8: Apply for Visas

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.

At Shuraa, we handle every aspect of the company formation process, from documentation and approvals to securing office space and offering PRO services. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a large corporation, we ensure your business is set up smoothly and efficiently in Dubai mainland.

Cost of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

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.

Our Mainland Company Formation Services include:

Trade Licence Issuance

We facilitate the issuance of trade licences from the Department of Economic Development (DED) and assist with Chamber of Commerce registration and Lease Agreements.

Reliable UAE National Sponsorship

We introduce dependable UAE Nationals as Local Partners or Service Agents per your business requirements.

Government Processing

Our team handles all necessary government processes, including Labor card, Immigration, and Establishment Card processing.

PRO Services

We provide expert PRO Services for all visa processing, be it for investors or employment, along with medical, stamping, and renewals.

Legal Documentation

We offer typing services for the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and translation of all legal documents. Additionally, we handle Dubai Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice Notary procedures.

Company Incorporation & Renewal

Our services cover smooth company incorporation, licence renewal in Dubai, and efficient company liquidation processes.

Bank Account Opening

We assist in opening commercial accounts with banks in Dubai.

Choose Shuraa business setup for a seamless and successful Mainland company formation in Dubai. Our team provides top-notch services and ensuring your business establishment in the UAE is a resounding success.

Why Choose Shuraa for Dubai Mainland Company Formation?

With 23+ years of experience and over 50,000 businesses successfully set up, Shuraa Business Setup is your trusted partner for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai.

Get Started with Shuraa Today!

Mainland company formation in Dubai opens a world of opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. At Shuraa Business Setup, we simplify the entire process—from documentation to licensing and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mainland company formation in Dubai refers to the process of setting up a business that is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

A mainland license in the UAE is an official permit issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), enabling businesses to operate legally within the local UAE market and beyond. There are different types of licenses available, including commercial, professional, and industrial licenses, depending on the nature of your business activities.

Yes, foreign investors can have 100% ownership of a mainland company in Dubai. This provides complete control over the business and offers numerous benefits.

A local sponsor is a UAE national or a UAE-based company that acts as a local partner for foreign investors. While not mandatory for all mainland companies, a local sponsor can provide certain benefits, such as visa assistance and local market knowledge.

100% foreign ownership

Access to the entire UAE market

Opportunity to engage in international trade

Stable and diversified economy

Favorable tax regime

World-class infrastructure

Yes, mainland companies are required to have physical office space in Dubai. Shuraa Business Setup can help you find the right office solution and handle the lease agreements to meet the DED’s requirements.

Passport copies of shareholders and directors

Visa copies (if applicable)

Proof of address

Business plan

Proposed company name

Activity license application

Initial capital deposit (if required)

Yes, you can obtain visas for yourself and your employees through your mainland company. The specific visa type and requirements will depend on your nationality and the nature of your employment.

Yes, mainland companies can trade freely anywhere within the United Arab Emirates. This gives them access to the entire domestic market and allows them to establish a strong local presence.