With access to 3,000+ business activities and unrestricted local/international trade, it offers unmatched market freedom.
First, Business setup in Dubai mainland not only allows companies to trade within the local markets but also conduct business internationally. To start the process, entrepreneurs should visit Dubai Mainland Department of Economic Development (DED).
Moreover, a Business setup consultant is most important for company formation, to save time and money. For instance, EZ Setup has almost 2 years of experience setting up businesses in Dubai. Additionally, we offer complete solutions for your business setup in the Dubai mainland.
Furthermore, our experienced business setup consultants in Dubai will provide you with expert guidance and comprehensive support throughout your business setup process. At EZ Setup, we understand that setting up a business in Dubai could both get cumbersome and expensive without the proper guidance, expertise, and connections.
Our services in Dubai include end-to-end company registration, UAE trade licenses, government approvals as well as PRO & visa services. We make the client’s requirements and business a top priority and provide simple and effective business setup solutions at competitive prices.
Learn more about how to set up a business in the mainland and the Steps involved in setting up a business in the UAE.
Choosing the right business activity and a legal form of business are the prerequisites for a Mainland Business Setup in the UAE. The legal forms of business in the UAE are owner of the company, partnership, corporation, and LLC. DED (Department of Economic Development) has more than 3,000 activities grouped under a wide range of business license categories.
Investors can choose from the business activity list while setting up their company in the UAE. Our team will assist you in choosing the right business activity and license type to successfully register your company in the UAE.
Broadly, the business licenses in the UAE are categorized into the following:
Businesses in Dubai Mainland come with many advantages. Some of the advantages are following below:
Wider Business Opportunities: Companies can trade anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE.
Full Ownership: You can have 100% ownership of your business
Flexible Locations: It allows you to find the best spot for your needs.
These benefits make business setup in Dubai Mainland an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to grow.
If you are working in a free zone and considering transferring to a mainland company. We are here to assist you. Almost 30k companies trade from three largest free zones of UAE.
Foreign entrepreneurs also take advantage of the convenience of pre-packaged business inclusion in free zones. However, this model has some limitations. If you are at the starting point, a free zone is the best option but if you want to expand then you have to move to the mainland.
This switch is necessary for business growth. Moving to the mainland is a strategic and manageable decision if you have a national sponsor or company formation specialist.
EZsetup will assist you throughout & beyond the business setup process and ensure hassle-free Company Registration in the UAE mainland.
Below are the steps involved in setting up a business in the UAE Mainland:
The following documents are required for the mainland company formation in the UAE.
If the partner is an existing corporate entity in the UAE, you need attested documents of:
These documents must be translated into Arabic and attested by the:
EZ Setup strives to assist investors in all possible ways throughout the process of setting up a Mainland company. Our expert team provides comprehensive business consulting and ample information to investors for making informed decisions regarding company setup.
It’s time for your business setup checklist. Let’s get your venture off to a successful start!
The first thing to decide before you set up a company in the Dubai mainland is the trade industry. There are thousands of permitted business activities listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Some of these include trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. Unlike many free zone businesses that are restricted from certain activities based on their location, mainland businesses are free to trade in any of the 2000+ DED-listed activities.
Firstly, decide your business activity, secondly, decide where you wish to operate. Surprisingly, businesses on the UAE mainland incur no restrictions on where they can set up. Certainly, the right location will depend on many factors, such as budget and your chosen business activity.
If your company relies on imports and exports, then setting up near one of the UAE’s busy ports – Jebel Ali, Mina Zayed, or Mina Khalid – makes perfect business sense. Another advantage of a mainland business setup in Dubai is the ease of opening branch offices.
This means businesses are not limited to one location and can build a large local presence over time.
Foreign entrepreneurs can set several types of businesses on UAE Mainland from legal standpoint. The most important but common mainland business structure is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC is an independent legal entity owned by two or more shareholders.
A business wishing to trade under a commercial or industrial license (including industrial and manufacturing activities) must form an LLC to set up a company in the UAE mainland. This would require a local sponsor. By contrast, setting up a professional service company does not require a foreign sponsor and can be 100% foreign-owned.
Previously, foreign entrepreneurs could only manage mainland business setups in Dubai by partnering with either a sponsor or a local service agent. If trading under a commercial or industrial license as an LLC, then a local sponsor is required.
Your local sponsor can either be a UAE national or a UAE-based company. In both cases, the local sponsor will own 51% of the business. EZ Setup can provide you with a Corporate Nominee to act as your Local Partner. This allows you to retain 100% operational and financial control of the business and protects you against any risk.
When setting up a professional company on the mainland, only a Local Service Agent (LSA) is required. The LSA will not own any share of the business and will only act as a representative in all administrative dealings and with the government.
Deciding on a company trade name that represents your brand and professional values is one of the most important business decisions an entrepreneur can make. In the UAE, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
Offensive language, religious references, or inferences to other organizations are all forbidden. Only full personal names can be included in your company’s trade name. When it comes to your company’s trade name in different languages, all names must be written as they are pronounced, rather than translated.
Additionally, it’s time to apply for a mainland trade license with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Evidently, several documents are required as part of a trade license application. This specifically includes a license application, memorandum of sponsor arrangements, and ownership percentage among all partners and shareholders visas.
Once you’ve obtained a business trading license, afterwards, it’s time to secure an office space. In fact, service offices are usually owned and maintained by a third party and contain everything you need to move in immediately.
Specifically, desks, phone, internet access, and reception services are some usual inclusions. Your lease payment would usually cover rent, use of office equipment, and utility bills.
There’s no limit to mainland visa applications for business owners in the UAE. The number of visas applied for must correspond with the amount of office space required. Usually, the rule is to acquire 100 sq. ft. for office or warehouse space per visa.
There are circumstances where this rule may not be applicable. For example, if the business is a domestic cleaning company with 500+ employees working remotely, the office space needs would be decidedly smaller compared to a textiles or manufacturing company.
As the owner of a UAE mainland company, you will also be able to sponsor dependents, such as family members and domestic staff (maids or drivers) for their visas as well. Foreign entrepreneurs who establish their business in the mainland are entitled to an investment visa that gives them and their families the right to live in the UAE for 3 years.
Indeed, setting up a mainland company in the UAE requires a deep understanding of the legal and company formation process. Meanwhile, working with UAE-based business consultants like EZ Setup helps take the stress out of setting up a company for overseas entrepreneurs.
A business consultant can collaborate with you and understand your business goals. In either case, you feel confident in starting a successful business on the Dubai mainland.
Certainly, Dubai is a global business hub known for its strategic location, robust economy, as well as business-friendly environment, offers entrepreneurs and corporations a myriad of opportunities. Consequently, when it comes to setting up a business in the Dubai Mainland, choosing the right location is crucial for your venture’s success. We’re here to guide you through some of the most promising areas for your business endeavors.
Above all, Dubai Business Way is located at the heart of Dubai and also a prime choice for all sizes. Furthermore, It’s a dynamic and commercial district for its innovative infrastructure and also adjacent to major business and financial centers.
Deira represents both history and a vibrant atmosphere. As the oldest commercial district, situated on the northern side of the Dubai Creek, well known for its traditional souks and commercial activities. The crime rate in Deira is relatively low, making it a safe place to live..
It is important to realize that Sheikh Zaid road connects all the important parts of Dubai including the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. Furthermore, the iconic road is the home to many renowned businesses, skyscrapers, and including Emirates Towers.
Al Quoz is an industrial and commercial area, offering easy access to Al Khail Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, as well as the Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. It’s a hub for manufacturing, warehousing, art galleries, and restaurants.
DIFC is a globally recognized financial hub, offers an upscale environment for financial institutions and businesses. Moreover, It is an ideal location for FinTech’s and professional services, offering easy licensing and regulatory support.
Remember, business location in the mainland depends upon industry type, business model, and budget. Each location has different advantages. So, it’s better to conduct thorough research and get essential information to make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.
Establishing a business in another country is a daunting task, but with EZ Setup, you are half way near to your final destination. In this situation, the policy that Well Begun is Half Done. Below is the reason why we are the best option for you:
Are you ready to kickstart your business setup journey with ease? If so, contact EZ Setup to turn your dreams into reality. Our experts not only answer your queries but also solve your business problems.
