Mainland Company Formation

UAE’s strong and developed economy and low or no tax rates attract many businesses. And when it’s the mainland UAE, you have many other benefits to enjoy. So, why not consider mainland company formation in Dubai to experience what UAE has to offer?

Generally, the UAE free zones are in huge demand owing to 100% foreign ownership. But with many sectors in mainland UAE opening up to complete foreign ownership, the demand is increasing. Also, mainland UAE companies can set their base and trade with anyone in the country. So, many investors and entrepreneurs from outside the UAE are investing in the country.

The mainland Dubai company formation process is not as daunting as it may seem. But a small error or delay can decrease your chances of getting a license. So, partner with an expert business setup consultant to have your company in mainland Dubai.

Benefits of business setup in Dubai mainland

Setting up your own business in Dubai mainland benefits local and foreign investors. You get to enjoy the following benefits with mainland company formation in Dubai:

100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors in mainland UAE. So, you do not have to stress about finding a local sponsorship.
Mainland UAE companies can conduct their business anywhere in the UAE. You are also allowed to conduct business with international clients.
UAE is an attractive destination due to its business-friendly policies and skilful human assets. Also, you benefit from advanced infrastructure, communication, and logistics systems and facilities.
For UAE mainland companies, there is no limitation of industry sector or field. You can carry out your operations in any of the possible diverse business activities.
No currency restrictions in mainland UAE. You can repatriate 100% of your capital and profits.
You enjoy the flexibility to take on government work in addition to the private work you conduct. Thus, you can apply for government contracts and tenders.
If you need to appoint a local sponsor, you can have them as financial backers or business activity partners. You can pay the sponsor a fixed annual amount, percentage of profits, or percentage of sales.
Annual audits are not a mandatory requirement.
You get easy access to a pool of talented and highly-skilled personnel from different countries.
There is no minimum capital requirement for business setup in Dubai mainland.
You have the freedom to recruit locals or expatriates.

Features of Mainland Dubai Company Formation

Mainland Dubai Company Formation needs you to understand the critical requirements. You must follow these requirements per laws to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements:

Types of Mainland Companies in UAE

Sole establishment
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Joint Liability Company – General Partnership Company
Simple Limited Liability Partnership Company
Private Joint Stock Company
Public Joint Stock Company
Civil company
Branch or representative office of a local, free zone, GCC, or foreign company

Types of Business Licenses

Your business activities decide the type of license you must have. The license options are:

Commercial license – Trading activities or physical services
General trading license – Trading of unrelated goods under a single license
Professional license – Non-physical services like consultancy
Industrial license – Manufacturing, production, and related activities

Business Activities

Once you get the trade license, you can only perform the business activities mentioned in the license. For any other activities, you must seek prior permission from the respective authorities. The branch office must perform the same activities as the parent company. The representative office must not engage in any trading activities; it can only market the parent company.

Number of Employees

The Ministry will approve the quota of employees you can have. This factor depends on your legal structure, area of office, and the demand of work shown by you. You can change the quota based on your requirements, but the Ministry must approve it.

Number of Visas

Free zones restrict the number of employment visas. But in mainland Dubai company formation, you do not face any restrictions on the number of visas.

Expansion

With an office in mainland UAE, your expansion in other areas of the UAE is easier. You can open as many branches as you want in the same or other Emirates of UAE.

Documentation Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

When applying for mainland Dubai company formation, you must submit the following documents to DED:

Filled-out application form
A list of business activities
Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Article of Association (AoA)
Shareholders and directors’ passport copies
Shareholders and directors’ resident visa/entry permit/Emirates ID
Address and ID proof of shareholders and directors
Copy of trade name approval certificate
Photographs of relevant persons
Bank reference letter
Utility bills or bank statements for address proof

Dreaming of a business presence in mainland UAE?

Let FAME make your mainland company formation journey in Dubai smoother.

Procedure for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Below are the steps for the mainland company formation in Dubai:

Step 1: Select Your Business Activities

The first step of mainland company formation in Dubai is listing your business activities. The Department of Economic Development (DED) has published a list of more than 2,000 business activities. You can choose one or many from them as your core activity.

Step 2: Choose a legal structure and business license type

Now, you must select the legal structure of your company. You can establish a limited liability company, joint stock company or a branch office. The difference lies in the number of partners, liability, and business activity allowed. Also, you must choose the license type based on your business activity.

Step 3: Register a trade name

Now, you must choose a trade name. The best practice is to select 2-3 names so that you have an option if another entity has already registered with your first option. The company name must follow the naming norms of the country. It must not have any connotations to any country, religion, ethnicity, or government. Also, it must align with your business activity and legal structure. You must also submit partners’ details, photographs, and proof during the trade name approval.

Step 4: Get the initial approval

Now, complete the application form and submit it, along with the documents to DED. This is the initial approval stage, where DED approves your company incorporation. The initial approval requires the foreign shareholder to visit UAE at least once.

The initial approval means you can proceed with the process of business setup in Dubai mainland. Moreover, foreign investors must get approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs before the initial approval.

Step 5: Get other approvals

After the initial approval, you must prepare the MoA, AoA, and local service agreement. You must select a location for your office and submit the lease agreement or ownership contract. This can relate to your office, warehouse, showroom, etc. You also need the additional approvals from the Police, Municipality, and sector-specific authorities.

Step 6: Get the license

After approvals, you can apply for a business license by submitting all the approvals and documents. You must also pay the license fee amount. DED will approve or reject your business license. After getting the license, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and get the certificate of registration. After this, you can apply for visas and open a back account.

Want to make the dynamic country of UAE your business base?

Connect with FAME to convert your business idea into reality.

FAME’s Services for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

We help entrepreneurs with business setup in Dubai mainland. Our extensive knowledge and experience over the years ensure quality services to our clients. While managing the procedure of company formation, we handle:

Selecting the location

Finding an office space

Choosing the legal structure and license type

Preparing the documents

Filling up the application form

Liaising with the authorities

Completing the visa procedures

So, you get professional support from the start to the end of your business setup procedure. Our consultants ensure customized services for your specific business requirements. Our business setup services in Dubai mainland are error-free, complete, and fast.

So, you focus on what you do best, and we focus on our expertise in company formation.