At Dubiz, we understand the complexities & challenges of establishing a business in UAE’s evolving landscape. Our suite of expert business setup services is specially designed to support your venture at every stage, from inception to expansion.
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Dubai, where everyone does business, is where dreams turn into reality. This isn’t just a tagline; it is a reality experienced by countless entrepreneurs who have thrived in this vibrant city. You get the best possible infrastructure, an ideally located geography, amazing tax benefits, and, besides that, very quick and efficient processes to start your business. Dubai offers three main economic zones for business setup: Freezone, mainland and offshore. Out of these, one great option to choose is mainland company formation in Dubai where entrepreneurs enjoy unlimited business benefits.
If you are a beginner and want to be part of Dubai’s thriving business community, you are exactly where you should be. We will answer all your questions and help you fully understand mainland business setup in Dubai, along with the legal processes and requirements involved.
The mainland, also known as the onshore area, refers to the economic region in Dubai, which is governed by the prestigious Department of Economic Development (DED). This area lies outside the free zones and offers greater diversity and flexibility to companies operating in it. DED is also responsible for issuing Dubai mainland license to businesses.
Essentially, you get three business license options in Dubai mainland:
Starting a business on the mainland means securing long-term success as an investor. There are several advantages that mainland company formation in Dubai offers, including:
When it comes to promoting global trade and expansion, the UAE government has left no stone unturned. The Department of Economic Development (DED) has made the process of mainland company formation in Dubai easy and straightforward. Just follow a simple process, and you will enter a world of endless opportunities. Here are the steps you need to follow for mainland company formation in Dubai:
Dubai offers excellent business opportunities for entrepreneurs. In fact, the Department of Economic Development (DED) lists over 2,000 activities across various sectors, including education, IT, agriculture, finance, marketing, retail, fashion, science, and more. You can choose single or multiple activities based on your intentions and preferences. Keep in mind that the activities you select will determine the type of license you need for your business.
Dubai mainland offers several types of legal structures for businesses to choose from. The most common options include limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, civil company, public/private shareholding company, branches of international companies, as well as holding companies. LLC company formation in Dubai is often preferred by entrepreneurs due to the exclusive benefits it offers.
However, the legal structure you choose has long-term implications for your business and should be selected with careful consideration.
Next, you will need to choose a unique and appropriate name for your company that reflects your business activities and complies with legal requirements. Remember, it should not contain morally or religiously offensive terms. Additionally, make sure that the name has not been previously registered. You can check the availability of your chosen name on the DED’s official website. Selected name should be registered with DED.
You must obtain the UAE government’s consent to proceed with establishing your business in Dubai. You need to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DED. However, this does not mean you can start operating legally just yet. It allows you to proceed with the license application and other formalities.
There are several documents you need to have ready for mainland company formation in Dubai, UAE. It is also important to get essential documents, such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), notarized. For a sole proprietorship, you may additionally need a Local Service Agreement (LSA).
Most activities in mainland Dubai do not require a local sponsor. However, there are still some that do. If you find that you need a local sponsor, it is essential to choose one who is trustworthy and reliable.
Location plays a crucial role in attracting and targeting the right audience. It is advisable to choose office space that is well-suited for your business activities and meets DED requirements. The UAE’s mainland offers a variety of office space options for new business establishments, each catering to different needs and budgets:
Typically, there are third-party service providers who offer fully furnished office spaces. If you rent office space, you will need to get the lease agreement registered on the Ejari portal.
For specific business activities, you need to obtain additional approvals from relevant government bodies. This may include activities related to the RTA, educational services, healthcare, travel, tourism, etc. You may need to work with the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice, or some other body.
For example, to start real estate business in Dubai, you need approval from Dubai Land Department. Similarly, to start a healthcare business in Dubai, you need approval from Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Finally, you must apply for Dubai mainland license with the DED. You will need to fill out and submit an application form along with the necessary paperwork and pay the associated fees. Be meticulous with your documentation, as incomplete or inaccurate paperwork can lead to cancellations and delays.
In Dubai, it is mandatory to have a separate bank account for your business. Personal accounts cannot be used for business purposes. Therefore, choose a suitable bank to open a business bank account. Dubai is home to several world-class international banks, prestigious local banks, and digital banks. Factors such as minimum balance requirements, interest rates, and available facilities will influence your choice. Once your account is set up, you can easily track and manage your business’s financial transactions and apply for additional services, such as a business credit card.
Opening a bank account for expats can be challenging, so we advise you to contact our consultants, who can guide you through the process.
This is the final stage. Now, you will need to sort out immigration and visas. As a foreigner, you will need a Dubai business visa to stay and work in the UAE legally. If you have staff, they will also require visas. Once you obtain your visa, you can sponsor your family as well. The process involves medical tests, background checks, and the submission of documents and applications.
The documents required for mainland company formation in Dubai and the UAE typically include:
Please note that documents required for mainland company formation in Dubai may vary depending on your specific business conditions. Contact our experts at Dubiz Business Setup for detailed information.
The cost of mainland company formation in Dubai starts from AED 17,900* for a professional license. The LLC company formation in Dubai will cost you around AED 22,900*.
Please note that the costs depend on the kind of business, the services required etc. You can consult Dubiz to know more.
Mainland company formation in Dubai can help you achieve the success you have been dreaming of. With the right approach and mindset, you can easily capitalize on the numerous opportunities that mainland company setup Dubai offers. And there is no better partner than Dubiz in achieving that. Dubiz is not just a service provider; we are your partner in success.
With over 7 years in the industry, we have gained extensive expertise in the UAE’s business landscape along with developing strong government ties. Our experts come from various fields and can assist you in every step of setting up your business in Dubai. We offer:
Let us join hands and create something big together!
Contact Dubiz Business Setup Now: Call us at: +971 562986853 , WhatsApp us at: +971 501309366 , Mail us at: info@dubiz.co
Mainland company formation in Dubai and UAE means setting up a business in the areas outside free zones, that is, on onshore areas. Mainland businesses are regulated by Department of Economic Development (DED).
A mainland license in the UAE is a business license issued by DED to businesses that allows them to operate within the UAE and outside its borders.
UAE mainland offers various types of legal structures that businesses can have:
Yes, many business activities on the UAE mainland now allow complete foreign ownership. That means no hassle of finding a local sponsor!
Yes, all companies operating in Dubai mainland must have a physical office.
There are broadly three main types of Dubai mainland license for businesses:
