Setting Up a Mainland Company in Dubai
Is forming your company in Dubai mainland the right choice for you? Choose from over 3,000 business activities and enjoy the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE and overseas.
Why Form a Mainland Company in UAE
Setting up a company in the Mainland provides access to lucrative government contracts. There’s substantial spending allocated for various projects, including infrastructure, education, and social facilities.
Mainland businesses have the flexibility to engage in a wide range of activities. They can easily diversify their offerings by re-registering new business activities with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Dubai mainland companies can freely trade with other businesses and operate from any location within the UAE — offering services to the government and consumers across the country.
Recent regulations by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum allow for 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies, eliminating the need for local partners.
* Certain sectors may still require local partnerships.
Moving from Freezone to Mainland?
While free zones offer streamlined business solutions, they come with limitations. If you’re operating under a free zone business setup and contemplating transitioning to a mainland company, we’re here to provide a customized service.
With the guidance of our company formation experts in Dubai, you can make the switch to the mainland quickly and seamlessly.
How to Set up a Business in Maindland, UAE
The Department of Economic Development licenses mainland companies in the UAE. You’ll need to know their rules regarding company registrations and operations. However, we recommend enlisting the services of our mainland business setup experts at DASA Consulting.
Choose Your Mainland Business Activity
There are dozens of business activities in the UAE to choose from that you can benefit the maximum out of, if you have a company in the Mainland. We can help you choose and start all of them. Here are some of the most popular.
Establish gyms or health clubs under professional licenses or LLCs.
Obtain licenses for food and beverage establishments like cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Facilitate direct trading with mainland clients — bypassing distributors and protecting your margins.
Operate shops in malls, covering various products from clothing to bookstore items.
Manage and plan private and public events in the UAE with event management licenses.
Produce goods in the UAE for local and global distribution with manufacturing licenses. We’ll ensure your application runs smoothly.
Obtain special approval from the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare services such as dentistry and physiotherapy.
Types of Mainland Business License
Forming a company in the Mainland requires the appropriate trade license. Factors such as your business activities, company structure, and operating jurisdiction influence the type of trade license required and the associated prerequisites.
To undertake industrial or manufacturing activities in the UAE, businesses need an industrial trade license. This license authorizes them to convert natural materials or integrate natural resources into their products.
Issued by the DED, this license may necessitate additional approvals from various authorities like the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, depending on the specific industrial activity involved.
Mainland businesses engaged in buying, selling, or any trade activities require a commercial trade license to operate legally. This license facilitates the formation of an LLC or sole establishment and enables both specialized and general trading activities.
There exist various types of commercial trade licenses tailored to specific business activities. It’s crucial to apply for the appropriate license to conduct trading activities relevant to your business during the company formation process.
Entities such as broadcast and communications firms, rental transportation services, retail outlets, construction firms, healthcare providers, real estate agencies, and other general trading enterprises must also obtain a commercial trade license in Dubai.
Fortunately for your business, we can provide expert assistance with your application. We know exactly what’s required, so you can avoid any costly delays or mistakes. Contact us today to get started.
In Dubai, entrepreneurs must obtain a professional trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to offer their professional services on the mainland.
This license ensures that businesses and individuals are qualified to provide specific services. Applicants typically demonstrate their skills or training to obtain these licenses.
Professionals, specialists, craftsmen, and artisans must obtain a professional trade license to establish a mainland company in Dubai.
Different company structures are possible with a professional license, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with majority local ownership or a Civil Company and Sole Establishment with full foreign ownership.
How to Apply for Mainland Business License
To obtain a mainland license in Dubai, you must apply through the Dubai Economic Department. Before initiating the process, ensure you have taken the following steps:
- Determine your business category: Decide if it falls under professional, commercial, or industrial.
- Specify the type of business activity.
- Define the legal structure of your entity.
- Choose a suitable trade name for your business.
Once you’ve completed the application process with our assistance, the following steps are required before a license can be issued:
- The local economic development department registers your trade name.
- If applicable, the Ministry of Economy registers your trademark.
- Depending on your business’s legal structure, you may need to sign a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent Agreement (LSA).
This requirement applies to entities such as limited partnerships, public joint-stock companies (PJSC), limited liability companies (LLC), and private joint-stock companies (PrJSC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are popular questions we’ve been asked from our clients who set up their business in the Mainland, UAE
Yes, it’s a possibility if your business structure is not properly organized. At Dasa Consulting, we specialize in providing tailored advice on company structuring to ensure that you retain full control of your business.
Yes, under certain circumstances, foreigners can achieve full ownership of Mainland companies. Reach out to Dasa Consulting for personalized assistance in exploring this option.
Absolutely! Your mainland company can legally own both residential and commercial properties in the UAE.
If your local partner is an individual, their heir will inherit the 51% share in your business. The heir can choose to maintain the same role as a nominee shareholder or negotiate new terms. Dasa Consulting offers a corporate nominee shareholder solution to safeguard your interests in such situations.
Dasa Consulting provides a 30-day notice period without penalties for transferring shares to a new partner under our sponsorship. However, if your local partner is an individual, negotiating exit terms is your responsibility.
In some instances, it’s feasible. Contact Dasa Consulting for personalized guidance on achieving full control. You can also find more information on this topic on our website.