Do you need to set up a Mainland business setup in Dubai, but need know-how? Or want to make it easy for businesses to set up a company in Dubai. Don’t look any further!
The UAE is a desirable place for entrepreneurs from all over the world to establish a business because of its advantageous location, strong infrastructure, and welcoming business environment. The UAE mainland has several benefits, like as access to a larger market and operational flexibility. The essential elements of establishing a business in the UAE mainland will be covered in this book, along with the kinds of permits that are required and the advantages of picking this location
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Many commercial operations are now permitted to have 100% foreign ownership, doing away with the requirement for a local sponsor, as a result of recent reforms.
- No Trade Restrictions: Unlike free zone enterprises, mainland corporations are able to trade directly with the local market.
- Flexible Business Operations: Companies are able to work on projects for the public and private sectors and operate anywhere in the United Arab Emirates.
- Broad Variety of Business options: With more than 2,000 economic activities available on the mainland, there is no shortage of business options.
- Ease of Business Expansion: Anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, mainland businesses can open branches.
- The capacity to carry out wide range of business activities.
- No restrictions on currencies.
- Simple procedure for obtaining an employment visa.
- The simplicity of opening a corporate bank account.
How long it takes for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai ?
It is possible to set up your business effectively in the UAE thanks to its streamlined procedures; some steps can be completed online in as little as 15 minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Start a Business in the UAE and Throughout the World?
- 10 Days: The World Bank states that in high-income nations.
- 4 Days: Via the Department of Economic Development of the United Arab Emirates.
- 15 minutes: Using the Basher online platform.
Documents Required for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai:
- Application Form: A filled-out application form from the DED that includes information on the chosen legal structure, activities, and shareholders.
- Copies of the Passports belonging to each shareholder and manager that works for the company. Copies of passports need to be verified and notarized.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): To launch a new firm, you will require a NOC from your present employer if you work somewhere else in the UAE.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): LLCs must have a MOA that describes their business operations, capital, profit sharing, and management structure. The notary must notarize this paper.
- Local Sponsor Agreement: A formal contract that outlines the roles, obligations, and profit-sharing with your local sponsor. In front of a notary public, this agreement is notarized and signed.
- Tenancy Contract: A copy of the physical address tenancy contract for your organization. This ought to be compliant with Dubai’s real estate regulatory framework, the Ejari system.
A bank reference letter – for each shareholder as proof of their sound financial standing.
Ways To Apply Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Applying to setup a business on the UAE mainland can be done in one of two major ways:
1. Submit an online application
With the Basher platform, which is a single online gateway, you may launch your business in as little as fifteen minutes. It streamlines the procedure by combining several municipal and federal government departments.
Additionally, you can apply via each emirate’s Department of Economic Development:
- Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi
- Department of Economic Development in Dubai
- Department of Economic Development in Sharjah
- Department of Economic Development in Ajman
- Department of Economic Development in Umm Al Quwain
- Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah Municipality
2. Apply in Person
You can visit the following offices to apply in person:
- Government Service Centres
- Tasheel Offices
- OnTime Offices for Government Services
- Customer Happiness Centres
- Legal services offices
Know the Process: Steps to Setup Your Company in the UAE Mainland
01 – Identify the Nature of Your Business Activity
Choose the main economic license that is appropriate for your type of business. The UAE mainland grants the following six categories of economic licenses:
1- Occupational License: For professionals delivering services like advice, teaching, etc.
2 –Tourism License: Travel, tourism, and hospitality-related enterprises are eligible for a tourism license.
3- Industrial License: Intended for businesses that produce and manufacture goods.
- Clothing and Uniform Production
- Manufacturing of Meat and Dairy Products
- Producing Feed for Animals and Birds and Creating Fishing Nets
- Production of Pastries and Confections, Bottling of Mineral Water
- Textiles and Fabrics, Carpet Manufacture
4. Commercial License: For companies engaged in trade and commerce.
- Trading of Mobile Phones and Accessories
- Automobiles and Trade of Spare Parts
- Trading of Building Supplies, Cleaning Supplies, and Safety Equipment
- Agricultural License: For Companies engaged in Farming and Agriculture.
- Chemicals Trading in and Oil & Gas
- Gold and Precious Metals Trading
5- Agricultural License: For companies engaged in farming and agriculture.
6- Professional License: In the UAE, everyone or any business group providing the general public with expertise as a service must have a professional license. Examples of such businesses include:
With more than 2,000 economic activities possible, the United Arab Emirates has a wide range of prospects.
02 – Establish the Legal Structure of Your Business
It will be determined by your company’s legal structure which laws and rules you must abide by. The UAE offers the following legal business forms:
- Sole Establishment
- Branch of a GCC Company
- Civil Company
- Branch of a Local Company
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Holding Company
- Public Joint Stock Company
- Representative Office of a Foreign Company
- Private Joint Stock Company
- General partnership
- Limited partnership
- Free zone company branch
Important links
Please visit the websites of the economic departments in each of the UAE’s emirates as well as other relevant authorities to find out more about the legal forms of corporations.
- Abu Dhabi Chamber
- Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
- Ajman Department of Economic Development
- Dubai Chamber: Starting Own Business
- Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development
- Fujairah Government: Doing Business in Fujairah
03 – Register the Trade Name
Your trade name needs to be distinct and important. It must not be negative, include the names of authorities, or be registered under another business’s name. Trade name certificates must abide by the rules set forth by the Department of Economic Development and are subject to renewal.
Terms and Conditions
- The suffix of the trade name must be an acronym for the company’s legal structure (ex: LLC, PJSC, etc)
- The trade name must not include offensive language or words that are improper for the general audience.
- The chosen economic activities and the trade name must fit.
- The names of officials, government agencies, or government bodies’ names and logos cannot appear in the trade name.
- There cannot be another company that has registered the trade name.
- The Ministry of Economy and the Department of Economic Development must approve the trade name and trademark.
- Trade name certificates can be renewed at any time.
Useful links
- Trade Licence Enquiry – Tamm
- Trade Licence Enquiry – Abu Dhabi Government Services
- Search trade name – Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi
- Search Trade Name – Dubai Economy
- Issue trade name – Department of Economic Development, Sharjah
- Trade name – Department of Economic Development, Ras Al Khaimah
- Search trade name – Department of Economic Development, Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce
- Licensing department – Fujairah Municipality
04 – Apply for Initial Approval
The first clearance is the UAE government’s “no objection” to the establishment of your business, meaning you can move forward with the following stages.
05 – Create LSA or MOA
You might need to draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement, depending on the legal structure of your business.
06 – Choose Your Business Location
In the United Arab Emirates, a business needs a physical address. OfficeHub Business Center guarantees that your company conforms with local zoning laws and regulations by offering first-rate office spaces in prime locations throughout Dubai.
Depending on your budget and the particular requirements of your company, you have a number of office choices for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai, including the following:
- Virtual office
- Leased office
- Fully owned office
- Office building
- Workshop
- Warehouse
07 – Apply for Additional Government Approvals
You could need further permissions from pertinent government agencies, such as the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and others, depending on your line of work.
Learn about economic activities that require additional approvals
- Ministry of Interior
General Transport: used automobile dealers, used auto parts, driving schools, fire apparatus, alarm and safety systems, and car rentals.
- Justice Ministry
Legal engagements and legal advice
- Department of Local Municipalities
Engineering and architectural matters
- Government Regulation Authority for Telecommunications and Digital (TDRA)
Communications operations
- Council Executive
General services, vehicle clubs, ship and maritime agencies, travel and tourist, charter air transport, charter trading, and foreign corporate branches
- Economic Ministry
Activities related to insurance and insurance consulting
- Regional Health Authorities
Activities pertaining to health
- Council for Supreme Petroleum
Onshore and offshore oil drilling operations as well as gas and oil-field services are examples of Council for Supreme Petroleum.
08 – Submit Required Documents
Submit the required paperwork, such as the Association Memorandums, Lease Agreements, and Receipts for Initial Approval for Mainland Business Setup Dubai.
09 – Grab License and Pay Fees
The Department of Economic Development’s service centers or website are the places where you can obtain your business license.
10- Register your business with the Industry and Chamber of Commerce
In any emirate where your company was incorporated, register it with its Chamber of Commerce.
- Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry
- Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- UAQ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Apply for Relevant Visas
Congratulations on launching your mainland company in Dubai! Applying for a visa is the last step before beginning your entrepreneurial adventure in the United Arab Emirates.
There is no limitation on mainland visa applications in Dubai for foreign business owners.
Generally, the quantity of office space needed for corporate activities should match the number of visas applied for. An owner of a mainland UAE business may sponsor family members, domestic employees, and other dependents for their visas. Foreign business owners who want to establish a company in the mainland of Dubai are eligible for an investment visa, which allows them to reside and work in the United Arab Emirates for more than three years, along with their families.
Cost of Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
The following criteria affect how much it costs to open a business in the UAE Mainland: Several elements to consider are:
- Business Activity and License,
- Office Location
- Quantity of Visas needed.
In addition, the government requires the payment of the following fees when establishing a business on the UAE Mainland:
- Notary fees
- Trade License
- Registration at the government department
For cost-effective business setup assistance, get in touch with OfficeHub, the top business setup experts in Dubai.
The benefits of using a Mainland Business Setup Services in UAE
If you want to do business, consider using a Service for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai of OfficeHub. Here’s why:
- Tailored and agile approach
- Integrated advisory services
- 300+ expert professionals
- Intimate knowledge of the UAE market
- Ethical behaviour and confidentiality
- Results focused services
- We Work Closely with Government Agencies
- License and Business Registration are done efficiently
- Residency Visas and Work Permits approved on time
- Our government liaisons and external approvals go smoothly
- Accounting and Tax services made easy
- Guaranteed smooth A-to-Z process with us.
- Navigate the complex process
- Offer valuable advice
- Save you Time and Money
- Hassle-Free
- Provide Valuable Local Insights and Connections.
We also handle legal, auditing, accounting and management consultancy portfolios for several successful businesses in the UAE. Options range from urgent one-time projects to planned long-term contracts:
- Accounting
- Audit and assurance
- Payroll
- Taxation
- CFO services
- PRO services
- Corporate finance
- VAT, ESR, and IFRS advisories
- Risk assurance and management
- Mergers and acquisitions
Why you should select a reputable and experienced Business Consultant Firm
To set up or start a business in Dubai, it is crucial to look for a reliable and professional business setup service. It is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced business consulting firm if you want to set up your business smoothly. Besides providing business guidance, they will also advise you on how to run your business successfully.
Knowing that your mainland business setup in Dubai is in good hands will give you peace of mind if you choose a reliable and professional business setup service. While they handle the administrative side of your business, you can work on business itself.
FAQS
What is the tax amount in Dubai for a mainland company?
Only international bank branches and companies involved in the oil industry will be required to pay corporation taxes as of June 2023. The tax levied differs based on the industry.
Is it possible to change my mainland license in Dubai later on?
Yes, you can modify your license to meet evolving company requirements and maintain success with our help.
In what ways can we help you register a UAE mainland company?
Establishing a business in the Dubai mainland is a difficult task. Getting a company license requires a number of paperwork and permissions. Office Hub’s connections to the Dubai government and its agencies allow it to expedite the procedure.
I want to start a business in Dubai, but do I need a local sponsor?
Yes, many company activities allow for 100% foreign ownership, doing away with the requirement for a local sponsor.
In what ways does the Basher platform aid in the establishment of businesses?
Basher is an online site that enables you to integrate several government institutions and create your business in under 15 minutes.
What involvement does the Department of Economic Development (DED) play in setting up businesses on the Mainland?
Guidelines for establishing and running enterprises in the UAE Mainland are provided by the DED, which also oversees company licensing.
What assistance is provided by OfficeHub Business Center for setting up a Mainland business?
In addition to office spaces, OfficeHub offers legal advice and help getting permits and approvals for the establishment of businesses.
