Dubai mainland refers to the original city of Dubai, located on the Eastern Coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the city’s historical centre and is home to many of its major landmarks and attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. The Dubai mainland is also the location of the city’s business and financial district and is home to many of the city’s government offices and major corporations.
If you are interested in the company formation in Dubai mainland, then make sure to contact our professional advisors at Emirates Business Setup and ensure your whole company formation process remains smooth and hassle-free.
Mainland company formation in UAE
For the formation of a mainland company in the UAE, the process typically involves obtaining a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the Emirate where the company will be based.
This will require submitting certain documents, such as the
- NOC from SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) or RERA ( Real estate Regulatory Authority) if any.
- Passport and visa copy
- Emirates ID copy if any.
- To have a local sponsor (if required, then documents of a local sponsor including passport and Emirates ID copy)
- A tenancy contract of the office
- Completing any other necessary procedures and paying any applicable fees
It’s recommended that you consult with us, as EBS has professional business setup consultants to assist with the formation process and do all the heavy lifting for you.
Mainland Dubai company formation
To form a mainland company in Dubai, you might need a local sponsor depends on your business activity that you will conduct. If you are providing any services, then you need a local sponsor. And that local service agent who will just act as a liaison between the company and the DED (Dubai Economic Development).
If you are planning any trading business activities in Dubai mainland, then you don’t need any local sponsor or local partner. You will have 100% ownership, and you can get it without a physical office space in the initial year, which is one of the best options available in Dubai for a startup.
It’s highly recommended to consult with business setup consultants to assist with the formation process and to ensure compliance with all regulations. Emirates Business Setup is here to help!
Benefits of mainland company formation in Dubai
Mainland companies in Dubai have more benefits compared to freezone licenses. Let’s discuss all the benefits of having a mainland license in Dubai. There are several benefits to forming a mainland company in Dubai, such as:
Access to the local and international market
A mainland company in Dubai can conduct business within or outside the UAE, giving the company access to a large and growing market.
No restrictions on business activities
Mainland companies in Dubai are not restricted to specific business activities, but they should be related to the core business activities, allowing for a wide range of business opportunities.
Low cost of doing business
Dubai has a relatively low cost of doing business compared to other countries in the region, which can help companies to save money on overhead expenses.
Strategic location
Dubai is a strategic location for businesses looking to expand into the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as it serves as a hub for trade and commerce.
Government support
Dubai’s government provides various incentives and support to businesses operating in the Emirate by giving them the opportunity to waive taxes until their turnover cross 3,75000 AED, and even they don’t need to register for corporate tax until their gross profit cross 3,75000 AED.
Easy access to banking and finance
Dubai has a well-established banking and finance sector, making it easy for mainland companies to access funding and banking services. You can get a corporate bank account in Dubai, where you can receive multi-currency payments. Also, you can tie up with a currency exchange company for your multi-national exchanges.
The legal and regulatory environment
Dubai has a transparent and stable legal and regulatory environment, making it easy for companies to comply with regulations and laws. All the legalities are clearly mentioned in simplest forms so anybody can follow them with ease.
Checklist for business setup in Dubai mainland
Here is a general checklist for setting up a mainland company in Dubai:
- Choose a business name and ensure it is available and not in violation of any naming regulations.
- Obtain a local sponsor if any is required.
- Identify and secure a physical office location in Dubai.
- Obtain a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Obtain any necessary permits or external approvals for the specific type of business activity.
- Register with DCCI (Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
- Open a bank account in Dubai.
- Register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for visa and labour permit processes.
- Register for VAT with the FTA (Federal Tax Authority).
- Obtain public liability and employer’s liability insurance.
It’s important to note that this is a general checklist, and the specific requirements and steps may vary depending on the nature of the business and the laws and regulations in place. It is highly recommended to consult with our business setup consultant to assist with the formation process and ensure compliance with all regulations. Emirates Business Setup ensures that all the heavy lifting of your business is upon us.
Types of mainland trade licenses
In Dubai, the Department of Economic Development (DED) issues several types of mainland trade licenses for businesses operating within the Emirate. The types of mainland licenses include:
Commercial License
This license is for businesses engaged in trading activities, such as import, export, wholesale, and retail, and also a wide variety of activities and goods and covers multiple categories.
Industrial License
This license is for businesses engaged in manufacturing, assembly, and production activities.
Professional License
This license is for businesses engaged in professional or consulting services, such as engineering, consulting, and medical services.
Tourism License
This license is for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry, such as hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies.
It’s important to note that some sectors, such as finance, telecommunications, and healthcare, may require additional approvals, licenses, or regulations. It is highly recommended to consult EBS as we have professional advisors to assist with the license application process and ensure compliance with all laws.
Business areas in Dubai
In Dubai, mainland businesses can operate in a variety of locations. The options are such as:
Commercial offices
These are typically located in business districts and commercial centres, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).
Industrial areas
These are typically located outside the city centre and designated for manufacturing, assembly, and production activities. Examples include the Dubai Industrial City and the Dubai Industrial Park.
Shared offices/ Business centres
These co-working spaces offer flexible and cost-effective office solutions for small businesses and startups.
Consult with EBS for mainland Dubai company formation
It’s important to note that when you are starting your company here in Dubai, some areas may have specific regulations or zoning requirements. So, for that reason, it is highly recommended to consult with our business setup consultants.
EBS got the best advisors that professionally assist you with the location selection process and ensure compliance with all regulations that leads to the successful completion of your company formation process with minimum duration. For any inquiry or further information regarding Dubai mainland license, you can contact us now!
FAQs
1. How to open a mainland company in Dubai?
There are a few steps you can follow to open a mainland company in Dubai such as:
- Choose the trade name of your own company
- Choose the business activity that you will conduct
- Selection of a local sponsor, if required.
- Get all the initial approvals
- Get your Memorandum of Association (MoA) sign
- Prepare your tenancy contract under your company name
- Final submission and obtaining a license
2. What is Dubai mainland license?
In UAE, all business activities come under professional, commercial, or industrial licenses, and when these licenses are issued by the DED (Dubai Economic Development), then it is called the Dubai mainland license.
To obtain a Dubai mainland license, you must contact us and have depth knowledge of the perks of having it, and we will do all the processes.
3. What is the Dubai mainland license cost?
The cost of a Dubai mainland license varies according to the nature of your business, as it starts from AED 12,000.
4. What Dubai mainland business activities can you conduct by starting your own business?
It depends on the nature of your business that you choose three types of licenses in the Dubai mainland, including professional, commercial, or industrial.