Mainland company formation in UAE

Discover the essential steps and considerations for setting up a mainland company in UAE. From legal structures to licensing procedures, explore how to navigate the dynamic landscape of business formation in one of the Middle East’s most bustling commercial hubs.

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Steps to Mainland Company Formation in UAE

Choose a business activity and legal structure.
Reserve your company name and obtain initial approvals.
Prepare required documentation and finalise legal papers.
Lease office space and obtain necessary permits.
Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Obtain a trade license and open a corporate bank account.
Hire employees and obtain visas.
Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Begin operations and promote your business.

Benefits of a Mainland License in UAE:

The benefits of obtaining a mainland license in UAE are numerous and contribute significantly to the success and growth of businesses for Mainland company formation in UAE . Here’s an elaboration:

Access to a Wider Market

With a mainland license, businesses have unrestricted access to the entire UAE market, allowing them to reach customers and clients across all Emirates.

Direct Business Engagement

Mainland license holders can conduct business directly with local companies, government entities, and individuals without any intermediaries, fostering stronger business relationships.

Diverse Business Activities

There are no limitations on the types of business activities allowed with a mainland license, providing businesses with flexibility to engage in various sectors and industries.

Enhanced Credibility

Operating within the mainland jurisdiction enhances the credibility and reputation of businesses, instilling confidence in customers, partners, and investors.

Flexibility in Location

Businesses with a mainland license have the flexibility to choose their office locations anywhere within UAE, enabling them to select prime locations that suit their operational needs and preferences.

Unlimited Hiring

There are no restrictions on the number of employees businesses can hire with a mainland license, allowing them to scale their workforce according to business demands.

Government Contracts and Projects

Mainland license holders are eligible to bid for government contracts and projects, opening up lucrative opportunities for business growth and expansion.

Networking Opportunities

Being part of the mainland business community provides access to networking events, industry associations, and business groups, facilitating collaboration and partnership opportunities.

Visibility and Brand Recognition

Businesses operating under a mainland license enjoy increased visibility and brand recognition within the local market, helping to attract customers and differentiate from competitors.

Alignment with Economic Goals

Obtaining a mainland license aligns with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and growth, contributing to the country’s sustainable development and prosperity.

UAE Mainland License

A UAE mainland license refers to a business license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that permits companies to operate within the mainland area of UAE. This license allows businesses to conduct activities across all Emirates of the UAE without restrictions. It provides several benefits, including access to a wider market, direct engagement with local entities, flexibility in choosing office locations, and eligibility to bid for government contracts. Additionally, businesses with a mainland license enjoy enhanced credibility and reputation, as well as unlimited hiring capabilities without restrictions on the types of business activities allowed.

UAE Mainland License Cost

The cost of obtaining a mainland license in UAE for Mainland company formation in UAE varies depending on several factors, including the type of business activity, the legal structure of the company, and specific requirements set by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Generally, the cost includes several components such as:

Trade license Fees: This is the primary fee for obtaining the mainland license and varies based on the business activity and legal structure (e.g., LLC, sole proprietorship).
Initial Approval Fees: These fees are required for obtaining initial approvals from relevant authorities and can vary depending on the nature of the business and its location.
Office Rent: Mainland companies are required to have physical office space, and the cost of office rent can significantly impact the overall setup cost.
Sponsorship Fees: If a local sponsor or service agent is required for company setup, there may be associated sponsorship fees.
Miscellaneous Fees: Other costs may include legal fees, documentation fees, visa processing fees, and any additional services required during the setup process.

Business Activities under UAE mainland license

Under a UAE mainland license, businesses can engage in a wide range of activities across various sectors. Some common business activities permitted under a mainland license include:

Trading and Import/Export
Retail and Wholesale
Real Estate Development and Brokerage
Construction and Contracting
Professional Services (e.g., Legal, Accounting, Consulting)
Healthcare Services (e.g., Clinics, Hospitals)
Hospitality and Tourism (e.g., Hotels, Restaurants, Travel Agencies)
Information Technology and Software Development
Media and Advertising
Education and Training
Logistics and Transportation
Manufacturing and Industrial Activities
Financial Services (e.g., Banking, Insurance, Investment)
Engineering and Architectural Services
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Services

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other business activities permitted under a UAE mainland license. Businesses should ensure compliance with regulations and obtain the necessary approvals for their specific activities from relevant authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) in UAE.

Pre-Requisites Mainland company formation in UAE

Before setting up a mainland business in UAE, there are several prerequisites that businesses need to fulfill. Some of the key prerequisites include:

Business Activity Selection: Decide on the type of business activity or activities you wish to engage in and ensure they are permissible under a mainland license.

Legal Structure Selection: Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business, such as Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Establishment, or Civil Company, depending on your business requirements and ownership preferences.

Local Sponsorship: For certain types of businesses, a local sponsor or service agent may be required. Ensure you have identified a reliable and trustworthy local partner to fulfill this requirement.

Office Space: Secure a physical office space that meets the requirements set by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses. This includes fulfilling specific size and location criteria.

Name Reservation: Reserve a trade name for your business with the DED and ensure it complies with naming guidelines and is available for registration.

Documentation Preparation: Gather all required documentation for company setup, including passport copies of shareholders and directors, proof of address, business plan, and any other relevant documents.

Initial Approvals: Obtain initial approvals from relevant authorities, such as the DED and other government departments, for your proposed business activities and company setup.

Financial Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary capital and resources to cover setup costs, license fees, office rent, and other initial expenses associated with starting a business in UAE.

Compliance with Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the legal and regulatory requirements for setting up a mainland business in UAE and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

By fulfilling these prerequisites, businesses can lay the groundwork for a successful mainland business setup in UAE and navigate the setup process more smoothly.

Requirements to open a bank account in UAE

Company Documents

Submit copies of company documents, including trade license, memorandum of association, articles of association, and certificate of incorporation.

Business Plan

Provide a business plan outlining the nature of your business activities and expected transactions.

Proof of Address

Present proof of the company’s registered office address in UAE.

Authorised Signatories

Identify authorised signatories who will have access to the account and provide their identification documents.

Bank Resolution

Submit a bank resolution authorising the opening of the bank account, signed by the company’s directors or authorised signatories.

Initial Deposit

Deposit the required minimum balance into the new account, as specified by the bank.

Bank Account Application

Complete the bank’s business account opening application form with accurate information.

Documents Required for UAE Mainland Business Setup

Memorandum of Association (MOA): Copy of the MOA, duly attested and notarized, outlining the company’s objectives, shareholders, and share capital.
Articles of Association (AOA): Copy of the AOA, duly attested and notarized, detailing the company’s internal regulations and governance structure.
Trade Name Reservation Certificate: Certificate issued by the DED confirming the reservation of the company’s trade name.
Board Resolution: Board resolution authorizing the establishment of the company and appointment of managers and authorized signatories.
Power of Attorney: Power of attorney (if applicable) authorizing a representative to act on behalf of the company during the setup process.
Lease Agreement: Tenancy contract or lease agreement for the company’s office space, attested by the relevant authorities.
Bank Reference Letter: Bank reference letter from the company’s bank in the UAE or home country, confirming the account holder’s good standing.
Company Profile: Brief profile of the company, outlining its business activities, objectives, and management structure.

The cost of business setup differs according to the economic zone, business activity, type of licence, visa and many other factors. To know more about the cost of your business setup, please contact our team on….

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Ali Al-Hashmi

Investor, Dubai

“Working with Business Setup UAE was a fantastic experience. Their comprehensive knowledge of UAE’s business laws and regulations ensured that my company was set up quickly and efficiently. They offered personalized solutions tailored to my business needs and provided continuous support throughout the process. Their dedication and professionalism are truly commendable. I am grateful for their assistance and would recommend them to anyone looking to start a business in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.”

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CEO, Abu Dhabi

“Business Setup UAE exceeded my expectations in every way. Their in-depth understanding of the local market and regulations made it easy for me to navigate the complexities of starting a business in Dubai. Their team handled all the paperwork, and their guidance was invaluable in helping me make the right decisions. Thanks to their support, my business was up and running smoothly in no time. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

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mall Business Owner, Sharjah

“I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by Business Setup UAE. The team was professional, efficient, and always available to answer my questions. They guided me through every step of the business setup process, ensuring that everything was done correctly and on time. Their local expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence and peace of mind. I would highly recommend Business Setup UAE to anyone looking to start a business in the UAE.”

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Entrepreneur, Dubai

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Freelancer, Dubai

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Fatima Khalid

CEO, Abu Dhabi

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Questions asked by our customers

1. Choose a business activity and legal structure.
2. Reserve your company name and obtain initial approvals.
3. Prepare required documentation and finalise legal papers.
4. Lease office space and obtain necessary permits.
5. Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
6. Obtain a trade license and open a corporate bank account.
7. Hire employees and obtain visas.
8. Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
9. Begin operations and promote your business.

The Dubai mainland license allows businesses to operate within the city’s mainland area, subject to UAE federal laws and regulations. It enables companies to conduct business across the UAE without restrictions on geographic location or business activities.

A partnership is a legal arrangement where two or more individuals or entities collaborate to pursue a common business goal. In a partnership, each partner contributes resources, such as capital, skills, or labour, and shares in the profits and losses of the business. Partnerships can take various forms, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships, each with different levels of liability and management responsibilities.

To open a bank account in Dubai, follow these steps:

1- Choose a bank: Research and select a bank that suits your needs and preferences.
2- Gather documents: Prepare required documentation, including passport, visa, Emirates ID, proof of address, and proof of income or source of funds.
3- Visit the bank: Visit the chosen bank branch in person and meet with a bank representative.
4- Fill out forms: Complete the necessary account opening forms and provide all required documentation.
5- Verification: The bank will verify your identity and documentation.
6- Deposit funds: Deposit the required minimum balance into your new account.
7- Activate account: Once the account is approved, it will be activated, and you will receive your account details and any associated cards.
8- Manage your account: Start using your new bank account for transactions, withdrawals, and other banking needs.

In the UAE, there are several types of business licenses available for company setup, each catering to different business activities and legal structures. Here are the main types:

1- Commercial license
2- Professional license
3- Industrial license
4- Tourism license
5- Freelance Permit
6- Offshore license

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