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Mainland company setup in Dubai
A mainland company is a company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant Emirate of the United Arab Emirates.
Department of Economic Development
Mainland companies offer a broad scope of trade, 100% ownership and location flexibility.
Multiple activities
Resident visa
Quick setup
- Gym
If you are looking to start a Gym or a health club in Dubai, it can be formed as either professional licences or LLCs.
- Hospitality
Hospitality licences mainly covers the following fields, food and beverage activities such as cafes, bars and restaurants.
- Import-export
These licences gives you the opportunity to trade freely with mainland clients without having to use distributors.
- Retail
Retail licences cover shops in malls and other boutiques and in a wide range, from clothing to book stores.
- Event and entertainment
These Licences include event management, event planning and everything in between for private and public events.
- Manufacturing
Manufacturing licences cover the manufacture of goods in the UAE for distribution both globally and local.
- Healthcare
Healthcare licences require special approval from the Dubai Heath Authority, We will make sure to guide you through this process.
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What is a mainland licence and
what does it include?
A mainland company is a company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant Emirate of the United Arab Emirates.
Mainland companies offer a broad scope of trade, 100% ownership and location flexibility.
It offers the same perks as a freezone company, but is more lucrative due to its flexibility and lack of limitations.
- 0% corporate tax*
- 0% personal tax
- No limits on business activities
- Available to be operated anywhere in the world
- No limit on number of visas
*9% corporate tax exceeding 375,000 AED in net profit
No limits on business activities
Why you should choose Aston VIP?
Before you even set foot in the UAE or Dubai, Aston VIP provides thorough pre-departure support.
No hidden extra fees
We make sure to be upfront about the cost and requirements of starting a business in Dubai
10+ Years Experience
We have more than +10 Years of experience with assisting business owners like yourself
Assistance at arrival in Dubai
We help you and your loved ones settling in by assisting with education for your children and office search
Business structure
Location
Business legal structure
Sponsorship
Company name
Trade licence
Office space
Visas
Choose your business structure
The first thing you have to decide is what kind of company you would like to open, to figure out which industry you will trade in. There are many permitted business structures listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Some of these includes hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and trading. Unlike free zone companies that are limited from certain activities based on their location, mainland businesses are free to trade in any of the listed activities.
Find the perfect location
Once you have decided your business structure, the next step is to decide where you want to operate. Companies in the UAE mainland incur no restrictions on where they can set up. The right location will depend on many factors such as business structure and budgeting. Should your company rely on imports and exports, then setting up near one of the UAE’s ports makes best sense.
Another advantage of setting up a mainland business in Dubai is the ease of opening branch offices. This means businesses are not limited to one location and can build a large local presence over time.
Secure a local sponsor or service agent
Earlier foreign entrepreneurs could only manage mainland company formation in Dubai by associating with either a local sponsor or service agent. If operating under a commercial or industrial licence as an LLC then a local sponsor is required.
Your local sponsor can either be a UAE national or a UAE based business. In both cases, the local sponsor will own 51% of the company.
Naming your company
Choosing a name for your business in Dubai can have a significant impact on your success. The wrong name can result in you failing to connect with customers and even worse it can result in insurmountable business and legal problems. In Dubai there are several considerations to keep in mind. Offensive language, religious references or inferences to other organisations are all forbidden.
Only full personal names can be included in your company name. To know all the guidelines on choosing a name for your company, check our blog post about naming your business in Dubai.
Apply for a mainland trade licence
Now it is time to apply for a mainland trade licence with the DED. Several documents are required as part of a trade license application. These include a licence application, memorandum of sponsor arrangements and ownership percentage among all partners and shareholder visas, just to name a few.
Obtain your office space
Once you got a business trading licence, it is time to obtain an office space. In the UAE mainland, serviced offices are usually owned and maintained by a third party and involve everything you need to move in right away. Phone, desks, internet access and reception services are usual included. Your lease payment would usually cover rent, use of office equipment and utility bills.
The opposite solution typically requires a full fit-out and decoration, with bills on top of rent costs. A middle solution is possible as well, with office spaces pre-fitted, where the company owner simply provides their own equipment and pays bills separately.
Apply for relevant visas
There is no limit regarding visa applications for company owners in the UAE mainland. But the number of applications should match with the amount of office space required. Normally the rule is 100 square feet office space per visa, but there are circumstances where this may not be the case. As the owner of a UAE mainland company, you will also be able to sponsor dependents. Such as family members and domestic staff.
Foreign entrepreneurs who establish a business on the UAE mainland are also entitled to an investment visa which gives them and their families the right to live and work in the UAE for up to three years.
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Getting started doing business in the UAE and feeling the benifits of it, requires going through a what can seem like an impossible amount of steps, which is why we exist. We make sure your business will be up and running in no time within the UAE, all while you can lean back and focus on what you are best at, managing your company
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Frequently asked questions
What is a UAE mainland business license, and what makes it important?
A UAE mainland license allows businesses to trade across the UAE and internationally. Unlike Free Zones, mainland licenses offer direct access to the local market. Now, 100% foreign ownership is available for many activities, meaning businesses no longer require a local agent or sponsor.
How long does it take to set up a UAE mainland company?
On average, it takes 3 to 7 working days to establish a mainland company. Aston VIP ensures your application, documentation, and approvals are processed efficiently, minimizing any delays.
What are the advantages of a mainland license over a Free Zone license?
Mainland licenses allow unrestricted trading within the UAE and internationally, with no geographical limits. Additionally, certain business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. Free Zone licenses offer tax benefits but restrict businesses from operating directly within the UAE market.
Does a mainland company still require a local sponsor?
No, for many business activities, UAE regulations now permit 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor. Aston VIP provides expert advice to help you navigate updated regulations and ensure compliance.
What documents are required to obtain a UAE mainland license?
The primary documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders.
- Business activity details.
- Trade name reservation certificate.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
Our specialists at Aston VIP handle the paperwork to ensure a seamless process.
How much does it cost to start a mainland business in the UAE?
Costs vary depending on business activity, location, and license type. Mainland company setup generally starts from AED 15,000, and Aston VIP offers tailored packages to meet your budget while ensuring transparency.
Can a mainland company hire employees and obtain visas?
Yes, mainland companies can sponsor visas for employees, owners, and their families. Aston VIP streamlines the entire process, including applications, approvals, and Emirates ID issuance.
What are the key benefits of starting a mainland company?
A UAE mainland company offers:
- Access to the UAE and international markets.
- 100% foreign ownership for approved activities.
- Flexibility to expand without restrictions.
- Ability to bid for government contracts.
Are there taxes for UAE mainland businesses?
Yes, mainland companies are subject to the UAE’s 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000. However, the UAE still offers zero personal income tax and low overall operational costs, making it attractive for businesses.
Why should I choose Aston VIP for my mainland company setup?
Aston VIP simplifies your business setup with expert guidance, transparent pricing, and efficient processes. We ensure full compliance with UAE laws and provide support for licensing, visas, and corporate growth.
