Choose licence & start your business
A mainland company is a company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant Emirate of the United Arab Emirates.
Full Ownership and Trade Flexibility
Mainland companies offer a broad scope of trade, 100% ownership and location flexibility.
Multiple activities​
Resident visa
Quick setup​​
TYPES OF LICENCES
Determine business activity
- 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 beverages activities such as cafes, bars and restaurants.Â
- 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 Health Authority, We will make sure to guide you through this process.
Type & benefits
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.
- 9% corporate tax over 375,000 AED.
- 0% personal income tax.
- No limits on business activities
- Available to be operated anywhere in the world
- No limits on number of visas
ABOUT US
Why you should choose Aston Advisory?
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 corporate and banking services in Dubai.
VIP Services
We help you and your loved ones settling in by assisting with education for your children and office search
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.
Want to know what our customer says?
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Helen Maffini
08/16/2022
Aston Advisory Group has been extremely helpful in creating a smooth company opening and move to the UAE. Gareth is very knowledgeable about all areas of freezone companies and life in Dubai….
Start your business today & get settled in Dubai
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
- Great pricing
- zero income tax
- Personal consultant
- variety of income
Calculate your business cost
Get comprehensive calculation of your business setup in UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Question:
What is a UAE mainland business license, and what makes it important?
Answer:
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.
Question:
How long does it take to set up a UAE mainland company?
Answer:
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.
Question:
What are the advantages of a mainland license over a Free Zone license?
Answer:
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.
Question:
Does a mainland company still require a local sponsor?
Answer:
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.
Question:
How much does it cost to start a mainland business in the UAE?
Answer:
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.
Question:
What documents are required to obtain a UAE mainland license?
Answer:
The primary documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders.
- Business activity details.
- Trade name reservation certificate.
- Emirates ID (if applicable).
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Our specialists at Aston VIP handle the paperwork to ensure a seamless process.
Question:
Are there taxes for UAE mainland businesses?
Answer:
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.