Business Setup

Dubai Mainland Business Setup &
Company Formation

An individual or company wishing to set up their business in the mainland of Dubai is supposed to obtain a business license that is issued by the Dubai Economic Department (DED).

A Mainland company is a company that is permitted to do business both inside and outside the UAE. Such a company can conduct any industrial, commercial, trading, professional, or tourism activity. However, certain professional activities are prohibited as per DED’s business regulations, and others require the approval of authorities that regulate these activities.

Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses

There are mainly three types of licenses offered for Dubai mainland companies.

Professional Trade License

This license is mainly issued to individuals and companies to engage in a profession where they are experts based on their educational qualification and experience. Few examples of activities that come under this license are carpentry, consultancy services, printing and publishing, medical services, beauty salons, computer graphic design service, repair services, security services, etc.

Industrial Trade License

This license is mandatory if you are planning to engage in a manufacturing activity that involves manufacturing products from raw materials in Dubai. For obtaining this license, further approvals are required from concerned authorities.

Commercial Trade License

Mainland Businesses that involve buying and selling products will need to obtain a Commercial Trade License. This license is further divided into sub-categories based on different business activities.

Dubai Mainland Jurisdiction Recommendations

For those who are planning to start a business in Dubai Mainland, the choices are many. Here are
Polestar’s top recommendations of mainland jurisdiction.

Dubai Internet City

Ever since its inception in 1999, Dubai Internet City (DIC) has become the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Park of Middle East and Northern Africa. Located in the heart of New Dubai with a sprawling area of 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space, it is the ideal destination for IT companies and digital marketing companies.

Deira

Situated in a prime location right in the center of Old Dubai and New Dubai, Deira is one of the most sought-after destinations for business setup in Dubai mainland. Just 10-minutes’ drive away from Dubai International Airport, it is a major tourist and shopping destination.

Sheikh Zayed Road

Many entrepreneurs look for this prime location nestled between the skyscrapers of Dubai. It has the best business centers in Dubai providing well- furnished and technologically equipped office spaces.

Al Quoz

If you have chosen a business activity that is related to selling and manufacturing commercial products from raw materials, Al Quoz is the right choice for you. This jurisdiction is known for its manufacturing and industrial hubs. Al Quoz has many warehouses and business units that will save your time and money in transporting raw materials and finished products.

Business Bay

Business Bay’s speciality is that it is not only ideal for business spaces, but also suits well for residential, leisure, and retail business activities. It is located near the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Steps for Setting Up a Dubai Mainland Company

1. Select the Business Activity

The first thing you need to do before setting up a business in Dubai mainland is to select the type of activity which you wish to conduct. One of the great advantages of mainland compared to freezones is that there are more than 200 DED-approved activities, out of which you can select the most suitable one for your business.

2. Select the Office Location

The second step is to select the office location based on your requirement and budget. When it comes to mainland companies, there are no restrictions regarding the place where you operate your business.

3. Select the Legal Structure of Your Business

Depending on the activity, and the owner’s resolution, it is mandatory to select the legal structure of a business. The most common Mainland business structure is LLC, Limited Liability Company, owned by two or more shareholders.

4. Select a Name for the Company

It is mandatory to provide 3 trade name options which are not related to any religion or contain offensive words.

5. Apply for Initial Approval in DED

Submit documents of all partners and shareholders such as passport, visa and Emirates ID.

6. Obtain Additional Approvals

Get all the other necessary approvals from local government bodies and municipalities depending on the nature of your activity.

7. Prepare MOA and LSA Agreement

DED will prepare the MOA (Memorandum of Association) and LSA agreement (Local Sponsor Agreement)

8. Obtain Business License

After all the necessary formalities and payment completed. The trade license will be issued along with the MOA.

Benefits of Company Formation in
Dubai Mainland

100% foreign ownership permitted.

Foreign entrepreneurs can directly trade and operate with the local market.

Ability to open multiple branches all over UAE.

No repatriation of profits & capital

Ability to undertake lucrative government contracts

Zero minimum capital requirement

Wide variety of activity options

No Audit Requirements

How can Polestar Advisory Services Assist You to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai?

If you wish to register a mainland company in Dubai, we can guide you in all every step of the process right from selecting the right business activity to obtaining business license, bank account opening and visa assistance. We also offer support for accounting, bookkeeping and tax filing.

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