Why Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Establishing a Mainland company in Dubai offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing businesses to operate freely within the UAE and beyond. Unlike Free Zones, Mainland businesses have the ability to trade directly within the local UAE market, engage in government contracts and enjoy unrestricted business activities across various sectors. This makes Mainland company formation ideal for those seeking broader business opportunities and growth within the UAE.
Key Benefits of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- Unlimited Business Opportunities
- Access to Government Contracts
- No Limit on Visa Allocation
- Flexibility in Business Activities
- Office and Retail Space Leasing
- No Capital Repatriation Restrictions
Mainland companies are not restricted by geography, allowing you to trade and operate anywhere in the UAE, as well as internationally. This flexibility is essential for businesses looking to scale or diversify.
A significant advantage of forming a Mainland company is the ability to bid for lucrative government contracts and participate in public sector tenders. Free Zone companies do not have access to these opportunities, making Mainland setup the preferred choice for businesses with government-related objectives.
Mainland companies can apply for an unlimited number of visas, which is particularly beneficial for businesses planning to expand their workforce. The more office space you lease, the higher your visa quota.
Mainland companies enjoy the freedom to diversify their business activities under one licence. You can operate multiple business activities and branches under the same trade licence, providing greater business potential.
Unlike Free Zone companies, Mainland businesses can lease office and retail spaces anywhere within Dubai and across the UAE, giving you access to prime commercial locations in key business districts.
Mainland companies have full freedom to repatriate profits and capital without any restrictions, allowing for seamless financial operations and management.
Steps to Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
- Choose Your Business Activity
- Select a Company Structure
- Secure a Local Sponsor
- Reserve a Trade Name
- Submit Initial Approval
- Lease an Office Space
- Obtain Your Trade Licence
Selecting the right business activity is the first step in setting up your Mainland company. This determines the type of licence required and the approvals needed from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Mainland company structures range from Limited Liability Companies (LLC) to branches of foreign companies and sole establishments. Choosing the correct legal structure ensures that your business operates smoothly and within legal parameters.
In many cases, foreign entrepreneurs need a local Emirati sponsor (holding 51% ownership) to form a Mainland company. However, with recent changes to the foreign ownership law, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. We guide you in securing the best structure for your business.
Once the business activity and structure are determined, the next step is reserving a trade name with the DED. The trade name should align with your business identity and comply with the naming regulations set by the DED.
After reserving the trade name, you need to submit your application for initial approval from the DED. This approval allows you to proceed with the company formation process.
To set up a Mainland company, you are required to have a physical office space. Our team can assist you in finding and leasing an office that meets both your operational needs and the legal requirements set by the UAE government.
With all approvals and legal documents in place, the final step is obtaining your Mainland trade licence. Once the licence is issued, your business is officially registered and you can begin operations.
Why Choose Us for a Mainland Company Set Up?
- Expert Guidance
- Customised Solutions
- Fast-Track Setup
- End-to-End Support
Our consultants have extensive experience in Mainland company formation and ensure that your business is set up in full compliance with local regulations.
We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your business, from selecting the right structure to navigating local sponsorship requirements.
We expedite the process by handling all legal paperwork, approvals, and documentation, ensuring that your Mainland company is set up in the shortest possible time.
From securing office space to obtaining visas for your employees, we provide complete business setup services, allowing you to focus on your business growth.