WHAT IS A MAINLAND COMPANY & GUIDELINES

A Mainland company is an onshore entity registered with the relevant government body. Moreover, within the UAE, Dubai mainland holds a popular spot for establishing a business. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, prioritizing a business setup in Dubai Mainland is a smart move. Here, you get to enjoy a flexible legal system, designed in alignment with the UAE government’s policies. Business setup in Dubai is lucrative and workable for investors and entrepreneurs. Dubai is a magnet due to its environment, modern infrastructure, and strategic location.  Dubai stands as a premier destination for global investors who wish to kick-start a new enterprise or scale up an existing one. Its strategic location and seamless connectivity to the world’s major nations make it an ideal choice.

Dubai mainland represents one of the most advanced economies, providing all the necessary resources for seamless business operations. However, before you kickstart your Mainland Company setup in Dubai, you’ll need a license. You can secure this from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) The benefits of setting up a company in Dubai mainland are: 

  • There are plenty of business activities to choose your business needs
  • Mainland companies in Dubai or the UAE can trade with other mainland companies and also with Free zone companies
  • One of the most profitable options available to investors is the mainland.
  • Businesses may also open branches in other regions of the Emirates and the country.
  • There are no restrictions on the number of visas that can be obtained on a mainland license as it depends on the office space and size.

General Guidelines Business Setup In Dubai Mainland

Let us see the guidelines for business setup in Dubai’s mainland

  • Relevant business licenses are to be obtained Commercial, Professional or Industrial License
  • There can be a minimum 1 director and maximum to be defined by the owners in a mainland company
  • Usage of religious words and certain words like UAE and Dubai is prohibited
  • The shareholders physical presence is not mandatory for company formation and only for VISA process the physical presence needed
  • Eligible and can easily work with Government Agencies
  • Value Added Tax is applicable, and annual auditing and Bookkeeping are evaluated annually with a Mainland company.
  • Corporate Tax is applicable for Mainland companies from June 2023, which is expected to be 9%
  • The business type could be business to business and business to customers.

DOCUMENTS TO SETUP BUSINESS IN DUBAI MAINLAND

Submitting the right documents is essential to ensure that you get your business setup license for setting up in the mainland. Here is the list of documents needed. 

  • Application for license 
  • LLC Agreement (attested)
  • Government forms (if needed)
  • Initial approvals
  • Trade name reservation 
  • Tenancy agreement
  • EJARI Registration certificate
  • Copy of NOC for partners (if needed)
  • External department approvals (if needed)
  • Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Registration

STEPS & PROCEDURES FOR MAINLAND BUSINESS SETUP DUBAI

Let’s ensure your start-up journey is smooth and successful with this Mainland Business Setup comprehensive checklist. The first step is to choose a profitable business activity for your company. According to the Department of Economic Development, there are thousands of approved activities in Dubai. Trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing are just a few activities. You may then select the ideal activity for your company when you’ve found it. First, however, undertake some market study to check which sectors are booming before settling on an activity. 

  • 1. Decide Your Business Activity:

    Before diving into the setup process, determine the industry in which your company will operate. The Department of Economic Development (DED) offers a list of over 2000 permitted business activities, spanning trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. Unlike free zone businesses, mainland enterprises enjoy the freedom to engage in any DED-listed activity.

  • 2. Choose the Ideal Location:

    Selecting the right location is crucial. Mainland businesses face no restrictions on where they can establish, offering flexibility based on your budget and business activity. Proximity to major ports like Jebel Ali, Mina Zayed, or Mina Khalid is beneficial for import-export businesses. Additionally, the ease of opening branch offices enhances the potential for a robust local presence.

  • 3. Determine Your Legal Structure:

    Various legal structures are available for foreign entrepreneurs in the UAE mainland. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is common, particularly for commercial or industrial activities, necessitating a local sponsor. Professional service companies, however, can be 100% foreign-owned without a local sponsor.

  • 4. Obtain Local Sponsor or Service Agent:

    If needed on certain commercial or industrial activities, a local sponsor for business may be required. OJO offers a Corporate Nominee option to maintain operational control and mitigate risks. Professional service companies only need a local service agent (LSA) for administrative dealings without ownership involvement.

  • 5. Choose a Company Name:

    Selecting a company trade name is a critical decision. Ensure it aligns with your brand and professional values, adhering to UAE guidelines, such as avoiding offensive language or religious references. Full personal names are the only acceptable inclusion in trade names.

  • 6. Apply for a Mainland Trade License:

    Initiate the process by applying for a mainland trade license with the Department of Economic Development. Required documents include a license application, memorandum of sponsor arrangements, ownership percentage, and shareholder visas.

  • 7. Secure Your Office Space:

    After obtaining the trading license, secure an office space suiting your needs. Serviced offices provide immediate setup with essential amenities, while 'shell and core' spaces may require fit-out. Consider pre-fitted offices for a middle-ground solution.

  • 8. Apply for Relevant Visas:

    Align visa applications with office space requirements, typically 100 sq. ft. per visa. As a mainland business owner, sponsoring visas for dependents is possible. Additionally, an investment visa is available, allowing you and your family to reside and work in the UAE for up to three years.

  • 9. Partner with a Company Setup Consultant: 

    Navigating the legal and formation process can be complex. Collaborate with UAE-based business setup consultants to streamline the process, gain insights, and confidently launch your successful business on the Dubai mainland.

BENEFITS OF SETTING UP A COMPANY IN DUBAI MAINLAND

  • 100% repatriation of profit & capital.
  • Office space decides the Visa quantity.
  • Can conduct business throughout UAE and outside UAE
  • Potential bid and work on the UAE government contracts.
  • Can set up their offices anywhere in the registered Emirate. 
    And many company branches, creating a solid presence in the local market.

Strategic Location

The UAE turns out to be a strategic location when it comes to the Middle East. It offers opportunities for business investors to enter other GCC countries and helps expand business activities to attract global market.

Eligibility for UAE Government Contracts

Companies with mainland licenses can apply for UAE government contracts & can work on Government projects.

Easy Import & Export

Easy access to neighbouring and global markets by land, sea and air to help with the business

Favourable Business Culture

Dubai provides a pleasant business climate to business entities irrespective of the size and nature of the business. So it is the preferable location for newbies, entrepreneurs, and established business professionals.

Favourable Economic Policies

The Government of UAE provides numerous facilities to business investors, like 100% foreign ownership, no personal tax, etc., to come forward and initiate business setup processes related to different industries.

Avoidance of Double Taxation

The UAE allows business owners to enter into double taxation agreements for import-export processes, which allows them to wipe out the tax to be paid on both sides.

Robust Network

The UAE has robust connectivity that helps ease the transportation process, which covers roadways, airways, and seaway. This flexibility encourages business owners to set up their businesses in Dubai Mainland and carry out the relevant business activities.

Easy & Transparent Business Setup Process

Regarding the business setup process, Dubai Mainland provides an easy way to initiate and complete the process. Business owners mostly prefer to have a word with professional business consultants regarding the same helps to complete the task faster with zero errors

Tax Incentives

In Dubai, foreign investors enjoy the benefits related to tax. Payment of income tax is not required, which turns out to be an eye-catching point.

Wide availability of Office Space

Dubai Mainland has been a growing hub when it comes to commercial establishments. So, you never need to worry about office space to initiate your business and carry out the processes

No Restrictions in Carrying Out Business Activities

Irrespective of the business nature, Dubai Mainland companies hold the flexibility to carry out their business in the entire UAE, provided the activities are legal and relevant authorities approve the same

Unlimited Visas

The process to obtain a Visa for Dubai stands free of tension. It becomes effortless for business owners to obtain an investor or residence visa, provided they submit all the essentials required for immigration approval.

ADVANTAGES OF SETTING UP A MAINLAND COMPANY IN DUBAI

Get the benefits of owning a mainland business license in Dubai. The best advantage of starting a mainland company in the UAE is the legal entitlement of foreign ownership without a local sponsor. Simply put, individuals or businesses from outside the UAE can wholly own and manage the company, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or partner.

Setting up a company in Dubai comes with a long list of benefits like,

  • Easy office space availability
  • Excellent opportunity for business expansion or in the diversification aspect.
  • Excellent tax benefits
  • Foreign investors need not find a UAE national sponsor for their business formation. Foreign ownership is possible irrespective of the nationality of the investor.
  • Immigration facilities are trouble-free
  • Many designated and predefined free zones for easy business.
  • No limitations on visa
  • No restrictions on global hiring
  • The companies are eligible for full repatriation benefits and this includes profits and financial assets.
  • The entire business setup process is hassle-free & quick
  • To get opportunities to take up government projects.

PRICING

We are completely transparent when providing our customers with the costs associated with setting up their business registration. A big part of this is simply ensuring we offer the flexibility to provide you with the exact package to suit your needs. Whether you require a single-shareholder trade licence, a dual (or more) shareholder trade licence, or visas for employees or dependants, we will help you select the exact option you need so that you pay no more than what is necessary. OJO has cost-effective, tailored solutions for your company setup.

Book a free consultation now to learn more.

At OJO, we understand that launching a new business can be challenging, particularly if you’re an overseas entrepreneur starting up in a new country for the first time. That’s why we’re on hand to make registering your company in the UAE as smooth and easy as possible. We’ll do all the heavy lifting for you, liaising with the relevant government authorities and departments.

OJO covers all of the technical and administrative aspects of business set up and we’ll work with you to determine the most suitable trade licence based on the business activities and services you wish to provide. Finally, we’ll prepare all the relevant legal documents, assist with the visa application process and provide corporate bank account opening introductions. It is this multi-layered service that has made OJO one of the leading company formation specialists in the region and is the reason why thousands of entrepreneurs have turned to us for support and guidance with company formation in Dubai and the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the laws have been redefined, allowing people to be the 100% owner of the mainland company.

The benefits include

  • 100% repatriation of capital and profits
  • They are exempt from corporate taxes
  • You can trade within and outside UAE
  • No restrictions on the number of visas
  • More freedom in conducting your business
  • Mainland companies have access to a larger market, the ability to bid for government contracts and flexibility in choosing business locations.

Yes and the approval authority depends on the activity you choose.

A mainland company is registered and licensed to operate anywhere in the UAE, allowing it to conduct business locally and internationally.

Mainland companies can operate in various industries, including retail, services, manufacturing, and more.

Mainland companies can work within Freezones but must adhere to Freezone regulations within those areas.

The setup process varies but can take 2-5 days, depending on documentation and approvals.

The DED is the government body responsible for regulating and licensing mainland com

Mainland companies can open bank accounts within the UAE for business transactions.

Mainland companies can hire foreign employees based on business needs and regulatory requirements.

Mainland companies can engage in import and export activities, subject to customs regulations.