Want to Start Mainland Company Formation in UAE?

Efficient and Cost-effective Mainland Company Setup Services in UAE

Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey in UAE? Take the leap into Mainland Company Formation in UAE and unlock a world of exciting business opportunities. Setting up a Mainland Company allows you to have a physical presence in the country and engage in business activities across the UAE without restrictions.

By choosing Mainland Company Formation, you can tap into the thriving local market, access government projects, and build strong relationships with local partners. Enjoy the benefits of conducting business with other Mainland companies and government entities, fostering credibility and trust in the region.

With nearly 13 years of experience in setting up businesses in UAE, Company Setup Consultant offers a range of services in UAE, including comprehensive assistance with company registration, obtaining UAE trade licenses, securing government approvals, Trade license renewal,  Company Liquidation in UAE, PRO Services, bank account opening, accounting and Bookkeeping services and visa services. We recognize that setting up a business in UAE can be a complex and costly process without the proper guidance, expertise, and connections. That’s why we prioritize our clients’ needs and business objectives, providing them with straightforward and efficient solutions for business setup at competitive prices.

Dubai Mainland License

Most Suitable Locations for Mainland Business Setup in UAE

Business locations in UAE Mainland.

Steps for Mainland Company Formation in UAE

By partnering with Company setup , you ensure a hassle-free, efficient, and compliant mainland company setup in the UAE, allowing you to focus on your business while we manage the regulatory complexities. By following the steps below, we ensure a smooth and efficient process for setting up your mainland company in the UAE — from initial approvals to final license issuance.

Popular Business Activities for UAE Mainland Companies

Imports and Exports

Product Distribution

Foreign Company Representation

General Trading

Raw Material Processing

Consulting

Architectural & Design Services

Software Development & IT Support

Hotels & Accommodation

Restaurants & Cafes

Healthcare

Real Estate

Media & Advertising

Financial Services

Educational Services

Wholesale & Retail

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    Frequent Ask Questions on Mainland Company Formation

    Find out your query from the given questions

    What is a Mainland Company?

    A Mainland company is a company registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To do business in the UAE Mainland, you need to register your business entity with the DED and obtain a business license.

    Mainland companies can engage in various activities such as industrial, commercial, trading, professional, or tourism activities. However, some professional activities may be excluded or require additional approvals from specific regulatory authorities.

    Foreign investors have two options for company formation. They can either form a partnership where UAE nationals hold 51% ownership or choose a Sole Establishment company to have 100% ownership. It’s important to note that certain business activities are reserved exclusively for UAE nationals.

    Shareholders need to complete the necessary formation documents and processes, including appointing a manager through a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Service Agreement. The appointment can be for a limited or unlimited period. A Mainland company must have at least one manager and can have up to a maximum of five managers.

    After some recent additions and amendments of the laws in the UAE, foreigners can now set up a UAE Mainland business without a local sponsor. However, a few sectors that are strategically important to the government of the UAE still requires local sponsors.

    You can still start a business in these sectors. However, you can only own 49% of the business, and the rest of the 51% needs to be owned by a local sponsor. But do not worry about having to split the profits in that percentage as well.

    Local sponsors can be found for a small annual fee. These strategically important sectors include the transportation industry, the defense industry, and the oil and gas industry.

    To register a Mainland company in the UAE, you can follow these general steps:

    1. Determine the Business Activity
    2. Select a Business Name
    3. Choose a Local Partner or Decide on a Sole Establishment
    4. Prepare Legal Documents
    5. Lease Office Space
    6. Submit Application
    7. Obtain Approvals and Licenses
    8. Pay Fees
    9. Receive Trade License
    10. Fulfill Post-Registration Requirements

    A Freezone company cannot trade or perform other business activities in the Mainland through normal means. A Freezone company needs to hire a local service provider to perform the business activities in the Mainland for them.

    The local service provider will require a fee that will depend on the business activities you mean to perform through them. That is why a mainland company formation in UAE is more attractive to many investors and entrepreneurs.

    To transition a Free Zone business to a Mainland business in the UAE, follow these steps:

    1. Cancel Existing Free Zone License: Initiate the cancellation process for your Free Zone license through the respective Free Zone authority.

    2. Choose Business Activities: Determine the specific activities your business will engage in within the Mainland.

    3. Find Suitable Location: Locate an appropriate physical location for your business within the Mainland jurisdiction.

    4. Assess Legal Structure: Evaluate and decide on the legal structure for your Mainland business, considering factors such as ownership requirements and liability.

    5. Secure Local Sponsor: Engage a local sponsor who will be a partner in your Mainland business. This sponsor must be a UAE national or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals.

    6. Register Business Name: Select a unique name for your business that complies with UAE regulations and register it with the Department of Economic Development (DED).

    7. Apply for Mainland Trade License: Submit an application for a Mainland trade license to the DED, specifying your chosen business activities.

    8. Obtain Office Space: Secure a physical office space that meets the requirements stipulated by the authorities for Mainland businesses.

    9. Apply for Visas: Apply for visas and labor cards for yourself and any employees or partners associated with the business.

    10. Register for VAT: If applicable, register your Mainland business for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

    11. Partner with Business Setup Consultant: Consider partnering with a reputable business setup consultant who can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all regulations.

    Choosing a suitable location for your business in UAE Mainland depends on various factors such as the nature of your business, target market, accessibility, and budget. Here are a few key areas in UAE Mainland that are popular for business establishments:

    1. Sheikh Zayed Road
    2. Business Bay
    3. UAE Downtown
    4. Deira
    5. Al Quoz
    6. Jumeirah
    7. Al Qusais

    UAE mainland business setup typically involves costs ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000. The final expenses are subject to variation based on factors such as license type, business size, nature of the business, specific business activity, and other relevant considerations.