Your Path to Mainland Business Success Starts Here
Biz Zone is your trusted partner for mainland business setup in Dubai. We offer comprehensive services, including company formation, visa processing, office space solutions, and more. Our team of experts will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
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Why Choose Us for Mainland
Business Setup
Biz Zone offers personalized guidance and support for your mainland business setup in Dubai. Our experienced team streamlines the process, ensuring efficiency and minimizing paperwork. We provide comprehensive solutions, including company formation, visa processing, office space, and ongoing support.
Choose Biz Zone for a successful mainland business in Dubai. Our in-depth knowledge of the local business environment and regulatory framework ensures a smooth and efficient experience.
Steps to Register a Mainland Company Setup in UAE
Choose Business Activity and
Legal Structure
The first step in setting up a mainland company in the UAE is to choose a suitable business activity. The Department of Economic Development (DED) maintains a list of approved business activities. Once you've selected your business activity, you'll need to decide on the legal structure of your company. The most common legal structures for mainland companies are limited liability companies (LLCs) and sole proprietorships.
Reserve Trade Name and Get Initial Approval
Once you've decided on your business activity and legal structure, you can reserve a trade name for your company. The trade name should be unique and not conflict with any existing registered names. After reserving the trade name, you'll need to submit an application for initial approval to the DED. The application will require you to provide detailed information about your business, including your business plan, financial projections, and the proposed location of your business.
Prepare Documents (MOA & Lease Agreement)
Once your application for initial approval is granted, you'll need to prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and a lease agreement for your office space. The MOA is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of your company's formation. The lease agreement is a contract between you and the landlord for the rental of your office space.
Obtain Necessary Approvals
After submitting the MOA and lease agreement, you'll need to obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant government departments. These approvals may include: DED approval, Department of Naturalization and Residency (DNR) approval, Economic Department approval, Municipality approval, and Chamber of Commerce approval The specific approvals required will depend on your business activity and location.
Pay Fees and Get Trade License
Once you've obtained all the necessary approvals, you'll need to pay the required fees to the DED. After paying the fees, you'll receive your trade license. The trade license is a legal document that allows you to operate your business in the UAE.
Open Bank Account and Apply for Visas
After obtaining your trade license, you can open a corporate bank account for your business. You'll also need to apply for visas for yourself and any employees who will be working in the UAE. Biz Zone can assist you with visa application processes.
License types and activities
Choosing the right license type is crucial for your mainland business setup in the UAE. Understanding the different types of licenses available will help you ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid legal issues.
Commercial License
A commercial license is required for businesses engaged in trading activities, such as buying and selling goods. This type of license is suitable for retail stores, wholesalers, distributors, and importers/exporters.
Professional License
A professional license is required for professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, who wish to practice their profession in the UAE. This type of license is issued by the relevant professional body in the UAE.
Industrial License
An industrial license is required for businesses engaged in manufacturing activities, such as producing goods. This type of license is suitable for factories, workshops, and assembly plants.
Tourism License
A tourism license is required for businesses engaged in tourism activities, such as hotel management, travel agencies, and tour operators. This type of license is issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Freelance Permit
A freelance permit is required for individuals who wish to work independently in the UAE. This type of permit allows freelancers to offer their services to clients without being employed by a company.
Agricultural License
An agricultural license is required for businesses engaged in agricultural activities, such as farming and livestock rearing. This type of license is issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Craftsmanship License
A craftsmanship license is required for businesses engaged in traditional crafts and handicrafts. This type of license is issued by the Ministry of Economy.
Benefits Of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
- Access to the Local Market
- No Trade Restrictions
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Eligibility to Bid for Government Contracts
- Wider Business Activity Scope
- Flexible Office Location
- Easy Visa Processing
- No Minimum Capital Requirement
- Reputation and Credibility
- Tax Advantages
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering if you can start a Dubai company yourself? You can. But there are some things you need to know.
What are the benefits of setting up a mainland company?
- Access to the entire UAE market
- 100% foreign ownership
- No restrictions on profit repatriation
- Diverse business activities
- Eligibility for government contracts
- Stronger brand recognition
- Access to local talent
- Flexibility in location
These benefits make mainland companies an attractive option for businesses looking to expand their operations in the UAE.
Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
No, you don’t need a local sponsor for a mainland company in the UAE.
As of June 2021, the UAE government introduced a new law that allows foreign investors to fully own their mainland companies without the need for a local partner. This significant change has made it easier for foreign businesses to establish a presence in the UAE and enjoy the benefits of operating in the mainland market.
What types of licenses can I obtain for a mainland company?
Types of Licenses for Mainland Companies
- Commercial License: Trading
- Industrial License: Manufacturing
- Service License: Services
- Tourism License: Tourism
- Professional License: Professionals
- Agriculture License: Agriculture
- Craftsmanship License: Crafts
Choose the right license based on your business activity.
How long does it take to register a mainland company?
The timeframe for registering a mainland company in the UAE can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Completeness of documentation: The more complete and accurate your documents are, the faster the process will be.
- Choice of business activity: Some business activities may require additional approvals or inspections, which can extend the timeline.
- Government processing times: The efficiency of government departments can also influence the overall duration.
Generally, the entire process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. However, it’s advisable to allocate more time to account for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
It’s important to note that working with a reputable business setup consultant like Biz Zone can significantly expedite the process and ensure a smooth experience.
