Business Setup in UAE Mainland
Talk to Our Experts
There are various opportunities for business setup in the UAE mainland because of its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and tax benefits. For setting up the business in mainland the first thing to determine is the legal structure – the options are partnerships, sole proprietorships, and limited liability companies (LLCs). As LLC requires at least one UAE national as a local sponsor or partner that has 51% of the shares, it is most commonly used. However, as per new reforms 100% foreign ownership is allowed in certain sectors, this boosts the attractiveness of the mainland more to the international entrepreneurs.
When we think about company formation in UAE mainland, it requires initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED), securing necessary licenses as per the business – industrial, commercial, or professional. Registering with relevant authorities like the Ministry of Labor for employment regulations and the UAE Federal Tax Authority for VAT registration if required.
Also, renting office space as per the local regulations, as physical presence is must in the mainland company formation in UAE. UAE mainland is a prime destination for entrepreneurs because of its strong legal system, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and tax benefits as it is zero corporate tax for most businesses.
Benefits of Business Setup in UAE Mainland
Types of Mainland Company Formation in UAE
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLC is common in mainland company formation in UAE, in this 51% of the share is owned by a UAE national and the remaining 49% by a foreign investor. This type of company formation is appropriate for businesses like trading, services, and manufacturing. The liability of the shareholder here is limited to their shares in the company.
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorship is controlled by one person only, a UAE national. This type is mainly for freelancers or professionals who provide services in fields like IT, consultancy, and design. Here, the liability of the business is completely of the owner.
Civil Company
This type of company formation is appropriate for professionals like lawyers, physicians, and accountants who want mainland business setup in UAE. This is restricted to some professional services and it is the partners’ joint liability.
Branch of a Foreign Company
In this type, any foreign business can start a branch in the UAE and conduct business under the same name. The activities are restricted to the parent company. All the operations liability will be completely of the parent company.
Representative Office
This type is mainly used by foreign businesses; it helps in marketing their brand or products within the UAE that too without engaging in sales. Representative office is appropriate for promotion, marketing, and gathering market intelligence. The liability of the company is entirely of the parent company.
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
PJSC requires at least 10 shareholders and can be traded publicly. This type of business setup in UAE mainland is ideal for large-scale enterprises which want to go public or raise serious funds. Here every shareholder will be liable to their shareholding.
UAE Mainland Trade Licenses
Commercial License
Commercial license is given to companies that are into trading activities like retail, wholesale, import/export, and distribution. The license covers various sectors such as construction materials, clothing, electronics, and food products. It is suitable for company formation in UAE mainland that are planning to buy, sell, or distribute goods within the UAE and internationally.
Industrial License
Industrial license is given to companies that into manufacturing or industrial production activities. The license covers various businesses like manufacturing plants, factories, and industrial workshops. It is suitable for companies that produce assembling products, goods, or raw materials for trade. Search for the UAE mainland license cost.
Professional License
Professional license is given to businesses that provide professional services like IT services, consultancy, education, or healthcare. The license covers a wide range of service-based industries like as law, accounting, design, and engineering. It is suitable for individuals or mainland business setup in UAE offering non-physical services.
Agricultural License
Agricultural license is given to businesses that are engaged in agricultural activities like plantation, farming, and the production of agricultural products. The license covers businesses dealing with farming machinery, agricultural equipment, and food production. It is suitable for businesses involved in agriculture-related operations within the UAE.
Transport License
Transport license is given to companies that are involved in transportation services including vehicle rental companies, couriers, and logistics. Get the cheapest mainland license in UAE which covers businesses of transportation through road, sea, and air, including shipping and logistics companies. It is suitable for businesses offering transportation and distribution services.
Health and Safety License
Health and safety license is given to companies operating in the wellness, healthcare or medical sectors. The license covers clinics, hospitals, medical equipment suppliers, and pharmacies. It is suitable for healthcare practitioners, professionals, and companies that provide health-related services.
Process For UAE Mainland License
Documents for Mainland Company Setup in UAE
It is a tactical move for Mainland company formation in UAE for businesses that aim to operate freely across the UAE market. However, this involves submitting some legal documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) and other relevant authorities. Here are the documents required for the mainland company setup:
Providing complete and correct documents is important to prevent delays in the setup process of mainland company formation in Sharjah, UAE. It is strongly advised to work with a business consultant to ensure compliance with all the requirements.
Why Choose Dubai Firmz for Company formation in UAE Mainland
Being a complex process mainland business setup in UAE, it is also very rewarding. It requires numerous procedures, government approvals, and legal requirements. With the right support setting up business is an easy task. Dubai Firmz stands out as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs and investors looking to setup a mainland business in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Firmz offers tailored services as per the specific needs for end-to-end company formation in Ajman Mainland. From choosing the right business activity to securing government approvals, cheapest mainland license in UAE, and office space, our expert consultants handle the entire process efficiently, ensuring full compliance with UAE laws.
One of the main reasons to choose Dubai Firmz is our deep understanding of the local business landscape, legal framework, and providing UAE mainland company formation cost. We have strong relationships with government departments such as the Ministry of Labour, Department of Economic Development (DED), and Immigration Authority allow us for faster and smoother processing of applications.
Also, there is transparent pricing of UAE mainland license cost with no hidden fees, this helps the businesses to budget and plan easily. Whether a solo entrepreneur, a startup, or a large enterprise, we offer customized services to fit any business goals and industry requirements.
We have a multilingual team which provides personalized support throughout the journey of business setup in UAE mainland—from trade name registration and license application to visa processing and bank account opening. Also, we provide post-setup services such as office space assistance, accounting, and PRO services.
With our professionalism, local expertise, and client-first approach, a company can confidently start and grow mainland business setup in UAE without unnecessary stress or delays.
With Dubai Firmz, setup a mainland business in Dubai, UAE —where a business’s success is our mission.
For opening a mainland company in the UAE, one has to first choose a business activity, then select a legal structure, and register with the Department of Economic Development. Next gather all the necessary licenses, lease office space, and secure approvals from relevant authorities. As per the business activity partnering with a local sponsor may be required.
There are various costs involved in set up a mainland business in UAE, such as, office rental, visa processing, trade license fees, and possible local sponsorship fees. All the expenses are different as per the business activity, location, and company size. There can be some additional costs too as per specific requirements.
There are numerous benefits to setting up a company in mainland like freedom to operate across the UAE, access to a wide local and international market, ability to bid for government projects, and no currency restrictions. Having the freedom to open offices anywhere lets the business enjoy a strong infrastructure and business-friendly environment.
Having a UAE mainland license provides the opportunity to do business anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Also, it allows working with government projects, hiring more staff, no currency limits, thus providing more freedom than free zones. It is good for business growth and local market access.
A free zone company is only limited to its zone or outside the UAE when a local agent is used. Free zones offer tax benefits and in most cases 100% foreign ownership. The mainland company has more freedom and performs business activities anywhere in the UAE with the government.
Yes, there are many businesses where a foreigner can own 100% of a mainland company in the UAE. This started in 2021, which allows full ownership without any local sponsor. Some of the businesses still need a local partner. It is therefore necessary for businesses to check the rules for specific business type.
Registering a mainland company in the UAE takes about 4 days, as per the UAE Ministry of Economy. Moreover, the duration varies as per the business type. Some of the businesses might get registered within 15 minutes, using the online platform, while others might take up to 2 weeks.
Yes, Mainland is a good option for startups as it offers complete access to the UAE market, chance to work with government, and there is no trade limits within the country. The startups can grow easily, choose office locations freely, and can hire more staff making it great for long-term business success.
There are numerous advantages of a mainland company like, it can trade across the UAE, choose any office location, and work with government clients. Also, there is no limit on visas or currency allowing businesses to grow, access to a larger market, hiring flexibility, and making it ideal for expansion.
The cost of getting a professional license in the Mainland UAE involves different costs such as trade name reservation, license issuance, and fees for initial approval. Also, there are some other expenses like visa fees, payments to a local service agent (if required), and office space rental. The total cost is as per the business activities and specific requirements.
