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Business Setup In Mainland

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Business Setup In Mainland

Business Setup

Establishing a Business on the Mainland

Don’t merely enter the market; start making an impression right now.

Your business setup on the mainland is quicker, simpler, and completely compliant with UAE rules with Azuvia’s end-to-end support, allowing you the confidence to grow, hire, and trade.

Azuvia does everything remotely and professionally, from consultation to business launch.

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Advantages of Establishing a Mainland Company in Dubai

For investors and businesses, forming a corporation in the Dubai mainland offers several benefits:

  • 100% foreign ownership in the majority of industries.
  • No limitations on currency.
  • Establishing a firm on the mainland, as opposed to free zones, enables you to build branches both domestically and abroad.
  • Government contract access.
  • broad range of commercial endeavors.
  • Options for flexible office locations.
  • Unlimited eligibility for visas (depending on activity and space).
  • No minimum amount of capital is needed.
  • increased market reach and reputation.
  • The opportunity to hire an infinite number of staff is a significant benefit of setting up a firm on the mainland.
  • Establishing a mainland business in Dubai increases your reputation with customers and organizations.

Scope of Service

Jurisdiction advisory & Free Zone comparison
Selection of legal structure (FZE, FZCO, LLC, Branch)
Trade name reservation & initial approvals
Memorandum of Association drafting and notarization
Licensing coordination with DED, Free Zone authorities, and regulators
Establishment card issuance & Chamber of Commerce registration

Dubai's Business License Types.

A license is required if you wish to open a business in the UAE mainland. Depending on what your company performs, there are various kinds:

Industrial Licence

For businesses that manufacture, package, or manufacture items.

Commercial Licence

For companies that buy and sell goods or services, such as software trading, retail, construction, logistics, import/export, and real estate.

Professional Licence

Businesses that rely on skills and knowledge to generate revenue, such as consulting, education, or administrative services, must have it.

E-Trader License

Only people (sole proprietorships) that operate from home and offer goods or services online or on social media are eligible.

Dual License

Businesses in specific free zones can also operate on mainland Dubai with a dual license, eliminating the need for a local partner or mainland office.

Instant License

With Instant Licence, you may complete a digital process and obtain your license in as little as five minutes. Additionally, you will receive a virtual office throughout your first year. You then require a physical office.

SME License

For citizens of the UAE and GCC launching small or medium-sized enterprises and It is inexpensive and helps startups cut costs by waiving or reducing fees.

Intelaq License

This license, which enables UAE and GCC nationals to operate a home company with official approval, is ideal for budding entrepreneurs.

Select the Right Business Structure for Your Company

When starting a business, choosing the right legal structure is crucial. Below is a simple breakdown of common business types and their key features, helping you pick a legal form that matches your business type and ownership preferences.

General Partnership

  • Owned by two or more partners.
  • All partners share full responsibility and personal liability for business debts.
  • llows 100% foreign ownership.

Limited Partnership

  • A blend of partners:
  • General partners are fully responsible for the business.
  • Limited partners contribute capital but have no management role. Their liability is restricted to their investment.
  • This model also supports 100% foreign ownership.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • Partners are only liable for the amount of money they invest.
  • Can be owned by one person or up to 50 partners.
  • Open to all nationalities.
  • Fully compliant with 100% foreign ownership guidelines.

Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC)

  • Can have up to 200 shareholders.
  • Shares are not offered to the public.
  • Can be owned by a single company or multiple individuals.
  • Also allows 100% foreign ownership.

Public Joint Stock Company

  • Shares are offered to the public.
  • Founders retain a portion of the shares, while the rest are sold publicly.
  • This structure is best for large companies that plan to list on the stock market.

Civil Company

  • Owned by two or more people offering professional services (e.g., consultants, tailors, trainers, salons).

Sole Proprietorship

  • Owned and operated by a single person who is personally responsible for all business obligations and debts.

Required Documents for a Mainland Business Setup

Before you begin your company setup in Dubai mainland, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork.

For Individuals:

  • Passport copy (for foreigners) or Emirates ID (for Emiratis/residents).
  • Residence visa or permit copy for non-GCC nationals.

For the Business:

  • Articles of Association (not needed for single-owner LLCs).
  • Feasibility study of the business project (required for Joint Stock Companies).

Important Document Attestation Guidelines

All documents for a mainland company setup must be:

  • Attested and legalized by the UAE Embassy and Foreign Ministry in the country of origin.
  • Counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Legally translated to Arabic and attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

 

Expanding Your Business: Documents for a Branch Office

If you’re opening a branch of an existing business from another emirate, you will need the following documents for your Dubai mainland business setup:

  • Official Board Resolution approving the opening of a branch in Dubai.
  • Authorization Letter from the Managing Director granting permission to set up the branch.
  • Copy of the Parent Company’s Trade License.
  • Copy of the Parent Company’s Memorandum of Association (MoA).

Eight Steps to Launch a Company on the Mainland

Follow these steps for a smooth and efficient business setup process.

  1. Choose Your Business Activity
    • This step determines the type of license you need (e.g., commercial, industrial, professional).
    • You can select from over 2,000 activities, and a single business can include multiple activities.
  2. Select Your Legal Structure
    • Pick a legal form that aligns with your business activity. Common options include:
      • General/Limited Partnership
      • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
      • Joint Stock Companies (PJSC/PrJSC)
      • Sole Establishment
      • Civil Company
      • Local/Foreign/GCC/Free Zone Branch
      • Holding Company
  3. Choose a Trade Name
    • Your business name must comply with UAE guidelines. This includes avoiding offensive or religious terms, ensuring it hasn’t been used before, and including the legal form (e.g., LLC).
    • Register your chosen name through the economic department of your emirate.
  4. Obtain Initial Approval
    • This is a crucial first step that confirms the UAE government has no objection to your business.
    • It’s a necessary formality before you can proceed, but it does not permit you to start business operations.
    • Foreigners must also get clearance from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs.
    • Certain activities may require extra approvals from government entities (e.g., for legal, security, or financial sectors).
  5. Prepare the MOA or LSA
    • Depending on your legal structure, you will need to draft and notarize a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
    • This is required for companies like LLCs, partnerships, and joint stock companies.
    • Businesses not owned by a GCC national must appoint a local service agent.
  6. Secure a Business Location
    • A physical address is mandatory for all businesses.
    • You must provide a valid rental contract. In Dubai, this contract must be registered with Ejari.
    • The location must also meet all local planning and DED regulations.
  7. Get Additional Approvals (If Needed)
    • Some business activities require special approval from relevant authorities before you can get your license.
  8. Get Your Business License
    • Apply for your license through the Economic Department (either online or at a service center).
    • You will need to submit:
      • Your initial approval receipt and related documents.
      • The attested lease contract.
      • The notarized MOA or LSA.
      • Any external approvals you obtained.

Why Choose Azuvia?

Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland can be a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. We offer complete support for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE.

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Mainland & Free Zone Company Formation
  • Investor & Employee Visa Services
  • Bank Account Opening Assistance
  • Tax & Accounting Support (VAT, corporate tax, bookkeeping)
  • Document Attestation & Legalization
  • Golden Visa Eligibility & Application Support
  • Marketing Solutions to Grow Your Business

With our expert legal guidance and a deep understanding of UAE regulations, we help you choose the right corporate structure, manage all documentation, and navigate the entire setup process efficiently. We can complete your mainland company registration in as little as 48 hours, even fully remotely.

From start to finish, Azuvia ensures your business is legally compliant and ready to operate.