Start your mainland company in the UAE today and tap into endless business opportunities!
Mainland company formation in UAE provides businesses with limitless opportunities to expand across local and international markets. With ICB Tax Consultancy, you can set up your mainland company in Dubai and other emirates seamlessly. We offer tailored solutions that cover every aspect of the company formation process, ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations.
Mainland companies can operate freely within the UAE and internationally
As a mainland entity, your business becomes eligible to tender lucrative government contracts
Benefit from Dubai’s prime geographic location, offering global connectivity and world-class infrastructure
Identify the nature of your business. This will determine the type of license you need and the regulations you must follow. Dubai offers a wide range of business activities across various sectors, including trading, manufacturing, and professional services.
The next step is choosing the appropriate legal structure for your mainland business. The structure you select will influence your ownership rights, operational flexibility, and compliance requirements. Common structures include LLC, sole proprietorship, and civil company.
Select a trade name for your company and ensure that it complies with the UAE’s naming regulations. The name should reflect your business activity and must not be offensive or violate public norms.
Depending on your business activity, you may need a local Emirati sponsor. A local sponsor is mandatory for companies requiring a commercial or industrial license, although 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in many sectors.
Submit your business plan and documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) to receive initial approval. This approval allows you to proceed with the next steps of company formation.
The MOA outlines the company’s objectives, ownership distribution, and governance structure. This document is critical for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and must be notarized.
Mainland companies are required to have physical office space. Once you have a location, you need to get the tenancy contract attested by the Ejari system in Dubai.
Depending on your business activity, you may need additional approvals from various government entities. For instance, businesses in healthcare, education, or construction may need regulatory permissions.
Apply for your mainland business license from the DED. The type of license you receive will depend on the nature of your business.
After receiving your business license, you can apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and any investors.
Once your mainland company is fully established, you can open a corporate bank account in Dubai. The account is essential for managing your business’s financial transactions.
Choosing the right business structure is crucial for setting up a mainland company in Dubai. Each structure has its own advantages and compliance requirements. Here are the most common structures:
LLCs are the most common business structures for foreign investors. An LLC can be owned by 100% foreign shareholders in most sectors, except a few restricted categories. It offers liability protection and operational flexibility. LLCs are suitable for trading, manufacturing, and contracting businesses.
The sole proprietorship is owned by a single individual who has full control over the company’s operations. However, the owner is fully liable for any debts or obligations. Sole proprietorships are common for freelancers or individual consultants offering professional services.
This structure is commonly used by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. It allows multiple professionals to own and manage the company, sharing profits and liabilities.
A foreign company can establish a branch office in Dubai to conduct business without forming a separate legal entity. The branch office can engage in activities like those of the parent company.
A representative office allows a foreign company to promote its products or services in Dubai without conducting business directly. It cannot engage in profit-generating activities but can serve as a marketing or liaison office.
A PJSC is suitable for large-scale projects and requires a minimum of 10 shareholders. This structure is typically used for businesses looking to go public or raise substantial capital through shares.
Some frequently asked questions here.
Mainland company formation involves choosing the right business activity, registering your business, obtaining the required licenses, and finding a local sponsor if needed. ICB assists you through every step of this process.
Contact ICB Tax Consultancy for expert assistance in mainland company formation. Our tailored services ensure a smooth and efficient business setup process. Let's start building our success in the UAE today!
