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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE

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Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE

Mainland Business Setup in Dubai refers to setting up a business in the onshore region, approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED)

Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

A comprehensive document outlining the company’s activities, shareholders, and corporate structure.

Lease Agreement

Proof of physical office space in Dubai.

Passport Copies and Visa Status

Copies of passports of all shareholders and details of their visa status.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

A letter from the local sponsor consenting to the expatriate partner’s involvement in the business.

Trade Name Reservation Certificate

Confirmation from the DED that the selected trade name is approved and reserved.

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    Advantages Of Mainland Company Formation In Dubai

    Get the benefits of owning a mainland business license in Dubai. A top advantage of mainland company setup in Dubai is the permission for complete foreign ownership. Simply put, individuals or businesses from outside the UAE can wholly own and manage the company, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or partner.

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    100% Ownership

    HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has lately permitted 100% foreign ownership of mainland UAE companies.

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    Strategic Location

    With mainland license business investors can enter other GCC nations, this advantage will help in the growth of business.

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    Easy Import & Export

    Easy access to neighbouring and global markets by land, sea and air to help with the business.

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    No Limit on Visa

    Unlike other authorities, there is no limit on visa applications for business owners in Dubai Mainland.

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    Tax exemptions

    100% tax exemption on personal and relief of upto $100,000/- for Corporate Tax.

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    Eligibility for UAE Govt. Contracts

    Companies with mainland licenses can apply for UAE government contracts & can work on Government projects.

    Steps Involved in Company Formation in Dubai Mainland

    Mainland company formation in Dubai is a straight forward process that offers numerous benefits, including access to Dubai's local market. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process effectively.

    Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE

    Mainland Business Setup in Dubai refers to setting up a business in the onshore region, approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED)

    Choose a Business Structure

    Entrepreneurs can opt for various business structures, such as

    Sole Establishment

    Ideal for individual entrepreneurs.

    Limited Liability Company (LLC)

    Suitable for medium to large businesses.

    Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)

    Best for large enterprises seeking to raise capital from the public

    Trade Name Approval

    The next step involves selecting and securing approval for your company’s trade name. Ensure the name you choose fits your company’s needs and follows the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) requirements. This includes avoiding offensive or religious references and ensuring the name is unique within the UAE.

    Submission of Documents

    Prepare and submit the necessary documents to the DED for approval. This typically includes

    Memorandum of Association (MOA)

    Outlining the company’s activities, shareholders, and corporate structure.

    Lease Agreement

    Proof of physical office space in Dubai.

    Passport Copies and Visa Status

    For all shareholders.

    No Objection Certificate (NOC)

    From the local sponsor consenting to the expatriate partner’s involvement in the business.

    Trade Name Reservation Certificate

    Confirmation from the DED that the selected trade name is approved and reserved.

    Obtain Necessary Approvals

    Await approvals from various governmental bodies, including the DED, the Ministry of Economy, and any specific regulatory authorities related to your business activity. This step ensures all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

    License Issuance

    Once all approvals are obtained, the DED issues the business license, officially authorizing the commencement of business operations. With this license, your company can legally start its business activities in Dubai.

    Important Points To Remember While Setting Up Business In Dubai Mainland

    There are various things that a person should keep in mind while they are opting for their Business setup in Dubai mainland. Since the company decides the future of your business and even yours in the emirates, keeping in mind a few factors would be beneficial.

    The law issued by the UAE cabinet now permits 100% foreign ownership of the onshore companies located on the UAE mainland.

    Now any joint stock business can sell 70% of its shares in an IPO (Initial Public Offering). This was 30% earlier.

    Shareholders now have the right to take legal action in the court if the enterprise participates in an activity that causes the company to lose money.

    Building a favorable legal environment for business establishment in the UAE , so that it may aid in the ease of doing business and the overall economy of the country

    Making sure that the future of the economy is safe and secure by increasing investment and commercial opportunities for foreign investors.

    All the company meetings are now no longer necessary to be officiated by an Emirati. Hence it is open to all expatriates.

    All the company meetings are now no longer necessary to be officiated by an Emirati. Hence it is open to all expatriates.

    If leading officers or company chairpersons abuse their power, they can be removed from their positions.

    The UAE aims to put a positive spin on its already established appeal as a global market for foreign investment firms, businesses, startups from around the world by eliminating the existing obstacles and widening the economy.

    Meeting the demands of the UAE business community as they uplift the country’s appeal to expat investors, businesses, startups, and other entities.

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    Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

    A mainland company is a company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant Emirate of the United Arab Emirates. Mainland companies allow for extensive business opportunities both within the UAE and internationally. They offer flexibility to trade directly with the local market and engage in a wide array of business activities.

    Dubai Mainland Business License: What You Need to Know

    Thanks to recent changes made by the UAE government, it's now possible for budding businesses to have complete ownership in Dubai Mainland. So, whether you're a local or a foreigner, you can fully own a mainland business in Dubai.

    As per new law, no foreigners are required a local emirati to form their company under mainland license.

    Now any joint stock business can sell 70% of its shares in an IPO (Initial Public Offering). This was 30% earlier.

    Shareholders now have the right to take legal action if the enterprise participates in an activity that causes the company to lose money.

    All the company meetings are now no longer necessary to be officiated by an Emirati. Hence it is open to all expatriates.

    The annual general meetings can now include a new way of voting, i.e. the electronic voting (due to the pandemic).

    If leading officers or company chairpersons abuse their power, they can be removed from their positions.

    Types of company formation Dubai mainland?

    Selecting the legal form your company can be challenging and demanding. Owning the sole proprietorship is a necessity that can help the business setup in the long run.

    Sole proprietorship

    Only one individual may own a sole proprietorship. When it comes to the business, the owner has all control and ownership. Any person of any nationality may own a sole proprietorship of any professional kind; however, only UAE or GCC citizens may own a sole proprietorship of any industrial or commercial sort.

    General Partnership

    A general partnership is formed when two or more UAE citizens come together and assume joint responsibility for the partnership’s debts. Transferring a partnership stake requires the consent of all partners.

    Limited Liability Company

    Up to 50 shareholders may be part of a limited liability company (LLC). Besides this, each shareholder is accountable for their respective firm shares. Following death, the shares are given to the heir. They have to choose 1–5 managers.

    Representative Office

    Branch offices share the same name as their parent company and are affiliated with it. The representative office is not the same as a branch office. Foreign businesses can establish representative offices in the UAE to spread the word about their products, but they are not allowed to conduct business here.

    Public Joint Stock Company

    Those involved in banking, insurance, or financial activities are considered public joint stock firms. They are suitable for significant operations or projects. The public must have access to at least 25% of the shares. A board of directors with a term limit of three years should be in charge of managing the organization, and a minimum of ten founding members are necessary.

    Private Shareholding Company

    Any type of business or sector may incorporate a private shareholding company. It must have at least three GCC or UAE citizens present in order to form. Two years or more after their formation, they may go public.

    Your Mainland Business Setup Guide for Success in Dubai

    Let's ensure your startup journey is smooth and successful with this Mainland Business Setup comprehensive checklist.

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    Define Your Business Activity

    Before diving into the setup process, determine the industry in which your company will operate. The Department of Economic Development (DED) offers a list of over 2000 permitted business activities, spanning trading, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. Unlike free zone businesses, mainland enterprises enjoy the freedom to engage in any DED-listed activity.

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    Choose the Ideal Location

    Selecting the right location is crucial. Mainland businesses face no restrictions on where they can establish, offering flexibility based on your budget and business activity. Proximity to major ports like Jebel Ali, Mina Zayed, or Mina Khalid is beneficial for import-export businesses. Additionally, the ease of opening branch offices enhances the potential for a robust local presence.

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    Determine Your Legal Structure

    Various legal structures are available for foreign entrepreneurs in the UAE mainland. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is common, particularly for commercial or industrial activities, necessitating a local sponsor. Professional service companies, however, can be 100% foreign-owned without a local sponsor.

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    Obtain Local Sponsor or Service Agent

    For commercial or industrial activities, a local sponsor owning 51% of the business is required. RadiantBiz offers a Corporate Nominee option to maintain operational control and mitigate risks. Professional service companies only need a local service agent (LSA) for administrative dealings without ownership involvement.

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    Choose a Company Name

    Selecting a company trade name is a critical decision. Ensure it aligns with your brand and professional values, adhering to UAE guidelines, such as avoiding offensive language or religious references. Full personal names are the only acceptable inclusion in trade names.

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    Apply for a Mainland Trade License

    Initiate the process by applying for a mainland trade license with the Department of Economic Development. Required documents include a license application, memorandum of sponsor arrangements, ownership percentage, and shareholder visas.

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    Secure Your Office Space

    After obtaining the trading license, secure an office space suiting your needs. Serviced offices provide immediate setup with essential amenities, while 'shell and core' spaces may require fit-out. Consider pre-fitted offices for a middle-ground solution.

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    Apply for Relevant Visas

    Align visa applications with office space requirements, typically 100 sq. ft. per visa. As a mainland business owner, sponsoring visas for dependents is possible. Additionally, an investment visa is available, allowing you and your family to reside and work in the UAE for up to three years.

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    Partner with a Company Setup Consultant

    Navigating the legal and formation process can be complex. Collaborate with UAE-based business setup consultants to streamline the process, gain insights, and confidently launch your successful business on the Dubai mainland.

    Get Started Today

    Ready to launch your Business?

    Book Free Consultation
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Mainland companies in Dubai are also known as onshore companies; their license is issued by the Department of Economic Development, Dubai. Under Mainland company formation in Dubai, one can sell products all over UAE & also can export goods to other countries.

    If you need a mainland license in Dubai, All you have to do is to contact Radiantbiz and we will help you in company formation in Mainland Dubai. And yes, Physical presence of Directors/Shareholders is required in Dubai.

    The best bank for business accounts in the UAE will depend on you and your company’s needs. The services and fees of each bank are different from the other. This is where you can seek expert help and get started.

    <p>Yes, As per new amendments made to the company’s commercial law. Foreigners can now own 100% ownership in Dubai mainland.</p>

    Free zone setup is considered one of the best options for those who are starting fresh. However, the restriction on trade in terms of the boundary makes business here a little stagnant. In cases like these, it is important to switch to a mainland company. With the right knowledge, you can get this process done easily. Follow the steps for a mainland company set up or contact a business set up consultant.

    If you want to start any business which doesn’t allow foreigners to have 100% ownership then you need a local sponsor. Finalizing a local sponsor is also a big task and Radiantbiz helps clients in finalizing the best local sponsor for mainland company formation in the UAE.

    If you want to start any business which doesn’t allow foreigners to have 100% ownership then you need a local sponsor. Finalizing a local sponsor is also a big task and Radiantbiz helps clients in finalizing the best local sponsor for mainland company formation in the UAE.

    <p>Passport copy of Directors/ Shareholders, Company Name & Passport size photograph of all the shareholders/Directors are required for company formation in Mainland.</p>

    Flexibility to do business in any part of the UAE with local and government authorities. No limit on number of visas (depending on the size of the office space). Office premises anywhere in mainland Dubai.More options on business activities.