Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
For about 1000 commercial and industrial activities categories, the mainland licence does not necessitate a local partner and offers significant freedom to the establishment's owners.
What Are the Benefits of Setting Up a Mainland Company in UAE?
- Allows businesses to rent or purchase commercial space anywhere in the UAE and expand with new branches
- Grants permission for a wide range of commercial, professional, and industrial activities
- Enables companies to trade locally and internationally
- Offers 100% foreign ownership for investors
- Imposes no currency restrictions
- Allows businesses to obtain visas for foreign employees without restrictions
- Eases the employment visa application process
- Offers the advantage of bidding on government projects
- Enables businesses to open a corporate bank account
What is the Process for obtaining a Mainland License in UAE?
Step 1: Select the type of business activity.
Step 2: Decide on an appropriate company structure.
Step 3: Submit business name for approval.
Step 4: Obtain preliminary approval for your business licence.
Step 5: Obtain any additional approvals from relevant authorities, depending on the business activity.
Step 7: Set up a corporate bank account.
Step 8: Obtain the establishment card for your business.
Step 9: Register a labour file to hire employees.
Step 10: Apply for visas for owners, partners, and employees as needed.
Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Setup
Dubai Mainland Company Setup
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Types of Dubai Mainland License
A Mainland Company formation offers access to over 3000 business activities in the UAE. The licence and other requirements that would apply to the business will depend on the business activity, the company structure, and the jurisdiction of operation. For more details on business activities, reach out to us.
Professional License
Commercial License
A Commercial License is mandatory for businesses engaged in the sale, distribution, or trading of goods in the UAE.
Industrial License
Educational License
Legal Structures for Mainland
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is fully owned by one person who holds complete control of the business and its profits. However, the owner is solely responsible for all financial responsibilities and obligations.
Branch of a Dubai-Based Company
A branch of a Dubai-based company must operate under the activities listed on the main business licence. If multiple branches exist, they can engage in various authorised activities.
Public Joint-Stock Company (PJSC)
A Public Shareholding Company is a business structure where the capital is split into equal-value shares that can be freely transferred.
Branch of a Foreign Company
A branch of a foreign company allows business activity in Dubai but requires a local service agent. Limitations apply, especially regarding financial obligations.
Civil Company
Civil Company is a partnership carried by professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants among others. This program enables experienced individuals to combine their skills and collectively deliver enhanced services.
One-Person Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This LLC is owned by one person or entity, providing limited liability while maintaining sole ownership. Unlike a sole proprietorship, the owner’s liability is limited to the company’s assets.
Branch of a UAE-Based Company
Each branch of a UAE-based company must perform activities included in the parent company’s primary licence, but multiple branches can operate under different activities as specified in the main licence.
Branch of a GCC-Based Company
A GCC-based company’s Dubai branch must perform activities authorised by the main company’s licence. Different branches can operate under different approved activities if specified in the main licence.
Representative Office
A Representative Office is allowed to carry out certain business activities but operates with specific restrictions on its operations and finances. It must appoint a local service agent, who must be either a UAE National or a company owned by UAE Nationals.
Private Shareholding Company
A Private Shareholding Company (Private Joint-Stock Company) requires 2 to 200 shareholders and a minimum capital investment of AED 5 million. This structure is ideal for businesses needing substantial capital and shareholder collaboration.
Simple Limited Partnership
A Simple Limited Partnership has at least two partners: a general partner with unlimited liability covering personal and business assets, and a limited partner whose liability is limited to their capital share. This structure supports business operations while managing risk.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC combines flexibility with a corporate structure, accommodating 2 to 50 investors, each liable according to their share. It offers the option to convert to another business type (except public shareholding companies).
Branch of a Free Zone Company
A branch within a free zone is allowed to conduct commercial, industrial, and professional activities, provided these align with the parent company’s permitted operations in mainland Dubai. If your company’s main licence was issued by a UAE free zone, you can obtain a branch licence from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to expand operations into mainland Dubai.
Intelaq (Home-Based Business for UAE Nationals)
The Intelaq licence is exclusively for UAE Nationals to operate home-based businesses, covering legal forms like Sole Establishment, LLC, Civil Company, and Partnership. These businesses must follow residential operation guidelines and are not allowed to sponsor employees.
Partnership Company
A Partnership Company operates similarly to a Simple Limited Partnership, requiring at least one general partner and one limited partner. The general partner is fully liable for the company's debts, using both personal and business assets if necessary. On the other hand, the limited partner’s liability is confined to their share of capital in the partnership, limiting their exposure to company debts.
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