Mainland

Company Formation in Dubai

Mainland

A Mainland company is a company registered in one of the UAE DED (Department of Economic Development). It means that if you choose to conduct business in UAE Mainland, you will need to register a business entity with the DED, which will then provide you with a business license to start doing business in UAE.

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Dubai Mainland remains a prime choice for global businesses, offering limitless possibilities. As a Mainland company, registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the UAE, you gain access to a wide market, spanning Dubai, the UAE, and GCC countries.

You can expand your business more easily in Dubai Mainland when you open a company there. Dubai mainland company formation allows you to expand your Dubai-centered business to other UAE regions.

Apart from that, businesses also benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure, connectivity, access to skilled labour, and highly equipped workspaces offered by the government. By undertaking Company formation in Dubai mainland, the businesses become eligible to participate in tenders and government projects.

100% ownership control of mainland business entities

Unlike before, Mainland companies now enjoy 100% foreign ownership. This eliminates the need for local partners, except for specific sectors like oil and gas. Of late, this has changed and companies on the mainland are also allowed to have 100% foreign ownership.

This is extremely advantageous to businesses as they don’t have to search for local partners. Except for strategically significant sectors like oil and gas, company formation in Dubai Mainland does not require a local partner.

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Choose your business activity

Dubai Mainland welcomes a variety of business activities, from agriculture and commerce to trading and manufacturing. Our experts will guide you in selecting the ideal industry aligned with the Department of Economic Development regulations. Our company formation expert shall help you with the list of business activities permitted by the Department of Economic Development for Dubai's mainland business setup.​

Determine your business legal structure

Choose the legal structure that suits your business needs. Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular choice, allowing multiple shareholders. Professional service businesses have no restrictions on foreign ownership, while commercial and industrial licenses may require a local partner.

Apply for a mainland trade license

Mainland visa applications are straightforward, and the number of visas correlates with your office space. As a Mainland business owner, you can also sponsor visas for your family members and domestic helpers. Documents including Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Passport copies of the shareholder, Shareholder visas, etc. must be submitted. The exact set of documents needed varied depending on the nature of the business.

Apply for relevant visas

There are no restrictions on mainland visa applications for business owners involved in company formation in Dubai Mainland. The number of visas sought should tally with the office space used. Typically a 100 sq.ft office per person is the norm. For example, a domestic cleaning company with 500 employees may have less office space than a company with 500 employees. Being the owner of Dubai Mainland company, you can sponsor visas for family members and domestic helpers.

Find the ideal location for your business in the UAE

Identify the perfect location for your business to thrive. Whether it's Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Karama, Bur Dubai, Deira, or other bustling areas, choose the jurisdiction that aligns with your business activity and budget. The ideal location for your business depends on the nature of your business activity and budget plans. In case you are into trading, then incorporating your business in close proximity to Jebel Ali, Mina Khalid and other busy ports helps. Given that there are no restrictions on opening branch offices, businesses can strengthen their local presence with time.

Name your Company

Select a distinctive trade name for your business, ensuring it complies with cultural sensitivities and does not carry offensive or religious connotations. Our Dubai company formation experts will provide guidance in choosing a suitable trade name.

Structure your office space

Secure your office space based on your preferences. Serviced offices come equipped with essential amenities, while "shell and core" spaces offer customization options. Rent covers the office space, equipment, and utilities, often managed by third-party providers.

Consult expert for company set-up

Navigating the Mainland business setup process can be complex. Partner with Oxbow corporate services, the leading experts in Dubai company formation, to ensure seamless completion of your Mainland business setup in Dubai.
Explore new opportunities and establish your presence in Dubai's thriving business landscape. Contact us today to start your Mainland company formation journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a foreigner, you can enjoy 100% ownership of your company without any restrictions, and there are no limitations on repatriating capital.

There are no taxes – corporates are exempted from paying taxes. In addition, there are also no taxes on trade and personal income.

Mainland companies are allowed to open their offices anywhere in the UAE including the free zones.