YABS

Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Dubai Mainland is one of the top jurisdictions in Dubai with simple company setup processes.

Dubai Mainland, an onshore company, is a central business hub outside the free zones and accommodates Dubai’s residents and businesses. The business setup in Dubai Mainland is simple and efficient. It offers unrestricted access to the local market and allows businesses to operate within the UAE and international markets without geographical restrictions.

Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for getting a trade license in Dubai’s Mainland.

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YABS offers comprehensive business setup consulting in the UAE.

Benefits of company formation in Dubai mainland

There are many benefits to company registration on the mainland. Mainland company setup ensures a prosperous future in your business activities and professional ventures. Mainland companies offer a broad scope of trade, 100% ownership, and location flexibility. These are some of the reasons why entrepreneurs look to establish a mainland company in the UAE.

No trade barriers

Dubai boasts minimal trade barriers, making it easy for businesses to import and export goods effortlessly.

No currency exchange restrictions

There are no currency exchange restrictions offered in Dubai Mainland license. Dubai facilitates seamless transfer of funds in and out of the country.

Free Zones

Even in Dubai Mainland, companies can leverage the advantages offered by nearby free zones, including 100% foreign ownership and customs duty exemptions.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Dubai provides top-notch infrastructure, modern facilities and exceptional connectivity, ensuring efficient operations for businesses.

Business Diversity

Dubai Mainland licenses accommodate a diverse range of business activities, offering flexibility and opportunities across various industries and sectors.

Greater Flexibility

Companies in Dubai Mainland enjoy greater flexibility in choosing their office location and can establish their offices anywhere within Dubai.

Switching from free zone to mainland company formation in Dubai

If you are considering switching from a free zone to a mainland company in the UAE, YABS is here to help you. Currently, thousands of companies trade in the 3 biggest free zones. While free zone companies are an excellent starting point for businesses in the UAE, expansion often necessitates transitioning to a mainland company. This switch is crucial for business growth and success. With the right UAE national sponsor or company formation specialist, moving from a free zone to the mainland is a strategic and manageable decision.

Years of Experience

Types of Licenses offered in Dubai’s Mainland Area

Dubai is considered to be one of the most sought-after business destinations across the world. The ease of setting up a business that comes with numerous lucrative benefits is the primary reason for the continuous influx of investors and entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Professional License

This license is granted to service-oriented companies, including consultancies, law firms, accounting firms, and other service providers.

Commercial License

This license is granted to companies involved in trading activities such as import-export, wholesale and retail trading, and general trading.

Industrial License

This license is granted to companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities, such as factories, machinery shops, and other industrial businesses.

Tourism License

This license is granted to companies operating in the tourism and travel sector, including hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and other related businesses.

Easy Steps for Business Setup

Steps to Start Mainland Company Formation in Dubai Mainland

The business setup in Dubai is not so complex but it depends on business activities and the location where it is operated.

We would recommend you take the help of a business consultant or drop us a message at YABS to sort out all your queries and problems.

Choosing a business

The first and foremost step to setting up a business in Dubai Mainland is to identify the business and choose the right category for it. You can take inspiration from multiple category businesses that are thriving in Dubai right now. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the one that regulates the function of a particular company in Dubai.

DED approval

It is important to choose a business with a unique name. Make sure that the name selected for the business is not being used anywhere in Dubai at least. Once the business name is finalized and approved, you can ask for DED approval.

Apply for Trade License

After DED approval is in place, it is time to apply for Mainland license. It is important to note that such licensing is provided by DED. You need to check with a business consultant about what activities are allowed as part of the license. DED is responsible for licensing and regulating all economic activities. YABS can assist you with such type of licensing.

Get an office space

In Dubai, most of the office spaces present are owned by third party. Tenancy document, RERA documents, and EJARI need to be submitted by the owner of the business. It is to be noted that office space is not mandatory but it optimizes the business.

Prepare documents

Memorandum of Association (MoA) is one of the most important documents when setting up a business in Dubai. It marks the limitations and liberty of every stakeholder. The document should be carefully assigned and drafted as your business depends on it. This service is provided by YABS as well.

For initial approval, you will require documents like licensee's passport (if a foreigner) or Emirate ID (if an Emirati/Resident), and applicants resident permit/visa.

For public share holdings or private joint stock companies, you should have studied the feasibility of the project. For branches, you will require:

1) Parent's company board resolution to open a branch
2) Letter of authorization from the managing director
3) The parent company's commercial registration certificate
4) The parent company's MoA

For branches of free zone or foreign companies, you will require, parent company's licence copy.

Also, all the documents should be attested and legalized by the UAE Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin. This should be counter attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. The documents should be translated into Arabic and attested by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE.

Collect the license

After all the approvals and payments, you will have to collect your business license. This is the starting point of your business commercially.

Open a bank account

Once the license is in place, you need to set up a bank account for your business. The banking sector has embraced digital supremacy, and it takes only a few days to set up a corporate bank account. YABS also provides consultation services in this regard.

Types of business structures

Dubai offers a variety of business structures to suit different needs, each with its own benefits and regulatory requirements. Here’s a brief overview of the main options available for setting up a business in Dubai Mainland.

Single-person LLC

A single-person LLC is a business model setup or owned by a single person or a corporate body.

Your checklist for mainland business setup in Dubai

Setting up a business in Dubai requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. Here’s a concise checklist to guide you through the process.

Choose your business activity

Find ideal location for your business

Decide on the legal structure for your company

Secure a local sponsor or service agent

Name of your company

Apply for mainland trade license

Apply for relevant visas

Collaborate with a Business Setup Consultant

Explore Monthly Payment Plans with Selected Banks

YABS has multiple options of doing transactions with their customers. Effortlessly transform your transactions into convenient monthly payment options, utilizing our carefully curated selection of banking partners.

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Steps

Make purchase of YABS enabled services using credit card

Reach out to the banking partners to understand the process of converting your purchase into easy payment plan.

Choose the flexible payment options (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly).

PACKAGE DETAILS

0 Visa

Starting from

AED 23,000

0 Visa

Starting from

AED 23,000

DED Trade License Payment Voucher

Why YABS

01 Experience of 8 years within UAE

02 Carved out the business for 300+ entrepreneurs

03 Has a good presence in the UAE

01 100% CSAT score

02 160+ employees to help your business setup and grow

03 100% transparency in all the transactions

Our Valued Clients

CLIENTS TESTIMONIAL

What they say about us

Alex P.

YABS made our Dubai mainland business setup straightforward and hassle-free. Their expertise and dedication were evident from start to finish.

Nina S.

"The YABS team provided exceptional service in setting up our mainland business. Their knowledge of local regulations and seamless process were invaluable."

Raj K.

"We couldn't have asked for a better partner than YABS for our Dubai mainland business setup. Their professionalism and efficiency ensured a smooth experience."

Maria L.

"YABS exceeded our expectations in every aspect of our Dubai mainland business setup. Their guidance and support were top-notch."

James H.

"Choosing YABS for our mainland business setup in Dubai was a great decision. Their expertise and attention to detail made the entire process effortless."

YOUR QUESTION

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of business licenses available in Dubai Mainland?

There are three main types of business licenses in Dubai Mainland: Commercial License (for trading activities), Industrial License (for manufacturing and industrial activities), and Professional License (for service-oriented businesses).

Can a foreign investor own 100% of a business in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, as of recent regulations, foreign investors can own 100% of a business in many sectors on the Dubai Mainland, eliminating the need for a local partner in certain business activities.

How long does it take to set up a business in Dubai Mainland?

The business setup process in Dubai Mainland typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of business, required approvals, and completion of documentation.

What are the benefits of setting up a business in Dubai Mainland compared to Free Zones?

Setting up in Dubai Mainland allows businesses to trade directly within the UAE market and take on government contracts. It also offers flexibility in office locations and greater opportunities for business expansion.

What documents are required for setting up a business in Dubai Mainland?

Key documents include passport copies of shareholders and managers, a business plan, a lease agreement for office space, and initial approvals from relevant authorities. Additional documents may be required depending on the business activity and legal structure.