Business Setup In Mainland
How to Setup a Company In Mainland?
Key Benefits of Business Setup Dubai Mainland
Business Activities for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Types of legal forms in Dubai Mainland
Limited liability Company for single owners
Civil partnership company
Limited Liability Company
Branch setup
Represntative office
Essential Documents for Business Setup In Mainland
Establishing a mainland company formation in dubai involves adhering to specific legal procedures, including preparing the necessary documentation. Below is a comprehensive list of the essential documents required:
Passport Copies
- Identity Verification: Confirms the identity of the business owner and stakeholders.
- Legal Compliance: Necessary for obtaining the trade license and company registration.
- Visa Applications: Integral for processing residence permits associated with the business.
Visa Copy for Business Setup in Mainland Dubai
- UAE Residence Visa: For this visa type, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required from the current holder.
- Tourist Visa:A copy of the visit visa is necessary for company registration.
- Cancel Visa:Provide a copy of the cancelled visa as proof of previous residency.
- On Arrival Visa:Typically required for British nationals and those from the USA, UK, and other eligible countries. Submit a copy of the on-arrival visa.
- Golden Visa:No NOC is required. Only a copy of the Golden Visa is needed.
Additional Documents for Mainland Company Formation
- Business Plan: A business plan is not mandatory for all activities but is required for specific sectors regulated by authorities such as the Ministry of Health and KHDA (Dubai Health Authority), especially when setting up a pharmacy, educational institute, or related business.
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Additional Documents:
Certain business activities may also require the following:
- Military Trade: Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate
- Education Institute Setup: Resume and Education Certificate
- Chemical Activity: Goods Standard Certificate and Personal Profile
- Sports Academy Setup: Resume and Personal Profile
Proposed Company Name for Mainland Business Setup
- A unique company name is mandatory according to government regulations.
- The proposed name must be checked for availability and approved by relevant authorities.
Cost of Business Setup In Mainland
Business Setup In Mainland Services include:
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Setup In Mainland
Start by selecting a DED-approved activity (wholesale, IT services, F&B) and choosing your legal structure under the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Reserve your trade name via the DED portal, then submit your trade license application with a notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA), ICA-attested passport/visa copies, and Ejari tenancy contract. Once the Dubai mainland trade licence is issued, finalize PRO services to handle visa stamping and government liaison.
Mainland business setup owners can opt for an LLC (Limited Liability Company)Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch Office. Each falls under the Department of Economic Development (DED) and has distinct shareholding, liability, and VAT registration requirements with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
Under the recent UAE Commercial Companies Law, you can obtain 100% foreign ownership in most mainland activities—no local sponsor required. However, certain professional licences may still mandate a local service agent to comply with DED regulations.
Typical turnaround is 5–10 working days if all documents (MOA, Ejari lease, ICA-attested passport/visa copies) are ready. Complex activities regulated by DHA or KHDA (health, education) may extend processing by an additional 3–5 days.
- Flexi-desk: 1–3 visas
- Small office: 3–5 visas
- Commercial showroom: 5+ visas Additional visas require higher office square footage, per DED and ICA guidelines.
Yes—an Ejari tenancy contract is required for visa quotas and licence activation. You can choose a flexi-desk, private office, or commercial showroom in any approved Dubai zone (Business Bay, Deira, JLT).
- ICA-attested passport copies
- Valid residence visa/entry permit copies
- Detailed business plan (for DHA/KHDA-regulated activities)
- Goods Standard & Good Standing certificates (if applicable)
- DED trade name approval certificate
- Notarized MOA and Ejari contract for visa registration
Yes, a Dubai mainland company can trade internationally outside the UAE. Mainland companies, registered under the Department of Economic Development (DED), are permitted to engage in import and export activities, as well as conduct business with international markets, provided they comply with UAE regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits for specific goods or services. For certain industries, additional approvals from relevant authorities may be required, and compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, and tax obligations in both the UAE and the destination country is essential. Consulting with a legal or business setup expert in Dubai is advisable to ensure all requirements are met.
