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Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Dubai is one of the leading business hubs in the Middle East, offering a favorable business environment and a wide range of opportunities.

Doing business in Dubai can be rewarding but requires careful planning and preparation.

Setting up a business in Dubai mainland can take several weeks to months and may require the assistance of a local sponsor or a business setup consultant. It is recommended to seek professional advice before starting the process.

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The Benefits of Company Formation in Dubai Mainland?

Business setup in Dubai mainland offers several advantages that can help businesses succeed and grow in the region.

Apart from having 100% foreign ownership of your company which was only possible when setting up a Freezone company or a professional service company in Dubai- UAE, There are several other benefits of Dubai’s mainland company formation, including:

Access to Broader Market:

A company with a business license in Dubai mainland is open to wider business opportunities to reach a broader customer worldwide.

Business-friendly Regulations:

The regulatory environment in Dubai mainland is business-friendly, making it straightforward to set up and operate a business. The Dubai Economic Department (DED) has applied several efforts to streamline starting a business.

No Restrictions on Business Activities:

Unlike some free zones in Dubai, there are no restrictions on the type of business activities that can be carried out in Dubai mainland. This allows businesses to engage in a wide range of activities without any limitations.

No Restriction on Location:

Setting up a business in Dubai mainland gives you the benefit of having a branch office anywhere in the UAE, unlike some FreeZone companies requiring an office within the Freezone jurisdiction.

Opportunity to Win Government Contracts:

Dubai is a city of never-ending projects. Unlike other types of company formation in the UAE, a mainland registered company is permitted to tender for government projects and contracts in the UAE.

What are the 4 Main Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Mainland?

Here are four types of business licenses in Dubai mainland:

Commercial License: This license is issued to businesses engaged in commercial activities such as trading, buying, or selling goods.
Professional License: This license is issued to businesses that provide professional consulting, accounting, or legal services.
Industrial License: This license is issued to businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities such as producing goods.
Tourism License: This license is issued to businesses in the tourism industry, such as travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.

Requirements For a Trade License in Dubai Mainland?

To start a business in Dubai mainland, You must obtain a business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED). Here are the general requirements for obtaining a business license in Dubai mainland:

Determine the business activity: The first step is to determine the type of business activity you wish to engage in. This will determine the type of license you need to apply for.

Choose a company name: You will need to choose a name for your company that still needs to be put in use and complies with the DED’s naming guidelines.

Find a local sponsor: If you are a foreign national or a foreign-owned company, you’ll need a local sponsor or service agent who will own 51% of the company’s shares.

Choose a location: You’ll have to choose a location for your business and obtain approval from the relevant authorities, such as the Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Civil Defense.

Apply: Once you have completed the above steps, you can submit your application to the DED. You will have to provide the following documents:

Completed application form
Copy of passport or ID of the shareholders
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor (if applicable)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) of the company
Lease agreement for the company’s premises
Payment of the required fees

Obtain approval: Once your application is submitted, the DED will review it and provide authorization if all requirements are met.

Get your license: After approval, you will receive your business license, allowing you to legally operate your business in Dubai and the UAE.

Note that the specific requirements for obtaining a business license may vary depending on the type of business activity and your business office location.

Cost of Company Formation in Dubai Mainland?

The cost of company registration in Dubai mainland varies depending on several factors, such as the type of business activity, the size of the company, the location, and the specific requirements for the business license.

How Can We Assist you in Starting a Business in Dubai Mainland?

At Corporate Business Services ( CBS), we provide hassle-free business setup services in Dubai for both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs. We’ll help you navigate the complexity of starting a business in the UAE, from going through the entire company formation process in Dubai, including finding a local service agent and getting permits and approvals.

Our expertise and experience can benefit you, save time and money and ensure that your business is set up for success.