Mainland company setup in the UAE offers entrepreneurs, investors and businesses the flexibility to establish and grow their operations across the Emirates. Whether you are planning a mainland business setup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or Ajman, choosing the right business activity and trade licence is essential for a smooth registration process.
A mainland company, also known as an onshore company, is licensed by the relevant emirate’s authority and can conduct its approved business activities in accordance with UAE regulations. Unlike a free zone company, a mainland business can generally serve customers across the UAE, subject to its licence, activity and applicable regulatory requirements.
At Tawakal Services, we assist entrepreneurs and investors with mainland company setup, business registration, trade licences, documentation and relevant government approvals. From selecting the appropriate legal structure to understanding your setup requirements and costs, our team helps simplify the process of establishing your business in the UAE.
We will reserve your trade name and obtain the initial approval required for the issuance of license
We prepare and the shareholders sign Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association and all other company documents.
You receive your company license to start activity
Establish your business with greater flexibility and access to opportunities across the Emirates. Mainland business setup offers entrepreneurs and investors a practical foundation for building, operating and growing their businesses in the UAE.
A mainland trade licence allows your business to serve customers across the UAE within its approved activities and applicable regulations. Build your presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and other Emirates as permitted.
Many mainland business activities permit 100% foreign ownership, making company formation attractive to international entrepreneurs and investors. Requirements depend on the activity and applicable regulations.
Choose from eligible commercial, professional, industrial and other licensed activities. Selecting the right business activity helps align your mainland company setup with your services, products and long-term objectives.
Mainland companies may pursue private-sector contracts and eligible government opportunities, subject to procurement rules, activity approvals and the relevant eligibility requirements.
Develop your operations, reach new customers and explore growth opportunities as your business evolves. Depending on your requirements, you can also explore staffing, premises and additional licensed activities.
Get guidance with business activity selection, company registration, trade licensing and relevant documentation. Tawakal Services helps you understand the process and requirements for establishing your UAE mainland company.
Let Tawakal Services guide you through your mainland business setup requirements, licensing options and registration process. Speak with our team today.
Mainland licensing, ownership conditions and operating permissions depend on the relevant Emirate, business activity and applicable regulations.
A mainland company has the following benefits:
Flexibility of conducting business activities in local as well as foreign market.
No limit on the number of visas issued for the company.
Office premises can be based anywhere in mainland Dubai.
Accessibility and brand visibility.
Access to government tenders as government departments typically do not conduct business with free zone companies.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for issuing licenses to all legal entities in mainland Dubai. Law no. 13 of 2011 expressly stipulates that the DED is responsible for the regulation of economic activities for all businesses outside the free zones. The DED was established with the aim of ensuring economic growth and effective implementation of relevant policies in the emirate of Dubai. The DED works towards achieving government’s vision of expansion and development of various economic sectors.
We work closely with the DED in furtherance of the economic goal set by the government. We provide hassle-free corporate services by simplifying the process of business set-up in Dubai.
Commercial License:
A commercial license is issued in the form of a limited liability company (LLC) for carrying out any commercial activity in Dubai. It is the most widely used commercial entity.
The LLC is required to have a provision of 51% ownership of a UAE national (local sponsor) and 49% of the shares may be owned by the foreign shareholder. The interest of the foreign shareholder may be protected by signing side agreements with details of profit percentages, administrative powers and decision-making. We have developed strong relationships with strong and reliable local sponsors that ensure smooth company operations for our clients.
Professional License:
A professional license is typically issued for services, skills, and expertise of the individual(s) conducting the business. The company form can either be a sole establishment or an LLC. A foreign national can establish the sole establishment under his/her own name, with the exception of some activities. As the sole establishment is essentially a single shareholder entity, it is not required to have a local sponsor as a shareholder. Instead, the sole establishment is required to have a UAE national as a local service agent.
Branch Office:
A branch office license is a legal extension of a local or a foreign company. It does not have any separate legal personality and can only be permitted to carry out the business activity of the parent company. A special approval is required from the UAE Ministry of Economy for setting up a branch office. A UAE national is required to be appointed as local service agent for a branch office.
Representative Office:
A representative office is primarily set-up to only promote the business and expand the accessibility of the parent company. The appointment of a UAE national as local service agent is a mandatory requirement.
Base your business in any Emirate of your choice. Unlimited Visas. No minimum capital required.
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