A mainland company has the following benefits:

1. Flexibility of conducting business activities in local as well as foreign market.

2. No limit on the number of visas issued for the company.

3. Office premises can be based anywhere in mainland Dubai.

4. Accessibility and brand visibility.

5. 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.