The UAE mainland is a hub for business operations, often referred to as the onshore region. It encompasses areas governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate. Businesses set up in the mainland enjoy complete freedom to operate within and beyond the UAE. With Its strategic location and business-friendly policies, the UAE mainland company formation attracts entrepreneurs from around the globe. Setting up a mainland company requires legal and compliance requirements, but with the right guidance, the process becomes seamless.
To operate the UAE mainland company formation, businesses need one of the following licenses:
Choose your business activity.
Decide on the company structure.
Reserve your trade name.
Obtain initial approval from DED.
Get your establishment card.
Secure external approvals if needed.
Obtain your trade license.
Open a corporate bank account.
Complete labour file registration.
Start the visa process for employees.
When planning a UAE mainland company formation, businesses can choose from the following options:
These allow professionals to operate in specialized fields such as consultancy or services.
A popular choice among entrepreneurs, LLCs require a minimum of two investors and can accommodate up to fifty.
Ideal for companies looking to expand their presence in Dubai, offering opportunities for growth and market penetration.
Perfect for conducting research and promotional activities without engaging in operational business.
Mainland company formation in Dubai, UAE doesn't require minimum capital investment.
The registration process is straightforward with fewer complexities.
Businesses aren't required to conduct annual audits.
Companies can be managed from any part of the UAE.
Mainland businesses face no legal restrictions on fund utilization.
Employment visas are easy to obtain and affordable.
Businesses can fully repatriate their profits and capital.
Mainland offices are easily accessible across the UAE.
At Dhanguard, we provide end-to-end support for your mainland company formation in UAE, including:
We guide you on the best legal structure and licensing options tailored to your goals.
From documentation to licensing, we handle the entire setup process.
Our team takes care of visa processing, labour contracts, and government formalities.
Our business centre offers furnished office spaces with state-of-the-art amenities.
We help you open a bank account with top UAE banks, ensuring smooth financial transactions.
Our experts assist with VAT filing, corporate tax, and other regulatory requirements.
UAE mainland company formation offers unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish a strong presence in the region's dynamic market. The strategic location, diverse business activities, and favorable policies of mainland company formation in UAE ensures unrestricted access to local and international markets. With starting costs from just AED 11,000*, we ensure a seamless journey for your mainland company formation in Dubai UAE. Contact us today at service@dhanguard.com to kickstart your business success!
Our team of specialists addresses frequently asked questions from individuals worldwide regarding establishing companies in the UAE.
The cost of mainland company formation in UAE typically starts from AED 11,000* or more, depending on factors such as the business activity, office space, number of visas, and government fees.
To start mainland company formation in UAE, you must select a business activity, choose a legal structure, reserve a trade name, get initial approval, secure a tenancy contract, and finally obtain the trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Mainland UAE company formation allows full access to the local market, the ability to trade internationally, apply for unlimited visas, and take government contracts—offering more operational freedom than free zones.
Mainland companies can operate across the UAE without restrictions, whereas free zone companies are limited to operating within their zone or internationally. Additionally, mainland companies can bid for government projects and open branches anywhere in the UAE.
Yes, as of recent reforms, many business activities in the UAE mainland now allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local Emirati sponsor.
You can set up businesses in the UAE through LLCs, Sole Proprietorships, Civil Companies, Branches of Foreign Companies, and Representative Offices as part of the mainland company formation process in the UAE.
Yes, a physical office space is mandatory for business setup in the UAE, and it must be approved by the Dubai Municipality and the DED as part of the UAE company formation process.
You typically need passport copies of shareholders, visa copies, a tenancy contract (Ejari), NOC (if applicable), trade name reservation, and initial approval from DED.
The mainland company formation in UAE usually takes 5 to 10 business days, provided all documents are in order and approvals are obtained promptly.
Mainland UAE companies are subject to a 9% corporate tax on annual profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective from June 2023.
Yes, after obtaining your trade license, you can open a corporate bank account. However, banks may have specific KYC and due diligence requirements.
Yes, you can amend your business license to add or remove activities, provided they comply with the DED regulations and approvals.
