Company Setup in Dubai

If you're looking to start a business in the UAE, you have two great options: setting up a company in a free zone or establishing a Mainland company. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Dubai Mainland company formation and its advantages. A Dubai Mainland company is an onshore business that typically requires a 51% local partner for commercial licenses. However, if you're opting for a Professional license, you can enjoy 100% ownership.

How To Setup A Company in Dubai, UAE?

Setting up a company in Dubai is a simple and efficient process. If you’re looking to run a commercial business, Dubai Mainland is the ideal location, officially designated by the Dubai Economic Department (DED).

It offers fantastic opportunities for private businesses and their representatives. Take advantage of the UAE’s strong economy and establish a business that meets world-class standards.

Services

Table Of Content

This article will provide you with detailed information on how to set up a company in Dubai.

Mainland in the UAE allows foreign investors to establish businesses in partnership with UAE nationals or companies. In contrast, free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, though with certain limitations.

Mainland companies gain access to the local market and a larger workforce, while free zones provide benefits like tax exemptions, customs duty breaks, and a streamlined registration process. When deciding between mainland and free zone, it’s essential to consider your business’s unique needs and goals.

Dubai Mainland companies offer numerous benefits that many aren’t aware of, giving foreign investors a real edge.

Even if you own just 49% of the business, you can still enjoy 100% of the profits through a corporate sponsorship. It’s an incredible opportunity to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic markets!

Corporate Sponsor

  • Enjoy no personal tax and no corporate tax.

Business Flexibility

  • A Mainland company can trade with any business across the UAE, offering a broad scope of business opportunities and industries.

  • Unlike Free Zones, Mainland companies have the freedom to establish their business anywhere in the UAE, opening doors to all markets and enabling multiple branches to strengthen your presence.

Government Opportunities

  • Gain access to lucrative government contracts and work opportunities.

Employee Benefits

  • Easily sponsor work visas for employees.

Partnership Flexibility

  • You can choose either an individual or a corporation as your business partner.

Financial Freedom

  • Enjoy 100% repatriation of capital and profits.

Hassle-Free Operations

  • Simplified yearly audits and an easy, streamlined registration process make doing business a breeze.

At Gulliver Documents Clearing, we’re here to help you secure a corporate sponsor and obtain a valid license for your business in the UAE.

Navigating the regulations and procedures for securing a commercial, industrial, or professional license can be tricky, but with our expertise, we make the process smooth and hassle-free.

The Dubai visa and business registration process is straightforward, but having the right expertise makes all the difference. Choosing the right platform for setting up your mainland company in Dubai is crucial.

An authorized registration agent or business consultant can steer you in the right direction. At EBMS, we offer a full suite of services to support your business setup and ongoing operations. Let us make your journey seamless and successful!

Dubai Mainland is the heart of Dubai’s business landscape, governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), which oversees the issuance of business licenses. While obtaining a business license in Dubai Mainland can seem complex, it’s crucial to have a valid license to operate legally in the city.

Commercial License in Dubai

A commercial license is the most popular license type in Dubai Mainland, granting you the ability to engage in activities like trading, import-export, and general trading. To secure a commercial license, you’ll need a physical office space in Dubai Mainland.

Industrial License in Dubai

An industrial license is essential for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial activities. Like the commercial license, obtaining this license requires a physical office space in Dubai Mainland.

Professional License in Dubai

For individuals or companies offering professional services such as consulting, legal, accounting, and engineering, a professional license is necessary. A physical office in Dubai Mainland is also required for this license.

Why Set Up a Business in Dubai Mainland?

  • No Minimum Capital Requirement: Setting up a Mainland company doesn’t require a minimum capital investment, making it more accessible.

  • Unlimited Business Opportunities: Unlike free zone companies that are restricted to specific industries, Mainland businesses can explore a wide range of activities and tap into the full potential of the UAE economy.

  • Flexibility in Location: Mainland companies have the freedom to choose their office location anywhere in Dubai, offering access to local markets and enabling the establishment of multiple branches for greater expansion.

  • 100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits: Enjoy full ownership of your profits, with no restrictions on repatriation.

  • Tax Exemption: Mainland businesses benefit from being exempt from corporate tax.

  • Prestigious Business Centres: Access to high-end business centres, flexible office spaces, and meeting rooms, allowing your company to present a professional image.

Setting up a Dubai Mainland company offers the ultimate flexibility and opportunities for growth in one of the world’s most dynamic markets!

A Mainland company needs a bank account to handle transactions and manage financial matters effectively. Whether you’re running a buying/selling business or any other type, opening a bank account for a Mainland company can be tricky. This is where expert assistance comes in handy to guide you through the process smoothly. Banks in the UAE are known for their reliability, making them an excellent choice for your business needs.

Benefits of Opening a Bank Account in the UAE:

  • Efficient Resource Management: Streamline the management of your business finances.

  • Business Growth: Facilitates the productive growth of your company.

  • Simplified Financial Management: Easily manage and track your business transactions.

Requirements to Open a Business Bank Account in Dubai & UAE:

For Personal Bank Account:

  • Bank Reference Letter

  • Clear Passport Copy

  • Latest Paid Utility Bill

  • Personal Bank Statement (last 6 months)

For Business Bank Account:

  • Business Profile of the Candidate/Owner

  • Tenancy Contract (to prove office space)

  • Trade License (mandatory for trade company accounts)

  • Passport Copy of Shareholder(s)

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • Company Website

If gathering these documents seems overwhelming, don’t worry! At Gulliver, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. We offer a full range of services—from company registration to getting your business fully operational, including opening your bank account. Let us help you take the stress out of starting your business and make the process easy and efficient with our expert support!

Setting up a Mainland company in Dubai isn’t a walk in the park—it requires careful planning and expert guidance. At Gulliver, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you have all the necessary documentation to successfully establish your Mainland company.

The first step is to register your company’s name, and from there, we’ll support you with the entire documentation process. With a one-time fee that’s valid for one year, we’ll assist you in obtaining your trade name registration, securing initial approval, and handling your lease agreement. Plus, we offer a virtual office address to make the process even smoother!

What You Need to Know:

  • Documents Required:
  • Passport & Visa Copies: Both the company manager and shareholder will need to provide passport copies.
  • Manager’s Resume: The manager must submit a resume along with personal information from both the shareholder and manager.
  • Documents You’ll Receive After Company Setup:
  • Trade License: Issued by the Dubai Economic Department.
  • MOA (Memorandum of Association): Attested by a notary.
  • Lease Agreement: We provide a virtual office address, also known as Ejari, to get your business up and running.

At Gulliver, we specialize in making business formation easy and hassle-free. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large enterprise, we offer comprehensive services to get your business registered and operational in Dubai.

Business Setup Consultants in Dubai
No matter where you’re from, we’re here to help you establish and grow your business in the UAE’s vibrant market. We also assist with opening bank accounts in leading UAE banks, providing all the support you need to smoothly activate your Mainland company. Open multiple accounts if needed for seamless business operations.

Let Gulliver take the stress out of setting up your Mainland company and help you navigate the entire process with ease!

- We Offer Business Setup Services all over the UAE
Why Choose us?

Get a quote

Providing you Free expert consultation to determine the most suitable business structure .

Best Price

We are offering best prices and best services for our clients

No Hidden Charges

Our Repairing Process is designed to address issues quickly.

Fast Service

We are available 24/7 to provide you the best services in town. We are just a call away so contact us for all your queries.

Testimonials
Customer Praise and Recommendations

Our customers praise our services for their exceptional quality and reliability. Their recommendations speak to our dedication in consistently exceeding expectations and delivering top-notch results. We take pride in their satisfaction.

Gulliver Documents Clearing made starting my business in the UAE a breeze. They handled all the paperwork and legalities efficiently, letting me focus on my business. Highly recommended!

John M., Entrepreneur

Gulliver helped me secure a trustworthy local sponsor. Their guidance made the process simple and stress-free. Great service!

Joshua Lane Founder & CEO of XpeedStudio

The team at Gulliver made my Golden Visa application seamless. They took care of everything, ensuring a quick and smooth process. I highly recommend them!

Sarah L., Investor

Gulliver’s virtual office service provided a prestigious address and excellent support. Perfect for freelancers or small businesses!.

Ahmed K., Business Owner

Renewing my trade license with Gulliver was effortless. They handled everything on time and with precision. Highly reliable!

Laura .P Business Owner

Gulliver made Freezone company formation easy and quick. Their expertise in regulations was invaluable. Highly recommend!

Sunil Freezone Company Formation

We Work Closely With Government Entities

Get a Free Consultation

Let’s Connect & Grow

Please fill out the form to receive free consultation from one of our business setup advisors within 24 hours.

Contact Form Demo

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers of most your common queries regarding our companyand services to get a smooth start.

The cost of starting a business in Dubai varies depending on the type of business and its Jurisdiction. For example, setting up a business in a free zone starts from AED12500 & setting up a Mainland company cost starts from AED11,999. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around AED 11,999-50,000 to start a business in Dubai.

There are many businesses you could start in Dubai, but it really depends on your interests and skills. If you’re good with numbers and have an interest in fashion, you could open a boutique. If you’re a people person and enjoy customer service, you could open a restaurant. If you are good in IT Services you can start your IT Services Business or incase if you are good in trading you can start General trading Business. There are endless possibilities, so it really just depends on what you’re passionate about.

There are a few things you need to do in order to set up your business in Dubai:

– First, you need to choose the type of business you want to set up.
– Next, you need to get all the necessary licenses and permits from the relevant authorities.
– Once you have all the required documents, you need to find a suitable location for your business.
– Finally, you need to register your company with the Immigration & Labor Department for Investor & Employee Visas

The process of business setup in Dubai is relatively simple. First, you need to choose a business activity and obtain the necessary licenses and approvals from the relevant authorities. Next, you need to find a suitable location for your business and set up your office or shop. Finally, you need to register your business with the Immigration & Labor Department for Your Investor & Employee Visas.

Yes, it is easy to start a business in Dubai. The city has a very business-friendly environment and there are many resources available to help entrepreneurs get started.

There are a few things you need to do in order to start a business in Dubai. First, you need to choose the type of business you want to start. Then, you need to get a business license from the Department of Economic Development. Finally, you need to find a suitable location for your business or you can even get instant license with Virtual address.

Yes, Dubai is a good place to invest in business. The city has a strong economy and is constantly growing, which provides opportunities for businesses to thrive. Additionally, the city is home to a large number of expatriates, which creates a market for businesses that cater to this population.

There are a few requirements that you must meet in order to get a residence visa in Dubai. First, you must have a valid passport and a valid UAE entry visa. Second, you must have a job offer from a UAE-based company or be employed by a UAE-based company. Furthermore you can register a company one of Freezone or Dubai Mainland and apply for Investor Visa. Finally, you must have medical insurance that covers you for at least one year.

There are a few requirements that you must meet in order to get a residence visa in Dubai. First, you must have a valid passport and a valid UAE entry visa. Second, you must have a job offer from a UAE-based company or be employed by a UAE-based company. Furthermore you can register a company one of Freezone or Dubai Mainland and apply for Investor Visa. Finally, you must have medical insurance that covers you for at least one year.

Yes, it is possible for foreign investors to own 100% Shares of business in Dubai Mainland and Dubai Freezones. There are a number of ways to set up a business in Dubai, and foreign investors are welcome to do so. There are many benefits to setting up a business in Dubai, including the city’s pro-business environment, its strategic location, and its tax-free status.

Dubai UAE banks allow only nonresidents to open a Savings Account rather than a Current Account. However, nonresidents do not receive a checkbook; a debit card will be issued to nonresidents so they could withdraw the funds. As a non resident, the balance will be minimal or maximum.

It is not yet possible to apply for a permanent visa in Dubai. You will receive a residency visa in Dubai in quite a few types there. First If you are starting a company or setting up a business in UAE, you can get a 2-year Investor residence visa, which can be extended for another 2 Years. Furthermore there are options for 10 years Golden Visa conditional you own AED2 Million Property in Dubai.

Select the name of your business and legal structure with care. Comply with all activities to be included on the business license (maximum 10 per license). Submit the formal form for initial approval for your license.

The Cheapest Free zones are located outside Dubai such as Sharjah ( Shams Freezone & SPC Freezone, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ Freezone) and Fujairah (Creative City Fujairah)  offer products for the best prices. Such free zones also issue the most visas.

In the business world, the term “free zone” has a few different meanings. Most commonly, a free zone is an area where businesses can operate without having to pay taxes or tariffs. This type of free zone is typically found in developing countries that are trying to attract foreign investment.

Another common meaning of free zone is a trade area where goods can be imported and exported without being subject to customs duties. These zones are usually located near ports or airports and are intended to facilitate international trade.

Finally, the term free zone can also refer to a special economic zone that offers incentives for businesses to locate there, such as lower taxes or relaxed regulations. These zones are often established in areas that are struggling economically in an effort to spur development and create jobs.