BUSINESS SETUP
MAINLAND
Consultancy, Marketing, Trading, Restaurant, Real Estate, Salon, etc.
Mainland
You can do business anywhere inside the UAE and internationally. You often need a local service agent or partner (depending on the business activity)
Free Zone
100% foreign ownership allowed, easy setup, tax benefits, but you usually can’t directly trade in the UAE market unless through a distributor.
Offshore
Mostly for international business; no physical office required inside UAE; used for holding companies, international trading, or asset protection.
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai (UAE)
Mainland company formation in Dubai is one of the most popular ways for entrepreneurs and businesses to enter the UAE market. A mainland company refers to a business that is registered under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai and is allowed to operate both within the UAE and internationally without any restrictions.
Steps to Form a Mainland Company in Dubai
Choose the Business Activity
- Select the type of business you wish to conduct, as this affects licensing and ownership regulation
Reserve a Company Name
- Choose a unique and compliant trade name through Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism
Apply for Initial Approval
- Obtain initial approval from DET to ensure the business activity is permitted.
Draft the MOA (Memorandum of Association)
- If needed, especially if there is a local partner or agent.
Lease an Office Space
- A physical office address is mandatory. Ejari (tenancy contract) registration is required.
Obtain Approvals from Relevant Authorities
- Certain activities might need additional approvals (e.g., health, education, food businesses
Submit Documents and Get the Business License
- Once all documents are ready, submit them to DET to obtain the mainland trade license
Visa Processing
- After the company is registered, you can apply for investor visas, employee visas, and dependent visas
Common Types of Mainland Licenses:
- Commercial License – for trading businesses
A Commercial License is issued to companies engaged in trading activities — buying and selling goods, commodities, and services. It’s one of the most commonly issued licenses in Dubai for businesses looking to operate either within the UAE or internationally
- Professional License – for service-oriented activities
A Professional License is issued to individuals or companies that provide service-oriented, skilled, or consultancy-based activities.
It is ideal for those whose work depends on intellectual ability, talent, or craftsmanship rather than trading physical goods.
- Industrial License – for manufacturing or industrial activities
An Industrial License is required for businesses that manufacture, produce, fabricate, or process goods and products.
This license is issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) but typically also requires special approvals from the Dubai Municipality and sometimes other government bodies, depending on the type of manufacturin
- Tourism License – for travel and tourism-related businesses
A Tourism License is required for businesses operating in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
It is issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and regulated by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Benefits of Setting up a Mainland Company:
- Bid for UAE government contracts
- Unlimited visas depending on office size
- No restrictions on business activities
- Easier to open corporate bank accounts
- Greater credibility with clients inside the UAE
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- Al Rigga Business Center - Office No. 06, Noor Almatar
- Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Office Hours
- Mon- Sat: 9am- 6pm
- Sunday : Off
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Al Rigga Business Center – Office No. 06, Noor Almatar Business Center
- Email: info@elevate-group.net
- Phone: +971 58 688 7712
- Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday: Off
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