Starting a mainland company in Dubai not only benefits you with a wide scope for business but also facilitates expansion by allowing you to set up branches across different locations. Furthermore, as a result of the amendments to the Commercial Companies Law (CCL), most business activities can now be conducted with 100% foreign ownership.
Here are some key reasons to choose Dubai as your business destination.
3 simple steps for mainland business setup in Dubai:
Receive our customized quote and consultation.
Have your company incorporated.
Receive your Dubai mainland license and get started.
Customized pricing tailored to your unique business requirements.
Here’s the detailed process for your Dubai mainland company setup and visa issuance:
Company Formation
Trade name reservation
Your trade name must be registered at the Department of Economic Development (DED) – the governing authority for mainland business setup in Dubai.
Initial approval
An approval must be obtained from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs. Following that, the DED will provide its initial approval.
MoA and LSA agreement preparation
A Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement will be prepared depending on the corporate structure of your company.
Rental agreement issuance
A rental agreement is necessary for obtaining the business license and is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
External approvals
Depending on the business activity you plan to undertake, you may require additional approvals from other government authorities.
Document submission
Once the above steps are complete, you are required to submit the relevant documents to DED along with the application.
License issuance
Your business license will be issued by the DED.
Visa Issuance
Establishment card application and issuance
We will apply for and obtain your company establishment card.
E-visa application and issuance
We will apply for your e-visa and provide it to you once issued.
UAE entry or in-country change of status
If you are overseas, you may enter the UAE using the e-visa provided by us. Your e-visa will be stamped at the airport, and you need to share this stamped copy with us. In case you are already in the UAE, we will process a change of status for you. However, please note that depending on the specifics of your situation, you may be required to exit and re-enter the UAE, and this will be determined by the immigration authorities on a case-by-case basis.
Medical test
We will arrange for your medical test at an approved medical facility. As part of this procedure, you will undergo a blood test and chest x-ray.
Biometrics
Your fingerprints, photographs, and signatures will be collected. We will assist you with this process as well.
Health insurance
You must obtain a health insurance coverage since it is necessary for visa issuance in Dubai. If you'd like, we can get you a basic health insurance policy.
Visa approval
The immigration department will review and approve your visa application.
Emirates ID issuance
Your Emirates ID will be issued.
The following documents are required during the submission of your mainland business license application:
The Department of Economic Development (DED) issues three (3) types of mainland licenses in Dubai.
A commercial license is issued mainly for business activities involving the import/export of goods either within the UAE or overseas.
A professional license is required for businesses owned by individuals who offer specialised services based on their expertise. Acquiring such a license may require demonstration of the relevant business activity-related skills.
Any mainland company in Dubai looking to undertake industrial activities like manufacturing, assembly, and processing needs to procure an industrial license.
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We work closely with the following banks for opening bank accounts for our clients.
all thanks to Dubai’s business-supportive environment!
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about business setup in Dubai mainland.
| Transport | Road and Transport Authority (RTA) |
| HR/Recruitment | Ministry of Labour (MoL) |
| Banks & Finance | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Travel & Tourism | Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) |
| Media & Publishing | National Media Council |
We can help you with the processes in the following government departments.
