Setting up business
Forming a
mainland company in UAE Abudhabi Ajman Sharjah
with ScaleX Business
We handle everything, ensuring a smooth, and stress-free business setup and operations.
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Expert consultation
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Great pricing
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Visa assitance
Get a free quote to setup
What is a Mainland company in the United Arab Emirates ?
A mainland company in UAE, also known as an "onshore" company, is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of a specific Emirate. This license grants any business the flexibility to operate throughout the UAE, making it one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs.
Mainland companies enjoy the freedom to trade within the local UAE market and with international markets, making them ideal for businesses looking for comprehensive access and growth potential in the region.
There are no restrictions to a mainland company unless it deals in a regulated or licensed activity category.
Pricing
Start Your Business in the UAE – Choose Your Ideal Location
Find the perfect business environment for your needs – from Dubai’s global hub to Ras Al Khaimah’s cost efficiency.
Ras Al Khaimah
Quick licensing & smooth approval processes.
- Free Business Setup Consultation
- Free Zone LLC or Subsidiary
- Dedicated Corporate Advisor
- UAE Investor Visa
- 1 Shareholder
- 1 Activity
- Combine General Trade + E-Commerce
- Co-Working Facilities
- Package Upgrades
- * License fee will differ on your business activity.
🚀 Most popular 🚀
Dubai
Flexible freelance permits and 100% foreign ownership in free zones.
- Free Business Setup Consultation
- Professional Trade License
- Dedicated Corporate Advisor
- Name + Initial Approvals
- UAE Investor Visa
- Office Space Usage
- Banking Assistance
- Free Tax Consultation
- * License fee will differ on your business activity.
Ajman
Budget-friendly visas without the premium costs of larger emirates.
- Free Business Setup Consultation
- Security Approval
- Trade License Fees
- Dedicated Corporate Advisor
- Registration Fees
- UAE Service Agent
- Company Stamp
- Complete Documentation
- *License fee will differ on business activity and excludes – Office Space, Visa Cost, Market Fees, Municipality Fees, Foreign Trade Name, Sewa Deposit.
Foreign ownership & restrictions
Most business activities support 100% foreign ownership; however, some strategic sectors and activities require an Emirati partner to establish a business.
Special and Specific approvals
Before setting up your company, confirm whether your proposed activities require any specific approvals. If they do, make sure you can secure these approvals and comply with the necessary conditions.
For Resident Indians
RBI - ODI Compliances for Indian founders & businesses
The Reserve Bank of India has put forth guidelines for foreign investments from India via FEMA regulations, 2022. Being a tax resident in India, an Individual/a body corporate must abide by this regulation while setting a business outside the country. ScaleX Business with its team of expert consultants and advisors can help you navigate and be compliant with these regulations.
Business Setup Process
Steps to set up a Main land company in the UAE
Here’s a step-by-step timeline to guide you through setting up a mainland company in the Mainland UAE. From securing approvals to finalizing your trade license, this process will help you establish your business smoothly and efficiently.
01.
Very important
Check if you are allowed to setup a business abroad
Certain countries have restricted or has kept complex reporting mechanisms to control and to keep in check foreign investments made by its residents. Being a founder setting up abroad, you have to have full knowledge that you are complying to those home jurisdictional compliances while setting up in the UAE.
Note: Certain countries prevent setting up a foreign company and or impose hefty penalties for violation.
02.
Business Activity Selection
The first step is to choose the right business activity from the list provided by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
Note: There is an option of dual licensing as well.
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Occupational License
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Tourism License
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Industrial License
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Commercial License
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Agricultural License
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Professional License
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E-Trader license
02.
Determine your company’s legal structure
Selecting the right legal structure defines your business’s operations and liabilities. Key options in the UAE include:
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Sole Establishment
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Limited Liability Company (LLC)
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Branch of a Foreign Company
03.
Register the trade name
The trade name must reflect the nature of your business and must be unique. It must include an abbreviation of the legal structure, like LLC, PJSC, etc. The name should not include any offensive language, references to government bodies, or previously registered names. The trade name must be approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Ministry of Economy.
04.
Apply for initial approval
Finally, with client approval, we orchestrate the official launch, closely monitoring and fine-tuning performance post-launch to ensure continued success.
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Purpose: The initial approval is a ‘no objection’ certificate that allows you to proceed with setting up your business.
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Limitations: This approval does not allow you to start your business operations; it's only a preliminary step.
05.
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement
Depending on set up or structure you have chosen, you will need to draft an MoA or LSA.
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MOA Required for LLCs, PJSCs, and other companies with multiple shareholders; outlines the company’s objectives, capital, and operational guidelines.
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LSA For sole establishments owned by foreigners; an LSA agreement appoints a UAE national as a service agent.
06.
Choose Your Business Location
Every business must have a physical location in the UAE. The address must comply with local zoning regulations and must be registered through the Ejari portal in Dubai.
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Lease Agreement: A registered tenancy contract is required, which will be linked to your trade license.
07.
Obtain Additional Government Approvals
Depending on your business activity, you may need additional approvals from relevant government bodies.
Eg: An approval from Health Department: For healthcare-related businesses.
08.
Submit Required Documents
Documents like 'Initial approval receipt, Copies of the trade name registration, Lease contract, MOA or LSA agreement' are needed to be submitted for an approval.
Additionally, approvals from government entities, if applicable.
09.
Pay Fees and Collect License
Fees vary depending on the type of license, business activity, and legal structure. Once all fees are paid, you can collect your business license from the DED’s service centers or online portals.
10.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Your company must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce in the emirate where it’s established. This registration is necessary for various business activities and official matters.
11.
Start operations
Once all the steps are complete, you may start operations in your newly incorporated mainland company.
Key features
Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in the UAE
Here are 6 key factors that can help you in your decision making process in setting up a mainland UAE business.
Government Contracts
Mainland companies can bid for lucrative government contracts, unlike Free Zone entities.
Frequently asked questions
Mainland Company Setup: Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about setting up a mainland company in the UAE, covering everything from licensing requirements to operational guidelines and costs.
Yes, a mainland license allows you to conduct business across the UAE, unlike Free Zone licenses which restrict operations to within the Free Zone.
The main documents include a trade name registration certificate, initial approval, MOA or LSA agreement, tenancy contract, and additional government approvals if applicable.
The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the business activity and the time required to obtain necessary approvals.
While mainland companies can engage in a wide range of activities, some specific sectors may require additional government approvals or have restrictions.
Mainland companies must renew their trade license annually, maintain proper accounting records, and comply with any sector-specific regulations.
