Mainland – Emirates International

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Mainland

Local and international markets are open to mainland enterprises. Operating as a Mainland LLC Company requires a Department of Economic Development license because Mainland enterprises can do commerce in the UAE’s free zones and conduct business anywhere in the UAE.
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Under a law adopted by the UAE government in 2020, mainland enterprises may now have 100% foreign ownership. Before this legislation, foreigners had to have local sponsors who took 51% of shares and liabilities. Foreign investors can now hold 100% of their firms in particular industries, including education, agriculture, food, hospitality, etc. Please speak to our professional to make a more informed decision while choosing a company site.

Benefits

Access to UNLIMITED employment visas
100% ownership – depending on business activity
Flexibility to conduct business throughout the UAE
Access profitable government contracts

Requirements

You’ll Need a Local Sponsor

Previously International entrepreneurs in Dubai needed a local sponsor or service agency to help them establish a shop on the mainland. Using a limited liability company (LLC) for commercial or industrial purposes necessitates the involvement of a local sponsor. Any individual or business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be your local sponsor. Local sponsors own 51% of the firm, while the owner controls 49%. Regarding the professional license, all of the company's shares are owned by non-natives. To provide this help, however, they will be selecting a local service agent.

Finalize Your Ideal Location

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a physical location is required for all enterprises. A company's physical site and building must adhere to standards set by the Department of Economic Development in each emirate, as well as any additional land use restrictions imposed by the relevant municipality. There are no zoning or other restrictions to worry about for setting up a business in the UAE mainland. Many aspects, including finances and the type of business pursued, must be considered while determining the optimal location. Consider relocating to the area around the port if your business is involved in exports. Opening satellite offices in Dubai is a breeze because of the city's convenient mainland location, which means that a company might have a significant local presence in more than one area.

Your Company Name is the First Impression

Choosing a company name that successfully expresses your brand and key professional values is critical in developing a successful business. While visiting the UAE, there are some things to consider. Offensive words and phrases, religious references, and insinuations against other groups are not permitted. A company may only use a trading name that is made up of a single person's given name. An investor can register for a trading name through each emirate's economic department using its website or mobile application. Your company's trade name should be spelled phonetically rather than translated into any foreign language.

Apply for Trading License

It is appropriate to submit an application to the Department of Economic Development for a mainland trading license. Several documents must accompany an application for a business license. To mention just a few of these requirements, there is a license application, a memorandum of sponsor agreements, a percentage of ownership among all partners, and shareholder visas.

Apply for All the Visas You Need

Entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates have unlimited access to mainland visas. However, the demand for office space should be commensurate with the number of visas sought. There are certain situations when this might not be true. Domestic cleaning firms with 500+ remote workers need less office space than textile or industrial enterprises. For those who own a mainland UAE business, the ability to sponsor family members and domestic workers (housekeepers, drivers, etc.) for visas is an added perk. Foreign entrepreneurs who start a firm on the UAE mainland can get an investment visa that allows them and their families to reside and work there for three years. For a corporation to legally operate in mainland Dubai, they need at least 200 square feet of office space

Obtain an Office Space

Serviced offices on the UAE mainland are often owned and maintained by a third party and provide all of the essentials for a fast start-up. Common features include workstations, phones, internet, and a reception area with helpful staff. In most cases, the monthly rent you pay will also go toward paying for the usage of office supplies and utilities. On the other hand, there is the “shell and core” variety of office buildings. Besides the monthly rent, you’ll likely have to pay for a full fit-out and decorating. There is also a middle-ground option of pre-fitted office spaces, where utilities and equipment are split, and the business owner is responsible for their costs.

Approvals for DED and Many Other Ministries

The Department of Economic Development (DED) stamp of approval is often required. The Department of Economic Development maintains a registry of thousands of legal commercial endeavors (DED). Businesses in the retail, farming, catering, and production sectors are just a few examples. Businesses on the mainland can engage in any of the more than 2,000 activities approved by the DED, in contrast to those in free zones, where they are limited to a narrower range of options. For Dubai mainland business establishment, you will additionally require permissions from the DM (Dubai Municipality), MoL (Ministry of Labour), MoI (Ministry of Interior), Ministry of Economy, and other relevant agencies.
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