Dubai is the chosen city and preferred destination for entrepreneurs who want to expand their business. Incorporating a company in Dubai Mainland gives freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. This means that it gives flexibility and more opportunities for business growth and expansion.

Hence, starting a business on the mainland requires a proper and clear understanding of procedures and steps. The below are the most important and essential steps of Dubai Mainland company registration and setup.

• Business Activity: The first step to open a company is to determine the business activity that you want to incorporate. Whether trading such foodstuff or doing trading-related activities, coffeeshops, beauty salons, clinics…etc. Once the activity is chosen, you have to find out if the chosen activity is regulated and requires external approval. Example: building contracting activities are subject to Dubai Municipality approvals; Gold Trading Company setup requires approval from SIR, which is the Security Industry and Regulatory Authority.
• Determine the Legal Structure: The legal structure depends on the business type and number of shareholders. For instance, Limited Liability Company (Single Owner): This is applicable only if there is 1 shareholder only. If there are more than 2 shareholders, the legal structure should be a limited liability company. Besides, there is the Sole Establishment legal structure, but it requires an Emarati Service Agent. Furthermore, there are some other legal structures, such as Corporate Shareholder, Civil Company, Branch of Foreign Company, and others.
• Reserve Trade Name: Get a distinctive and unique name for your business. The name should follow the names rules and guidelines as per the licensing authority (DET: Dubai Economy & Tourism Department).
• Initial Approval: This is the backbone and important process that confirms the company incorporation. This means that the Department of Economy and the Dubai Government have no objection to starting your business in Dubai Mainland.
• External Approvals: Some activities are controlled and regulated by different departments or authorities. These approvals can be after the initial approval or after the license issuance.
• Business Address: Mainland Companies require a physical location and a lease agreement (Ejari) approved by the Dubai Land Department and Dubai Municipality.
• MOA Signature: It is the official document that covers the company shareholding percentage, banking authorities, management, and the manager’s authorities, such as representing the company in the government, registering cars under the company, etc.
• Document Submission: The final step is to submit all the documents: Initial Approval Certificate, Trade Name Certificate, Ejari, and shareholders’ personal identification documents. Once the documents are submitted, you will get the payment voucher to proceed with the payment and issue the trade license.
• Apply for Investor Visa and Business Bank Account: Once the company is finally incorporated, you may proceed with the investor visa application and business bank account opening.

What is the cost of a Dubai Mainland business setup?

There are many factors that can help to determine the trade license cost, such as business activity, company capital, the company name if it is English/Arabic, and the lease agreement. Generally, the trade license in Dubai Mainland can be estimated as below:

• Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval: 231 AED.
• Initial Approval Certificate and Trade Name Certificate: 780 AED
• MOA & License issuance: 340 AED.
• 18000 AED. But there are still some activities that can cost more due to extra activity fees. Example: General Trading Activity 10000 AED called activity fees.

Other costs that should be borne and taken into consideration:

• Company Establishment Card: Company Immigration Card.
• Labor File Opening.
• Investor Visa Fees.
• Employee Visa Fees.

Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai Mainland:

• 100% Foreign Ownership.
• Operate anywhere in Dubai.
• Logistics Facilities.
• Unlimited Visa Quota based on business activity and Office Space.

Simply, setting up a company in Dubai Mainland is a good step to establish and expand your business in the UAE market. Partnering with an expert business setup consultant is a good way to establish your business smoothly. This also helps to avoid any mistakes, save time, and stay compliant with government rules and regulations.

If you need end-to-end support with approvals, documentation, and license processing, explore our Mainland Business Setup Services in Dubai.

If you are planning to start your business journey in Dubai Mainland, you can contact us: Assertive Zone is a leading business setup consultancy that can help you navigate the entire process.

inquire@assertivezone.ae /  ‪+971506129267 

Also, if you’re comparing business structures, check out our Free Zone Business Setup Services to understand costs, benefits, and requirements.