Dreaming of starting a Business in Dubai global hub? Dubai Mainland offers unmatched flexibility for entrepreneurs and businesses, allowing to trade freely across UAE and internationally. With 100% foreign ownership permitted for most sectors since 2021, and with streamlined licensing by the Department of Economic Development (DED), setting up business in Dubai has never been this easier before.
In a Hurry to Know how to start Business in Dubai Mainland in 2025? Follow these steps:
- Select Business Activity
- Approve Trade Name
- Obtain Business License
- Open Bank Account
- Process Visas
Read on to Start your first Dubai Mainland business with today!
Why Start Business on The Mainland Instead of The Free Zone?
There are several advantages to choosing the Mainland over the Free Zone when starting a business! Dubai’s mainland company formation setup guarantees a more promising future for professional and business operations.
The following are some of the benefits of establishing your business in the Mainland:
1.Flexibility in Picking a Location and No Trading Restrictions
A firm based on the mainland is not restricted in its ability to trade with other companies or in the place it chooses. Establishing a mainland business allows you to expand your footprint throughout the Emirates by opening many branches.
2.Greater Range
The operational purview of mainland enterprises is greater. You can trade freely with the mainland if you want to expand your services there; all you have to do is re-register the new business activity with the Economic Development Department.
3.Access To Substantial Government Contracts
Since government tenders are a significant industry in the UAE, Dubai’s mainland company setup has several advantages. As a well-established business on the mainland, you may put yourself in a good position by securing profitable government contracts.
Dubai Mainland Company Formation Setup Types
The following are the types of mainland companies in the UAE:
1. Exclusive Establishment
A lone proprietor owns and operates this business to oversee a commercial, industrial, agricultural, or real estate endeavor. A business’s owner carries a portion of its financial burden and must fulfill all of the company’s financial commitments.
2. Civil Company
Civil companies, for professional services like consultancy, require a local service agent but allow 100% foreign ownership. Our services include professional advice, selecting local service agents, assistance in selecting office spaces, setting up company strategies, and managing paperwork and documentation.
3. Mainland LLC Formation Dubai
Most LLCs allow 100% foreign ownership since 2021 but certain activities may require a local service agent, not a 51% shareholder.
4. Offices of Representatives And Branch
Complete solutions for businesses opening branches and representative offices in the United Arab Emirates are offered by BestaxCA.
The following is a brief overview of representative offices and branches:
- It is permissible for a branch office to advertise and market the goods of its parent company.
- It participates in transactions and provides clients with services.
- It is permitted for representative offices to advertise the parent company’s commercial endeavors.
5. Partnership
Bestax Chartered Accountants helps with the establishment requirements for joint venture businesses. They arrange your company strategy, negotiate with potential partners, establish important guidelines, handle paperwork and documentation processes, and more.
6. Company For Private And Public Shareholding
From the beginning to the end, BestaxCA creates shareholding corporations in the United Arab Emirates. They offer basic guidance on matters such as exclusive office sites, local partner selection, and business structure.
Procedure For Establishing a Mainland Company
Following is the procedure for establishing a company in Dubai’s mainland
- Choose a business activity
- A company’s legal structure
- Trade name approval
- Initially license approval
- External approval (if necessary)
- Mainland Business License Dubai issuance
- Bank account for the company
- Obtaining an establishment card
- Labor file
- Visa processing
- Register an Ejari tenancy contract
- Draft an MOA
- Secure external approvals
How May a Company Formation Transfer From a Free Zone To The Mainland?
To convert a Free Zone business in the United Arab Emirates to a Mainland business, you must obtain an NOC from the Free Zone Authority, cancel the Free Zone license, apply for a DET Mainland license, and complete VAT/tax audits.
Making the shift from a free zone to the mainland is essential to the company’s success. Transferring from a free zone to the UAE mainland is a wise and feasible move, especially with the right sponsor or business advisor.
Establishing a Business in Dubai Mainland With BestaxCA
You don’t need to worry about asking for help if you need it while setting up a business on the United Arab Emirates mainland; BestaxCA can provide you with all the necessary assistance.
A professional consulting staff at BestaxCA is fully aware of the primary risks associated with each form of license as well as the legal actions that arise throughout the business creation process. They offer a comprehensive package of the local marketplace, which identifies the businesses that thrive in each UAE area and zone.
FAQs
Who can start a business on Dubai Mainland?
Anyone, local or foreign, can start a business; strategic sectors may need special approvals.
What is the minimum capital for a Mainland business?
Most activities require no minimum, finance or real estate may need AED 50,000 to 300,000.
How long does Mainland licensing take in 2025?
1 to 3 days via DET e-portal, plus 1 to 2 weeks for external approvals.
What are the steps to set up a Mainland company?
Choose activity, structure, name; get approvals, MOA, Ejari, obtain license, bank account, visas.
What taxes apply to Mainland businesses?
Corporate Tax (9%, profits > AED 375,000) and VAT (5%, revenue > AED 375,000), relief for small businesses until 2026.
Can Mainland businesses operate across the UAE?
Yes, with additional licenses for other emirates if required.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Mainland LLC?
Most LLCs allow 100% foreign ownership, some activities need a local service agent.
How do I transfer from Free Zone to Mainland?
Get an NOC, cancel Free Zone license, apply for DET license, and complete tax/visa transfers.
What are the benefits of Mainland over Free Zone?
Flexible locations, wider scope, government contracts, and global trade access.
How do I ensure compliance on Dubai Mainland?
Renew licenses yearly, maintain financial records, file taxes, and follow labor/immigration rules
