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Dubai Mainland

A Dubai Mainland license is an onshore company allowing entrepreneurs to conduct business activities inside and outside the JAE Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) issues trade licenses for mainland companies.
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UAE Mainland Company Setup: The Ultimate Guide to Unrestricted Business

A UAE Mainland License is your gateway to operating freely across all seven Emirates, accessing the full local market, and participating in lucrative government contracts. Registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED), a mainland company offers the maximum scope and flexibility for business growth in the region.
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Why Choose a UAE Mainland License? Key Advantages

Choosing a mainland setup gives your business a significant competitive edge in the region. Highlight these exclusive benefits clearly

Full Access to the Local Market

Unlike Free Zone entities, a mainland company can trade directly with customers and businesses across the entire UAE without requiring a local distributor or agent.

100% Foreign Ownership

The recent update to the UAE Commercial Companies Law allows for 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors on the mainland, removing the previous 51% local sponsorship requirement for most activities.

Government Contract Eligibility

Mainland companies are the only type of entity eligible to bid for and secure government tenders and public sector contracts.

Unrestricted Office Location

You can lease office space anywhere in the respective Emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi) without being confined to a specific free zone area.

Flexible Visa Quota

Visa limits for employees are often more flexible and based on the size of your leased physical office space (Ejari).

Ability to Open Multiple Branches

Easily expand your presence by opening branch offices throughout the UAE.

The UAE Mainland License Setup Process

The licensing process is managed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each Emirate. Guide your user through the typical steps:
Define Business Activity

Select your specific business activities from the extensive list approved by the DED (e.g., Commercial, Professional, Industrial). Your license type will depend on this.

Define Business Activity

Select your specific business activities from the extensive list approved by the DED (e.g., Commercial, Professional, Industrial). Your license type will depend on this.

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on your legal form, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, or Civil Company.

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on your legal form, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, or Civil Company.

Initial Approval

Obtain the DED’s initial approval, confirming there is no objection to establishing your business in the Emirate.

Initial Approval

Obtain the DED’s initial approval, confirming there is no objection to establishing your business in the Emirate.

Reserve Trade Name

Submit and receive approval for your unique company name, adhering to the UAE’s naming conventions.

Reserve Trade Name

Submit and receive approval for your unique company name, adhering to the UAE’s naming conventions.

Secure Office Space & Ejari

Lease a mandatory physical office space and obtain a registered Ejari (for Dubai) or Tawtheeq (for Abu Dhabi) contract.

Secure Office Space & Ejari

Lease a mandatory physical office space and obtain a registered Ejari (for Dubai) or Tawtheeq (for Abu Dhabi) contract.

External Approvals (If Required)

Certain activities (e.g., healthcare, finance, media) require additional clearance from relevant government bodies.

External Approvals (If Required)

Certain activities (e.g., healthcare, finance, media) require additional clearance from relevant government bodies.

Final License Submission & Payment

Submit all required documents (passport copies, MoA, tenancy contract, etc.), pay the fees, and receive your official UAE Mainland Trade License.

Final License Submission & Payment

Submit all required documents (passport copies, MoA, tenancy contract, etc.), pay the fees, and receive your official UAE Mainland Trade License.

The UAE Mainland License Setup Process

The licensing process is managed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each Emirate. Guide your user through the typical steps:
Define Business Activity

Select your specific business activities from the extensive list approved by the DED (e.g., Commercial, Professional, Industrial). Your license type will depend on this.

Define Business Activity

Select your specific business activities from the extensive list approved by the DED (e.g., Commercial, Professional, Industrial). Your license type will depend on this.

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on your legal form, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, or Civil Company.

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on your legal form, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, or Civil Company.

Initial Approval

Obtain the DED’s initial approval, confirming there is no objection to establishing your business in the Emirate.

Initial Approval

Obtain the DED’s initial approval, confirming there is no objection to establishing your business in the Emirate.

Reserve Trade Name

Submit and receive approval for your unique company name, adhering to the UAE’s naming conventions.

Reserve Trade Name

Submit and receive approval for your unique company name, adhering to the UAE’s naming conventions.

Secure Office Space & Ejari

Lease a mandatory physical office space and obtain a registered Ejari (for Dubai) or Tawtheeq (for Abu Dhabi) contract.

Secure Office Space & Ejari

Lease a mandatory physical office space and obtain a registered Ejari (for Dubai) or Tawtheeq (for Abu Dhabi) contract.

External Approvals (If Required)

Certain activities (e.g., healthcare, finance, media) require additional clearance from relevant government bodies.

External Approvals (If Required)

Certain activities (e.g., healthcare, finance, media) require additional clearance from relevant government bodies.

Final License Submission & Payment

Submit all required documents (passport copies, MoA, tenancy contract, etc.), pay the fees, and receive your official UAE Mainland Trade License.

Final License Submission & Payment

Submit all required documents (passport copies, MoA, tenancy contract, etc.), pay the fees, and receive your official UAE Mainland Trade License.

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