Gain full access to the UAE market and operate freely both locally and internationally. With Equus Corporate, mainland company formation is simple and efficient, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Mainland company formation in the UAE provides unparalleled opportunities for businesses seeking to expand within the region. Unlike Free Zones, mainland companies are not restricted to specific geographical areas, allowing you to trade freely across the UAE and internationally.
Mainland companies can also work directly with government entities, offering a pathway to highly profitable contracts. Furthermore, they can open branches anywhere in the UAE, providing flexibility in your operations.
With the support of Equus Corporate, we ensure that the registration process is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your specific business needs, making it easier to navigate local regulations and gain the necessary licenses to start operating quickly.
By establishing a mainland company, you position your business to take full advantage of the UAE’s booming economy and strategic location as a global business hub.
Forming a mainland company in the UAE provides several key advantages:
When setting up a mainland company in the UAE, it’s crucial to choose the right type of business license that aligns with your company’s activities. The Department of Economic Development (DED) offers several types of licenses that allow businesses to operate legally across various sectors. Each license type has its own set of requirements and permissions. Here’s a breakdown of the most common mainland licenses:
This license is for companies engaged in trading activities, allowing you to buy and sell goods. Businesses in sectors like retail, general trading, or contracting would require a commercial license.
If your business involves manufacturing, production, or industrial activities, you’ll need an industrial license. This covers activities such as processing raw materials or assembling products.
For service-based businesses like consulting, legal firms, or medical services, a professional license is required. This license allows for 100% foreign ownership and is tailored to skilled professionals offering their expertise.
Companies involved in the tourism sector, such as travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators, need a tourism license. Given the UAE's thriving tourism industry, this license opens the door to lucrative opportunities in hospitality and travel.
Equus Corporate simplifies the mainland company formation process by handling every aspect from consultation to final approval, ensuring your business gets up and running smoothly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key steps involved:
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your business goals and requirements. Our team works with you to select the most appropriate business activity and license type. Whether you’re a trading, industrial, or service-oriented company, we guide you in choosing the right structure to suit your needs. Additionally, we discuss office location options, ensuring compliance with UAE laws for physical office space.
Once we’ve determined your business structure, we assist with reserving a unique trade name for your company. This step involves ensuring that your chosen name meets the UAE’s legal requirements and is approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED). A trade name that reflects your brand and complies with local regulations is essential for building a reputable business presence in the UAE.
Equus Corporate handles the preparation of all required documentation, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and local sponsorship agreements (if necessary). We ensure all shareholders provide their passport copies, visas, and other necessary paperwork. During this phase, our team submits the completed application and documentation to the relevant government authorities, such as the DED, for initial approval.
As part of the mainland formation requirements, your business must have a physical office in the UAE. We assist you in securing the appropriate office space that aligns with your business activity and meets DED regulations. This includes finalizing the lease agreement (Ejari) for your office or warehouse, if applicable. Having the right office location not only complies with the law but also supports your business’s operational needs.
Once all documents have been approved and your office space is secured, the DED grants the final business license. This official license allows your company to legally operate and trade within the UAE. We also assist with any additional permits or approvals that may be necessary depending on your industry.
As part of your business setup, you may need visas for shareholders, employees, and their dependents. We manage the entire visa application process, including submitting documents, securing approvals, and processing entry permits. This step ensures that your key personnel can reside and work legally in the UAE, supporting the growth of your business.
After your license has been issued, we facilitate the opening of a corporate bank account in the UAE. A UAE bank account is essential for conducting financial transactions, paying suppliers, and managing your company’s revenue. We work with leading banks to streamline the account-opening process and ensure you have the banking services needed to operate smoothly.
Typically, the entire mainland company formation process can be completed within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the business activity, the type of license, and the speed at which documentation is processed. Equus Corporate ensures that each phase of the process is handled efficiently to avoid delays and get your business operational as soon as possible.
At Equus Corporate, we are expats helping expats navigate the complexities of business setup in the UAE. With firsthand experience of the challenges in establishing a business abroad, we offer tailored, professional services designed to meet your specific needs. Our team of experienced consultants provides personalized guidance through every stage, ensuring expert advice rooted in real-world experience.
We pride ourselves on our boutique, high-touch approach. At Equus Corporate, you work directly with seasoned professionals, giving your business the attention it deserves. Our goal is to build lasting partnerships, guiding you from company formation to ongoing support, so your business thrives in the UAE.
Setting up a mainland company in the UAE requires specific documentation to ensure compliance with local regulations. The Department of Economic Development (DED) mandates these documents as part of the registration process. Having the right paperwork ready can streamline the formation process and avoid unnecessary delays. Below is a comprehensive list of the essential documents required to form your mainland company:
Shareholders and company directors need to present either a UAE entry visa or a residency visa if already residing in the country.
If the shareholder or partner is already employed in the UAE, a NOC from the current sponsor (employer) may be required.
A sponsorship agreement, in case your company requires a local sponsor, detailing the ownership structure and rights.
All shareholders must provide a valid passport copy for identification purposes.
A clear outline of the intended business activities to ensure compliance with DED guidelines for license approval.
A tenancy contract, also known as an Ejari, for your physical office is necessary to complete the company registration process.
We offer comprehensive support through every stage of your journey from the setup of your business, through its growth, to strategic exits.
Our executive team has more than 40 years of experience operating in the region, providing our clients with relevant solutions.
Equus Corporate stands apart with dedicated in-house legal advisors, ensuring compliance with all local regulations and industry best practices.
Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE and partner with both private and government entities. Free zone companies have tax advantages and 100% foreign ownership but are limited to operating within the designated free zone. Offshore companies are for international trade and asset protection, with no local business operations.
Yes, UAE law typically requires a local sponsor who owns 51% of the company. However, you can retain full operational and financial control through legal agreements.
The process usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the business activity and document approval time.
Costs vary depending on the business activity, the number of visas required, and office space rental. We provide transparent pricing with package options to suit different budgets.
In certain sectors and activities, 100% foreign ownership is allowed. However, many business types still require a local sponsor, particularly in commercial activities.
Mainland licenses cover a wide range of business activities, including trading, manufacturing, consulting, professional services, and tourism.
You will need passport copies, visa copies, a No Objection Certificate (if applicable), a business activity description, and a lease agreement, among other documents.
At Equus Corporate, we don’t just set up businesses—we build lasting partnerships. Trust us to be your guide in the UAE’s vibrant business landscape.
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