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Company formation in Dubai Mainland
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Dubai is a top contender among emerging global economies. A centralised location, access to over 20 countries, a thriving sea and air port network and liberal tax incentives make it highly lucrative to businesses of all kinds and sizes.
Dart is a leader among mainland company formation consultants in Dubai. We offer business setup services across all sectors of Dubai, including mainland, free zone and offshore. Mainland company formation in Dubai is an ideal choice for small and medium enterprises, MNCs and foreign investors.
Business owners who form their company in Dubai mainland can enjoy full access to the UAE market, with zero restrictions on trade across all emirates. Start your mainland company in Dubai with our flexible licensing packages and end-to-end support.
Mainland companies in Dubai refer to onshore business entities which are registered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Such businesses can operate anywhere within the UAE and internationally. Businesses set up in Dubai mainland enjoy 100% expat ownership, can bid for government contracts, have zero trade restrictions, and enjoy 0% tax on income.
Key Dubai Mainland Business Regulations:
Dubai mainland is a popular jurisdiction which allows ease of trade and is ideal for expanding into the growing Middle East market. There are many advantages of establishing business operations in mainland Dubai.
From setup and structure to scaling and strategy, Dart provides practical and holistic support across your business journey.
Dubai Mainland Business Advantages:
Own 100% of your business without needing a local partner
Freedom of direct trade with UAE market and government agencies
No restrictions for leasing office, warehouse or retail space
Apply for high volume employee visas as per your office size
Simplified corporate banking process
Access to diverse business licenses such as retail, consultancy, general trade etc.
Want to Know More?
Other Business Activities for Dubai Mainland
Professional Consultancies
Restaurants & Salons
Medical & Aesthetic Clinics
Construction Companies
Business licenses for Dubai Mainland are issued by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as its regulatory authority. There are three broad categories of mainland licenses: Commercial, Professional and Industrial. Apart from that there are specialised permits such as e-traders or occupational licenses which are issued on the activity itself.
Main License Types in Dubai Mainland
Commercial License
Commercial License
Ideal for businesses engaged in buying and selling of goods and services.
This includes activities like: import/export, general trading, retail, logistics, construction and real estate.
Professional License
Professional License
Ideal for businesses that sell their services and/or expertise.
This includes activities like: legal firms, consultancies, educational institutions, IT firms and administrative services
Industrial License
Industrial License
Ideal for businesses that engage in manufacturing, production, and/or storage of goods. This license usually requires external approval from relevant authorities
This includes activities like: Food production, textiles, petroleum products, factories, equipment manufacturing, etc.
Although the license registration process in Dubai mainland is fairly simple, it is always recommended to get the support and guidance of experienced company formation consultants like Dart. They help you navigate through the complexities of the mainland business setup process and provide end-to-end support right from the initial consultation to post-formation support.
Step 1
Finalise the number of activities (professional, commercial or industrial) and the legal structure of your mainland company such as Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Sole Proprietorship
1 / 8 completed
Note: Mainland companies in Dubai need to register for UAE Corporate Tax within three months of receiving their trade license.
Dubai Mainland Business Setup requires submitting the following documents:
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Approved Trade Name Certificate from the DET
Initial Approval Certificate
Attested Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Lease Agreement (Ejari) for office space in Dubai
Local Service Agent Contract (if applicable)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for employed shareholders in UAE
Emirates ID/Visa Copy (Only for existing UAE residents)
Passport photos of all shareholders and partners
Note: Specialised business activities such as education and training, healthcare, transport, etc. require external approvals from their respective government departments (DHA, RTA, KHDA, etc.)
The cost of business setup in Dubai mainland starts from AED 16,000* and can go up to AED 40,000* for standard licenses with basic requirements. These costs depend on factors such as location, legal structure, activity(ies) and external approvals (if any).
Additional expenses can also incur for office space and Ejari, which depends on the size of your organisation and visa costs, again, influenced by how many employees you intend to hire. Dart offers customised company formation packages for a wide range of business activities across the mainland.
Mainland companies in Dubai are subject to 9% Corporate Tax on annual net profit AED 375,000. Additionally, 5% VAT is applicable on all goods and services in the UAE on taxable turnover exceeding AED 375,000. Dubai mainland companies can register for Corporate Tax and VAT with the Federal Tax Authority through the EmaraTax portal.
Corporate Tax registration is mandatory for all companies regardless of turnover. Exemptions include personal income and investments, and certain real estate income for individuals.
Mandatory VAT registration is needed if taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per annum. Voluntary registration is allowed if taxable supplies exceed AED 187,500.
Important: Failure to comply with FTA directives and improper registration can lead to sever fines and penalties.
Dart is among Dubai’s best business setup consultants. With over 7+ years of experience in all aspects of Dubai company formation, Dart has assisted over 35,000 clients with their various corporate needs. Our business setup experts in Dubai ensure full compliance with Dubai DET regulations.
We offer comprehensive Dubai mainland business setup packages covering over 2000 activities. Additionally, we provide pre and post setup services including office space for rent, visa assistance and UAE tax support.
