Dubai Mainland
Company Formation

A&A Associate makes starting your Dubai mainland company formation easy. Let’s make your business dreams come true!

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Start Your Own Business in Dubai Mainland

Planning to start a business in Dubai, UAE? Visit our Business Setup in Dubai page for complete guidance.

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Why Dubai Mainland is Perfect for Your Business? A&A Associate LLC Explains:

Full Foreign Ownership:

Own 100% of your business without the need for a local sponsor.

Scalable Business Environment:

Easily scale your operations with minimal restrictions.

Stable and Transparent Regulations:

Operate within a stable business climate and regulatory framework.

Operate Locally and Globally:

Access both UAE and international markets.

Unlimited Visa Quotas:

Sponsor an unlimited number of visas.

Easy Expansion and Branch Setup:

Open new branches or expand operations through simplified administrative processes.

Access to Government Projects:

Participate in public tenders and bid for government contracts.

Global Talent Access:

Hire top talent from around the world to support operations.

DHA

The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license is a professional permit that healthcare practitioners must obtain to practice in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. The license is issued by the DHA and is mandatory for all healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The application process involves meeting certain educational, professional, and language proficiency requirements, as well as passing a qualifying exam. The DHA license must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

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KHDA

The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) license is a professional permit that educators in Dubai must obtain to work in private schools and educational institutions. The license is issued by the KHDA and is mandatory for all teachers, principals, and administrators. The application process involves meeting certain educational and professional requirements, as well as passing a qualifying exam. The KHDA license must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

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RTA

The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) license is a professional permit required for individuals who wish to work as drivers of taxis, buses, or other commercial vehicles in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. The license is issued by the RTA and is mandatory for all drivers of public transport vehicles. The application process involves meeting certain age, health, and language proficiency requirements, as well as passing a qualifying exam. The RTA license must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

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MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

The Ministry of Economy license is a legal permit issued by the UAE government that allows individuals and businesses to operate commercial activities within the country. This license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and is required for all types of commercial activities, including trading, manufacturing, and service-based businesses. The Ministry of Economy license is essential for conducting business in the UAE and is subject to various regulations and requirements set forth by the government.

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SECURITY INDUSTRY REGISTRATION AUTHORITY / DUBAI POLICE

The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) is responsible for regulating the security industry in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It issues licenses to security companies, consultants, and professionals who provide security services in the UAE. The Dubai Police also plays a role in regulating the security industry and may require companies and individuals to obtain a license from SIRA as a prerequisite for obtaining a Dubai Police license. Having a SIRA license is mandatory for all security companies and professionals operating in Dubai.

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Steps to Set Up a New Business in the UAE Mainland

With over a decade of experience in establishing businesses of all sizes across the mainland, we bring deep expertise and specialised knowledge in every aspect of Dubai mainland company formation.

Our dedicated team of lawyers, chartered accountants, and consultants work diligently to ensure each step of the process is executed flawlessly, paving the way for your business success.

1. Select business activity

Our specialists, who are experts when it comes to Dubai mainland company setup, will advise you on the business activity that meets your requirements. They will guide you towards the jurisdiction which best suits your chosen activities, and present cost-effective options that match your budget. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) offers a comprehensive list of permitted activities to choose from.

2. Finalise company structure

The most common legal structure that mainland companies chose is an LLC (Limited Liability Company) as it protects the owner’s personal assets from business liability. Other options include:

Sole proprietorship
Civil Company
Limited liability company (LLC)
Private limited company (PLC)
Public joint stock company (PJSC)
Branches, regional headquarters and representative offices of foreign companies
Single family offices

3. Register trade name for your Dubai mainland business

The trade name of your new mainland business must reflect your chosen activity, and it must get approved by the authorities before formal usage. Approval is subject to the trade name not already being in use by someone else, or it being previously registered. Further, the trade name must not offend public morals or the public order of the UAE.

You can check the availability of trade names on the websites of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in every emirate except Fujairah, where it is listed on Fujairah Municipality’s Rukhsati app. Licenced trade names can also be found on the UAE Ministry of Economy Unified Commercial Registration System, and the National Economic Register.

Alternatively, you can shortlist trade names that reflect the nature of your business, and our team will check its availability and secure its registration. When approved, the trade name will be followed by the acronym of your legal structure.

4. Get required approvals and your mainland license in Dubai

We will assign you a company formation specialist who will do all the paperwork and complete all the processes to get you the Initial Approval. This early approval is a prerequisite for almost all ensuing steps towards setting up a business on the UAE mainland.

Then, based on your chosen business activity, there may be other government approvals and translations of the approvals. You will also have to submit your business plan that outlines your company’s objectives, target market, financial projections, and growth strategies.

Once you get initial approval, you can apply for a mainland license. You can apply for a commercial, industrial, or professional trade license by submitting the relevant documents and paying the fees. Our consultants can handle the entire application process.

5. Confirm workspace

You may have a preference about where your new office needs to be located, but if you are unsure or are new to the country, our consultants will offer their assistance with finding, confirming, and leasing or buying work premises.

There are multiple choices for new business set up in the UAE’s mainland, each catering to specific needs and budgets:

6. Comply with labour rules

If you do not wish to take up the process of procuring visas yourself, our experts will handle everything on your behalf: opening an official governmental file, processing your Establishment Card, applying for the required number of residence visas for members of staff and any dependents. This also includes the verification, translation and attestation of the necessary documents.

7. Open bank account

Opening a corporate bank account is an integral part of getting a Dubai mainland license as businesses are legally required to separate personal and professional funds. The UAE offers multiple choices, from international banks, well-established local banks and digital-only banks.

Each bank offers distinct advantages to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, or large foreign corporations. Our teams will lend you their expertise at making the right decision, and completing required documentation.

8. Seek professional support for Dubai mainland company formation

Dubai mainland company setup can be overwhelming. To start operations immediately without a network of alliances and partnerships in place. We provide end-to-end assistance for all our clients, making sure to streamline starting a business.

Cost For MainlandCompany Setup

Mainland company formation in Dubai generally costs between AED 15,000 to AED 35,000, with the type of business activity, number of visas, office space, and location influencing the price.

Companies on the Dubai mainland can operate anywhere in the country and the world. You can easily scale up your operations, as mainland businesses have the freedom to open branches anywhere in the country. UAE permits over 2,000 types of business activities, allows you to own 100% of your business, and gives you access to local and international markets without restrictions. Additionally, most trade activities no longer require a local sponsor, giving mainland companies even sweeter of a deal.