Mainland – Thani Ridwan Consultancy

Business

About Mainland

A company that is set up in the mainland of the UAE allows business to trade as freely as that possible within the UAE and outside. However, a company licensed in the freezone is subjected to cross-boundary trading, yet, a mainland company is entitled to conduct business under the license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) within each emirate across all the sectors, public or private.

Hence, the UAE mainland is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to meet consumers directly, collaborate with government agencies, or open physical outlets across the Emirates. It is always wise to take the assistance of a qualified professional who will be able to tell how this setup can help in future growth, potential-wise, and the entire economy in which your mainland business is going to operate.

At Thani Rizwan Consultancy, we would walk through every single stage of the company setup process—right from carrying out the legal documentation to help with the filing of business licenses, space selection for office usage, and even the arrangement of a local sponsor if there is a need.

Mainland Business Key Benefits

Five reasons why investors favor mainland establishment in the UAE

Needing Access to the Local Market

The mainland companies are free trade into all seven emirates without restrictions while engaging with local clients, retailers, or government contracts.

Freedom of Setting Up Offices

You may set up your office anywhere in the UAE, making it flexible to select a strategic location based on your industry and target market.

Unlimited Number of Visas

As opposed to freezones, mainland companies may acquire a visa for an unlimited number of employees (subject to the office space's size) with the capacity of the company to grow in the future.

Scope to Bid for Government Projects

UAE mainland companies can bid for governmental projects and public sector contracts, a privilege that does not usually extend to freezone companies.

More Scope for Business Activities

You would be permitted to carry on a larger scope of business activities under an individual license or combine several services without the legal restrictions usually found in freezone areas.

Mainland Business Setup Process

Step 1: Identify your Business Activity

Identify your principal business activity, as it determines what type of business license you will need. Business licenses fall under three categories: commercial, professional or industrial.

Step 2: Choose your Company Name

Choose your trade name in accordance with the UAE business naming conventions. We will seek approval for, and reserve your trade name.

Step 3: Get Initial Approval from DED

Apply for initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to commence your company registration.

Step 4: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Draft and notarize a Memorandum of Association, which outlines shareholders, ownership percentages and legal structure for the company

Step 5: Finalize Local Sponsor (if applicable)

Some mainland companies require a Local Emirati sponsor (for commercial licenses). We provide you with solid partners and write legally binding agreements.

Step 6: Get an Office Address

Depending on your license and need for visa sponsorship, you have license compliant office space choices from executive suites to warehouses, and place to submit lease agreements and register with Ejari.

Step 7: Send in your trade license

You will receive your formal business license from DED after submitting all of your final paperwork.

Step 8: Mandatory registration with the relevant authorities

Additional permits from local agencies such as the Food Control Department, DHA, or Dubai Municipality may be required, depending on your business.

Step 9: Create a business bank account

Once your company has a licence , we can assist you with KYC and the paperwork needed to create a corporate bank account with one the leading banks in United Arab Emirates