Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Mainland

Are you looking for a popular and business-friendly destination to establish your business? Driven by its modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and strategic location, Dubai has undergone a remarkable transformation to emerge as a global commercial hub. With the government promoting this evolution, entrepreneurs are considering business setup in Dubai.

However, the Emirate has multiple jurisdictions where you can establish a business. Before embarking on your business voyage, it is crucial to understand the key differences between mainland, free zone, and offshore jurisdictions. It helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions. In this article, we focus on establishing a business in the Dubai mainland and explain how this jurisdiction offers flexibility, market access, and growth potential.

Advantages of Establishing a Dubai Mainland Company

Mainland company formation in Dubai provides exceptional benefits. Let us look at some of the benefits:

• It enables direct engagement with local and international markets.
• All businesses in Dubai mainland are eligible to participate in high-value government tenders and projects.
• Starting a business in Dubai mainland offers operational flexibility for expansion across the UAE. Moreover, you also have the freedom to conduct business from any location within the Emirate.
• There is no restriction on the number of work visas a mainland company in Dubai can avail.
• There is no set requirement for capital investment, allowing increased profit and capital repatriation.

Process of Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Once you decide to establish a business in Dubai Mainland, adhering to a structured process is essential. Mentioned below is a step-by-step process that ensures a seamless registration experience:

Step 1. Define Business Activity

Dubai Mainland permits a wide range of activities across sectors like trading, manufacturing, and services. Clearly defining your activity is essential, as it determines the type of mainland trade license in Dubai you are required to obtain.

Step 2. Choose Legal Structure

Selecting an appropriate legal structure is crucial. It depends on the nature of the business, the number of stakeholders, and ownership, among other factors. Prominent business structures in Dubai include Limited Liability Company (LLC), sole proprietorship, and partnerships.

Step 3. Register the Trade Name

Select a unique trade name that aligns with the business activity and adheres to the UAE naming conventions. Submit the selected trade name to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

Step 4. Apply for Initial Approval

This step paves the way for document submission and licensing. Initial approval indicates that the government has no objection to your business operating in Dubai Mainland.

Step 5. Secure Office Space

Having a physical address is mandatory for most businesses in Dubai Mainland. The chosen location must have a tenancy contract registered with Ejari, which must be submitted while obtaining the Dubai Mainland license.

Step 6. Documentation and Additional Approvals

The documentation and approval process vary depending on the business activity. However, some standard documents include copies of the Memorandum of Association (MoA), business plan, shareholder passport, and the tenancy agreement. With certain activities necessitating additional approval from external authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), you need to obtain them.

Step 7. Pay the Requisite Fees

Once the documents are submitted, you must pay the requisite fees. The trade license cost in Dubai varies depending on the chosen activity and license type.

Step 8. Receive Dubai Mainland License

Upon successful verification of documents and fee payment, the authorities will provide the Dubai Mainland license, thereby officially authorising the business to operate within Dubai Mainland.

Why Commitbiz?

Streamlining your business in Dubai mainland requires a thorough understanding of the licensing framework and regulatory requirements. Collaborating with our business consultants at Commitbiz LLC ensures a streamlined and efficient process. We provide comprehensive support through customisable services. From selecting the legal business structure to obtaining your mainland trade license in Dubai, our team is there to support you always. Contact us to learn more about our services and turn your business dreams into reality!