Have you decided to start a mainland company in Dubai? It’s indeed a good decision as it will unlock a broad business market for you. The process is indeed time consuming but once you understand the whole setup, it becomes pretty simple. As a foreigner, you have little or no knowledge of how to set up a mainland company in Dubai? But guess what! Prospr is here to assist you.

Today, we are going to unlock a comprehensive guide about:

How to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

Here are some steps you need to follow for setting up a mainland company in Dubai:

Step 1: Select business activities

The very first thing you need to do is to check the list of Dubai mainland business activities and then select your company activities. Depending on your company’s activity, you need to apply for your business trade license. There are more than 15000 activities in the list of mainland company activities. Choose one that seems accurate for your business. 

Step 2: Company name registration

In the second step, you will pick your company name. This name should be unique and adhere to DED company name policies. This name should be registered with 

Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). Once you pick a unique name for your business, you need to register it at the DED website. The approval process is quick, it usually takes less than three days.

Step 3: Mainland trade license application

Once your company name is approved by DED, the next step is to apply for a mainland company trade license. You need to apply again at DED. Before you apply for a trade license, you must ensure that your commercial activities are allowed as per DED law. 

If DED doesn’t permit some activities, you won’t be able to get its trade license. 

Do you know: Difference between freezone and mainland company?

Whenever you are confused whether your commercial activity is permissible by law or not, simply email us at hello@prospr.ae. Book a consultation and we will answer all your queries and concerns. Not just that, we will help you with your complete process of setting up a business in Dubai. 

During the license application process, you need to furnish some essential documents at DED. Our expert will ensure that all your paperwork is done with perfection and precision so that you can enjoy quick approval and smooth company formation process in Dubai.

Step 4: Get an Office 

If you want to get approval from DED for your business, getting an official space is a must. Workspace or office is often rented in Dubai and usually owned by third parties. You will get a tenancy agreement and Ejari documents for getting initial approval of your office from DED. Depending on the nature and type of your commercial business, you need to pick a suitable office space for yourself and employees. 

Step 5: Draft MoA and AoA

As your company is going to become legal, there is a need to furnish two legal documents. One is Memorandum of Association MoA and second is Article of Association AoA. These documents will provide a clear picture of what your business is about and doing. Thereby, you need to draft them quite carefully. Legal experts from Prospr are always here to help you with the drafts, if you need. 

Step 6: Trade license collection

Once you follow all the steps like furnishing all the documents and getting the approvals then next thing to do is to pay the fees and collect your Mainland company license. You may be interested to know: What is the cost of a Mainland company setup? Find out.  This license is your official work permit. 

You can start doing your company operation in Dubai Mainland just after getting it. Your license also provides details of Dubai mainland license activities. So, when you start working as a company, make sure that your business is involved in the activities listed on your license. If you are doing some other activities not stated on your license, you may have to face serious legal consequences for that.

Don’t forget to read: Company formation in Umm Al Quwain Mainland

Step 7: Open bank account

Once you have your Mainland trade license, you are free to conduct your business activities. As you need to get involved in the financial transactions, it requires you to have a corporate bank account. Thankfully, your mainland company can easily open a business bank account anywhere in the Mainland through the license. You can either make the most of digital bank system or physically visit a branch to open an account. The whole banking process becomes super smooth once you have an official license in your hand. In case you don’t have license and still want to open a bank account in Dubai as a foreigner or non-resident, here is what you need to do.

Best Mainland locations to start a company 

When it comes to picking a Mainland in UAE, you will come across different kinds of Mainland locations as Dubai isn’t just the option. Let’s find out what other locations will be suitable for opening a new company in UAE:

Dubai Mainland

Many companies prioritize Dubai because of its rich lifestyle and skyscrapers. If you are interested in opening a company in Dubai Mainland, you need to follow the rules and laws set by the department of Economic development. You can definitely start a mainland company in Dubai but you must understand that this market is already saturated and have high competition, that will take you years to beat for sure.

Abu Dhabi Mainland

Many small companies and startups usually prefer Abu Dhabi as this region has seen major infrastructure and lifestyle improvements as compared to other emirates. This adventurous marketing hub opens up multiple business opportunities for everyone.

Sharjah Mainland

If you want to start a mainland company in the most stable community of UAE then definitely you can make the most of Sharjah . This emirates unlocks lots of perks to new companies such as affordable company setup, modern infrastructure and countless amenities. 

Ajman Mainland

Ajman has become an ultimate hub for international investments. If you have a plan to get a lavish office with modern infrastructure for your company, you can definitely consider starting a company in Ajman.

Fujairah mainland

Fujairah is another amazing Mainland that is growing and soon its growth will match with Dubai and other established emirates. If you establish your business in this Mainland, you can expect perks like convenience and countless business opportunities. Cost-effective business setup is another plus.

Let’s start a Mainland company in Dubai with Prospr

We have highlighted all the steps you need to take for setting up a Mainland company in Dubai and also mentioned some best Mainland locations that you consider alongside Dubai.

We know that the whole Mainland company formation process is overwhelming and requires enormous investment of time and money from your side. We want to make the process simple and smooth for you, thereby our consultants are always here to help. No matter what question you have and what business setup service you need, you can always reach out to us – hello@prospr.ae