Setting up a Mainland business in Dubai offers some unique advantages:

• Ability to operate anywhere in the UAE: You can trade and do business across the UAE.
• Greater customer reach: You can directly access the local market without any limitations.
• Flexibility: You can engage in a variety of business activities under a single license.
• No restriction on the number of visas: Mainland businesses have more flexibility in applying for multiple visas for their employees.

While you do need a local sponsor, the potential for growth and access to the local market makes mainland companies a solid choice.

Setting up a Mainland business in Dubai requires a few key steps:

• Choose a Business Activity: The first step is deciding on the business activity you want to pursue. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) will guide you on the options available.
• Select a Business Name: Choose a unique name that complies with DED’s naming rules.
• Find a Local Sponsor: For most types of mainland businesses, you need a UAE national as a sponsor who will hold 51% of your company’s shares. However, certain professional services allow for 100% foreign ownership.
• Rent Office Space: You’ll need a physical office space, which meets DED requirements.
• Submit Your Application: After getting approval for your name and sponsor, you’ll submit your application and documents to DED.
• Get Your License: Once all approvals are in place, you will receive your business license.

Yes, for most mainland business setups in Dubai, you’ll need a local sponsor who is a UAE national. The local sponsor must own 51% of the business shares. However, this rule does not apply to certain types of businesses like professional services, where you can retain full ownership. The local sponsor typically acts as a partner for administrative purposes, and the business owner retains control of operations.

Here are the main differences between a Mainland and Free Zone business in Dubai:

• Mainland: Allows you to do business across the UAE and internationally. You need a local sponsor (for most activities), and the licensing process is handled by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Free Zone: These are specialized zones designed to attract foreign investment, offering 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions. However, Free Zone businesses are usually restricted to operating within the zone or internationally.

The process of setting up a Mainland business in Dubai can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business, the necessary approvals, and the documentation you have in place. The process is generally quicker than in some other regions but may take longer for more specialized or regulated business activities.

The costs for setting up a Mainland business in Dubai vary based on factors like the type of business, office space requirements, and business activity. Typically, the costs range between AED 15,000 to AED 35,000, which includes:

• Registration and licensing fees (varies by business activity)
• Office rent (mandatory for all mainland businesses)
• Local sponsor fees (if applicable)
• Visa fees for the business owner and employees

Additional costs may apply if you need to hire legal services, accountants, or other business consultants.

Yes, all Mainland businesses in Dubai are required to have a physical office. This office space must meet the regulations set by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and be large enough to accommodate your business activities. The type of office can range from a small desk or shared office to a larger private office, depending on the nature and scale of your business.

As a business owner, you will need a residence visa to operate your business in Dubai. You can also sponsor visas for your employees, depending on the size of your office. The number of visas you can apply for is determined by the amount of office space you lease. For example, larger office spaces generally allow for more employee visas.

Yes, a Mainland business in Dubai is free to operate both within the UAE and internationally. There are no restrictions on exporting goods or services outside of Dubai, making it a good choice if you plan to expand your reach beyond the local market.

Dubai’s Mainland businesses can engage in a wide range of activities, including but not limited to:

• Trading: Importing and exporting products.
• Consulting and Professional Services: Businesses like legal, accounting, and management consulting.
• Manufacturing: Companies involved in light manufacturing and assembly.
• Retail: Setting up stores, showrooms, or outlets.
• Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services.

Yes, once you have set up your Mainland business, you can open a corporate bank account with one of the local or international banks in Dubai. You will need the following documents:

• Trade license
• Passport copies of shareholders and managers
• Office lease agreement
• Business plan (some banks may request this)

Yes, you can change your business activity in Dubai’s Mainland, but this will require approval from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). Depending on the new activity, you may need to amend your business license, pay additional fees, and submit updated documentation. Be sure to consult with the DED or a business setup advisor to ensure you follow the right steps.

One of the advantages of Mainland businesses in Dubai is that there is no income tax on personal or corporate income (with some exceptions in specific sectors). However, businesses must comply with VAT (Value Added Tax), which is set at 5% for most goods and services. It’s essential to register for VAT if your business generates taxable supplies above the mandatory threshold.

Yes, Mainland businesses in Dubai are allowed to sell products and services directly to the local market. This is one of the main advantages of a Mainland business over a Free Zone business, which is usually restricted to operating within the Free Zone or internationally.

You will need to renew your Mainland business license every year. To do so, you will need to:

• Submit a renewal application to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Pay the renewal fee
• Ensure your business complies with all necessary regulations