Business Setup In Mainland

Business Setup In Mainland

Don’t just enter the market, make an impact from day one.

With AlexZone’s end-to-end support, your business setup in mainland is faster, easier, and fully aligned with UAE regulations, giving you freedom to scale, hire, and trade with confidence.

From consultation to company launch, AlexZone handles it all, professionally & remotely.

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business setup in mainland

Benefits of Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

company formation in dubai mainland has numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and investors:

  1. 100% foreign ownership in most sectors
  2. No currency restrictions
  3. Unlike free zones, business setup in mainland allows you to open branches anywhere in the UAE and internationally
  4. Access to government contracts
  5. Wide choice of business activities
  6. Flexible office location options
  7. Unlimited visa eligibility (based on space & activity)
  8. No minimum capital requirement
  9. Stronger credibility and market reach
  10. One major advantage of business setup in mainland is the ability to hire unlimited employees.
  11. Mainland business setup dubai enhances your credibility when dealing with clients and institutions.

Scope of Service

Jurisdiction advisory & Free Zone comparison

Selection of legal structure (FZE, FZCO, LLC, Branch)

Memorandum of Association drafting and notarization

Licensing coordination with DED, Free Zone authorities, and regulators

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Trade name reservation & initial approvals

Establishment card issuance & Chamber of Commerce registration

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Types of Business Licences in Dubai

If you want to start a business setup in UAE mainland, you need a licence. There are different types depending on what your business does:

  • For companies that make, produce, or package goods.

  • For businesses that buy and sell products or services, which includes import/export, retail, construction, logistics, real estate, and software trading.

  • It’s required for companies that make money from skills and expertise (service-based businesses), like consulting, education, or administrative services.

  • It’s only available for individuals (Sole Proprietorship) who sell goods or services online or on social media from home.

  • Dual Licence allows businesses in certain free zones to also operate in mainland Dubai without needing a mainland office or local partner.

  • With Instant Licence, you can get your licence in just 5 minutes through a digital process, also in your first year, you get a virtual office, After that, you need a real office

  • For UAE and GCC nationals starting small or medium businesses and It’s low-cost, with reduced or waived fees, helping startups spend less.

  • Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, this licence allows UAE and GCC nationals to run a home business with official approval.

Select the Right Business Structure

Pick a legal form that matches your business type and ownership preferences. Here’s a simple breakdown:

 1. General Partnership

  • Owned by 2 or more partners.
  • All partners share full responsibility using their personal money.
  • 100% foreign ownership allowed.

2. Limited Partnership

Mix of partners:

  • General partners are fully responsible
  • Limited partners invest capital but have no management role and liability is restricted to their investment.
  • This model supports 100% foreign ownership, making it a practical choice for mainland company formation in Dubai.

 3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • Partners only risk the money they invest (limited liability)
  • Can be owned by one person or up to 50 partners
  • Open to all nationalities
  • Single-owner LLC follows the same rules
  • Fully compliant with 100% foreign ownership under UAE mainland company formation Dubai guidelines.

4. Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC)

  • Up to 200 shareholders
  • Shares are not offered to the public
  • Can be owned by one company or multiple people
  • If owned by one person, it's called "One-Person Private Joint Stock Company"
  • 100% foreign ownership allowed

5. Public Joint Stock Company

  • Shares are offered to the public
  • Founders keep a portion, the rest is sold publicly
  • Suitable for large companies planning to list on the stock market

6. Civil Company

  • Owned by 2 or more people offering professional services
  • (e.g. consultants, tailors, trainers, salons)

7. Sole Proprietorship

  • Owned by one person who is responsible for any obligations and all debts.

Required Documents For Business setup in Mainland

Before starting your company setup in Dubai mainland, it’s essential to ensure all required paperwork is in order. 

Below are the key documents needed for a successful mainland company setup in Dubai:

  • Passport copy (for foreigners) or Emirates ID (for Emiratis/residents).
  • Residence visa or permit copy for non-GCC nationals.
  • Articles of Association (not needed for single-owner LLCs).
  • Feasibility study of the business project (Required for Joint Stock Companies).

All documents must be:

  • Attested and legalised by the UAE Embassy and Foreign Ministry in the country of origin
  • Counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Legally translated to Arabic and attested by the UAE Ministry of Justice

Documents Needed to Open a Dubai Branch from Another Emirate

If you’re expanding an existing business from another emirate, here’s what you need for your Dubai mainland business setup:

  • Official Board Resolution approving the opening of a branch in Dubai
  • Authorization Letter from the Managing Director giving permission to set up the branch
  • Copy of the Parent Company’s Trade Licence
  • Copy of the Parent Company’s Memorandum of Association (MoA)

If you’re new to Dubai, you must have a valid tourist or visit visa as you can’t start a business without it.

8 Steps for Setting up a Business in Mainland

1. Choose Your Business Activity

  1. Determines the type of licence (commercial, industrial, professional, etc.).
  2. Over 2,000 activities to choose from.
  3. A business can include multiple activities.

2. Select Legal Structure

Choose the legal form that matches your business activity. Options include:

  1. General/limited partnership
  2. Limited liability company (LLC)
  3. Joint stock companies (PJSC/PrJSC)
  4. Sole establishment
  5. Civil company
  6. Local/foreign/GCC/free zone branch
  7. Holding company

4. Get Initial Approval

  1. Confirms the UAE government has no objection to your business setup.
  2. Required before proceeding.
  3. Does not allow business operations yet.
  4. Foreigners must get clearance from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs.

Some activities need extra approvals (e.g., legal, security, financial sectors).

7. Get Additional Approvals (if needed)

Some activities require special approvals from relevant authorities:

5. Prepare MOA or LSA

  1. Depending on your legal form, draft and notarize a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
  2. Required for companies like LLCs, partnerships, and joint stock companies.
  3. Non-GCC-owned businesses must appoint a local service agent.

8. Get Your Business Licence

  • Apply through the Economic Department (online or at service centres).
  • Submit:
    1. Initial approval receipt and related documents
    2. Lease contract (attested)
    3. Attested MOA/LSA
    4. External approvals (if required)
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3. Pick up a Trade Name For your Business

  1. Must follow UAE guidelines (e.g., include legal form, no offensive/religious terms, not previously used).
  2. Register through each emirate’s economic department.
  3. From choosing a trade name to acquiring a license, the business setup in mainland process can be completed in just 48 hours with our support.

6. Choose a Business Location

  1. A Physical address is mandatory for all businesses.
  2. Provide a rental contract (Dubai requires registration with Ejari).
  3. Location must meet local planning and DED rules.
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Why Choose Alex Zone for Business Setup in MainLand?

Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland can be complex, but with Alex Zone, it doesn’t have to be.

We offer complete support for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish business setup in mainland with a strong presence in the UAE. Our services include:

  • Mainland & Free Zone Company Formation
  • Investor & Employee Visa Services
  • Bank Account Opening Assistance
  • Tax & Accounting Support (VAT, corporate tax, bookkeeping)
  • Document Attestation & Legalization
  • Golden Visa Eligibility & Application Support
  • Marketing Solutions to Grow Your Business

With expert legal guidance and a deep understanding of UAE regulations, we help you choose the right corporate structure, manage documentation, and navigate the setup process efficiently.

We can complete your mainland company registration in as little as 48 hours (fully remotely).

From start to finish, Alex Zone ensures your business is legally compliant and ready to operate.

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FAQs About Business Setup In Mainland

Yes, foreign ownership is now allowed for mainland businesses in most sectors, and you no longer need a local Emirati partner.

Yes! With AlexZone’s expert guidance, your mainland company setup can be completed within 1–2 days, depending on the business activities and required permits.

You’ll eventually need a physical office to get your mainland license, but the early setup steps can be done remotely. AlexZone helps you handle the process and secure an office space registered with Ejari when needed.

Absolutely. AlexZone supports you through the entire bank account opening process, including preparing compliance documents and connecting with leading UAE banks.

Yes. While E-Trader licences suit sole proprietors, professional or commercial licences are also available for digital businesses with multiple owners or staff.

Visa quotas depend on your business activity and office space size, but mainland companies offer the flexibility to apply for unlimited visas.

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For a free consultation, contact us now and let us help you choose the best for your project.

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