If you want to setup a company in Dubai’s mainland, then you will need a UAE National as a local sponsor or otherwise known as a local service agent. This person will be the one who will be holding the greater amount of the shares of the company (51%) and the expat and expats would only be entitled to the rest. Even if one were to get 100% of the shares, like in the case of a professional company, the pre-requisite of having a local service agent still remains. Exsolution will help setup your company by finding a local service agent who will be for all intents and purposes absent from the business making process.
What is a Mainland Company?
A mainland company is an onshore company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the related emirate which is allowed to do business in the local market as well as outside UAE without any restriction.
Mainland Company Setup in Dubai Requiring Special Approval
Certain business activities will need to solicit special approval from the authorities for their formation.
- Educational Services
- Travel & Tourism
- Monetary Exchange
- Engineering Consultancy
- Companies operating in Trakhees
- Healthcare
- RTA
General Guidelines to be Considered Before Setting Up Mainland Company in UAE
- Relevant business licenses are to be obtained: commercial license or professional license
- There can be minimum 1 director at a maximum to be defined by owners in the Mainland Company
- Usage of Religious words and certain words like UAE, Dubai is prohibited
- It turns out to be a mandate for a shareholder to be present in the UAE at least once while getting the initial approval.
A mainland license does require standard government approvals per license. Mainland Company can freely do business in the local market, any free zone or outside UAE. It applies to all commercial or professional licenses.
