Mainland Business Setup in UAE

COMMERCIAL LICENSE

Such type of company is the most common type of company registration in UAE and is recommended where the purpose of the entity is to trade within the whole region. Kindly pay attention that 100% foreign ownership of this company type in the UAE is not permitted.

Pay attention that:

Foreign investors are allowed to hold only up to 49% equity ownership in UAE companies
51% of shares must belong by one or more UAE nationals
2 to 50 shareholders can be included
The minimum recommended share capital is AED 300,000
Multiple business-related activities under 1 trade license can be provided
No corporate taxes, no income taxes

SOLE ESTABLISHMENT

This type of entity is applicable for professional, service activities and consultancy. Setting up such type of a company is the best way a foreign investor can get 100% ownership in a UAE company registered outside Free Zones.

The features of such company type include:

Do not require any form of local ownership
100% foreign ownership
No requirement for minimum capital
The UAE National will act as an agent with 0% ownership
Set up through a national service agent
One shareholder only
No corporate taxes, no income taxes

CIVIL COMPANY

Civil company is a company owned by 100% foreign ownership with up to 3 shareholders and local service agent. This is applicable for professional and service activities/license.

Local service agent owns 0% of business shares and profit, whereas foreign partner or a company owns 100% of business shares
Local service agent main task is to perform a role of a signatory for fulfillment of all government related tasks
Local service agent has no administrative powers and is only entitled to annual payment for government services
For certain activities professional qualification of local service agent is required

What is Mainland Company Registration?

A Mainland company registration service provided by BizVibez is a company registered in one of UAE DED (Department of Economic Development). This means if you choose to conduct business in UAE Mainland, you will need to register business entity with DED, which will then provide you a business license to start doing business in UAE.

Mainland company can practice any industrial, commercial, trading, professional or tourism activity. Some professional activities are excluded as per DED’s business regulations and other require approvals of authorities that regulate these activities.

Foreign investors may start their business in partnership where 51% ownership of company belonging to UAE nationals or choose a Sole Establishment company formation to own 100% of shares. However, it should be noted that some business activities are reserved for UAE nationals only. Shareholders must fulfill formation documents and processes, which is included the appointment of a manager by the MOA or Service Agreement, for a limited or an unlimited period of time. Mainland must appoint a minimum of one manager up to a maximum of five managers for business.

HOW TO REGISTER MAINLAND COMPANY IN UAE? Business Setup Consultant in UAE

Plan

SELECT LEGAL FORM

Based on the activity and owner’s resolution.

SELECT TRADE NAME

It’s advisable to suggest three name options in order of preference – names should be clear, has meaning, not related to any religion. At this stage it is required to submit documents of all partners and of the appointed manager partners (Passport / Visa / EID / NOC for UAE Residents / Residential address).

ESTABLISH BUSINESS LOCATION

To complete the registration process in the Mainland a lease contract (Ejari) is required. This refers to an office / business center / warehouse or a showroom. It can be rented or purchased anywhere in the Emirate you have registered the company.

COLLECT BUSINESS LiCENSE

After the MOA, LSA are signed, all approvals are obtained and all payments are made. License will be issued along with the MOA.

SELECT BUSINESS ACTIVITY

Decide the business activity type Commercial/Trading, Consultancy, Professional or Industrial. You can choose several activities within one group of activities.

APPLY FOR INITIAL APPROVAL IN DED

An initial approval means that the UAE Government has no objection for the business to be established in the country.

PREPARE MOA & LSA AGREEMENT

DED will prepare the MOA (Memorandum of Association) and LSA (Local Sponsor Agreement) based on the information provided at stage 3 and stage 4.

GET APPROVALS

Some business activities will require external approvals from other authorities such as MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention), Civil Defense, Police, etc.

Need consultation? Reach us for expert advice!

Click here to contact us

Mainland New Business Setup in UAE