What is a mainland Company?
The freedom to operate throughout all the emirates and internationally is one of the major reasons to consider opening a mainland company.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the regulatory body that oversees the issuance of mainland licenses. While previously restricted by the need to have a local sponsor, over 1000 commercial licenses no longer have this dependency.
Mainland companies have no limitations on the number of visas issued by the company and are able to open a bank account with ease compared to Freezone and offshore entities.
In recent years the UAE government has allowed for 100% ownership for a vast array of mainland company business activities, therefore removing the need for a local national to be a 51% shareholder.
Summary
mainland Company
Openly trade with other mainland and free zone companies.
Rent commercial space anywhere.
Unlimited visa allocations allowed.
Many business activities can have 100% foreign ownership.
Minimum commercial space required.
Physically required to visit the UAE to open a company.
Step by step process to opening a mainland company in uae
There are 10 steps you need to take in order to establish a mainland entity in the UAE, choosing a company formation specialist helps in speeding the process and getting things done in a much efficient and hassle free way:
Choose your business activity
Choose your company structure
get an approval for your trade name
get your initial license approval
get an external approval (if required)
get your license issued
open a company bank account
get your establishment card
Open your labour file
Process your visa