Company Setup
UAE Mainland
The UAE mainland refers to the onshore business areas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), outside of the free zones. It is also known as the "onshore" or "local market".
Key characteristics of the UAE mainland:
- Business ownership: UAE nationals must own at least 51% of the business, while expats can own up to 49%.
- Licensing: Companies must obtain a license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the relevant emirate.
- Location: Businesses can operate anywhere in the emirate, not restricted to a specific free zone.
- Activities: A wide range of business activities are allowed, including commercial, industrial, and professional services.
- Taxes: Companies are subject to UAE taxes, including VAT and corporate taxes.
- Labor and immigration: Companies must comply with UAE labor and immigration laws.
- Governance: Companies are governed by UAE federal and local laws.
Mainland companies can:
- Trade freely within the UAE and globally
- Open branches and offices across the UAE
- Sponsor visas for employees and dependents
- Access government contracts and tenders
However, mainland companies also face certain restrictions, such as:
- Local ownership requirements
- Stricter regulations and compliance
- Higher setup and operational costs compared to free zones
The UAE mainland is suitable for businesses that:
- Want to operate across the UAE
- Need to access government contracts
- Require a high level of flexibility in their operations
- Are willing to comply with UAE laws and regulations
It’s recommended to consult with a business setup consultant or legal advisor to determine if the UAE mainland is the best option for your business.
Here are the company setup guidelines for UAE Mainland:
- Choose a business activity: Select a business activity from the UAE's National Economic Register.
- Choose a company name: Ensure the name is unique and complies with UAE naming conventions.
- Obtain initial approval: Get initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Choose a legal form: Select a legal form (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Partnership).
- Obtain a business license: Get a business license from the DED.
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce: Register with the local Chamber of Commerce.
- Obtain other necessary licenses: Get any additional licenses (e.g., environmental, health).
- Open a corporate bank account: Open a bank account in the company's name.
- Register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA): Register for VAT and other taxes.
- Comply with labor and immigration regulations: Comply with UAE labor and immigration laws.
- Maintain compliance: Ensure ongoing compliance with UAE laws and regulations.
Note: These guidelines are a general overview, and specific requirements may vary depending on the emirate, business activity, and legal form. It’s recommended to consult with a business setup consultant or legal advisor for detailed guidance.
