# Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

A Dubai mainland license is required for businesses that operate within the geographic boundaries of Dubai mainland. It allows businesses to conduct commercial activities in Dubai’s local market and beyond without restrictions.

A mainland license also enables businesses to rent office space anywhere in Dubai mainland, sponsor employees and family members for visas, and apply for bank accounts and other financial services.

For businesses serving the UAE local market, obtaining a Dubai mainland license is essential to operate legally, comply with local regulations, and access the benefits available to mainland companies.

## Why Choose BCL for Dubai Mainland Company Incorporation?

BCL is a registered Limited Liability Company based in mainland Dubai, providing support throughout the company incorporation journey. Setting up a business in Dubai can be complex, and BCL’s team helps simplify the process so business owners can make informed decisions at each stage.

BCL’s assistance goes beyond paperwork. The team stays updated on legal and regulatory changes in Dubai and provides guidance on trade license acquisition, visa processing, office requirements, and related incorporation steps.

With this support, businesses can navigate Dubai’s business environment more confidently and focus on growth while BCL manages the key setup requirements.

## When Mainland Dubai Incorporation Is Recommended

Mainland Dubai incorporation is recommended if your business has customers in the UAE.

Key features include:

- The business can operate within and outside the UAE.
- Mainland companies must have a physical office.
- There is no limit on the number of employee visas, subject to applicable requirements.
- Mainland companies can transact with government entities and apply for tenders.
- Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profits, subject to applicable UAE corporate tax rules and reliefs.

## Benefits and Requirements of Mainland Dubai Setup

### Legal Structure

Dubai offers various structures for mainland businesses, including Limited Liability Company and Sole Establishment. The appropriate structure depends on the nature of the business and its ownership requirements.

### 100% Ownership

Expats can own 100% of businesses in mainland Dubai following amendments to the Commercial Companies Law effective from 1 June 2021.

### Business Operations

Mainland businesses are not restricted in the scope of their operations. They can trade with the UAE local market, provide services to UAE clients, expand across the UAE, and work on government contracts and tenders.

### Physical Presence

Shareholders must be physically present during the setup procedure.

### Physical Office

Mainland entities can operate from any part of the UAE and may open branches, warehouses, and other facilities across the country. However, the authority often requires a minimum office space, and a dedicated office space is mandatory because the Dubai Government authority conducts physical verification before issuing the license.

### Paid-Up Share Capital

The Memorandum of Association must state share capital of at least AED 300,000. However, depositing this amount into the company’s bank account is not necessary.

### Corporate Tax

If an entity earns profit exceeding AED 375,000 in a year, the corporate tax rate is 9%.

Under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 on Small Business Relief, corporate tax may not apply where revenue for the applicable and previous tax periods is less than AED 3 million. Small Business Relief can be availed up to 31 December 2026.

## Mainland Dubai Cost

### 1 Visa Package — AED 23,025

| Component | Cost |
|---|---:|
| Initial application, name certificate, MOA, establishment card, labour file, and e-signature card | AED 3,000 |
| License cost, ranging from AED 13,000 to AED 18,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Investor visa with 2 years validity | AED 3,500 |
| Normal medical and Emirates ID | AED 1,575 |

### 2 Visa Package — AED 31,150

| Component | Cost |
|---|---:|
| Initial application, name certificate, MOA, establishment card, labour file, and e-signature card | AED 3,000 |
| License cost, ranging from AED 13,000 to AED 18,000 | AED 15,000 |
| 1 investor visa and 1 employee visa with 2 years validity | AED 10,000 |
| Normal medical and Emirates ID | AED 3,150 |

### Important Notes

- A dedicated office space is mandatory because the Dubai Government authority will conduct a physical verification before issuing the license.
- Fast-track visa processing can be arranged for additional charges.
- The quoted fees apply where shareholders are individuals. Fees differ in the case of corporate shareholders, such as holding-subsidiary company structures.

## Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses

Dubai mainland licenses issued by the Department of Economic Development include:

- **Commercial licenses** for trading activities.
- **Professional licenses** for professions, services, craftsmen, and artisans.
- **Industrial licenses** for industrial or manufacturing activities.

## Mainland Dubai Setup Timeline

### Day 1: Physical Presence Required

- Confirm the type of license and number of visas.
- Collect documents and payments.
- Prepare documents and obtain signatures.

### Day 2 to Day 10

- Submit documents.
- Obtain name approval.
- Issue the license.
- Issue the establishment card.
- Complete e-channel registration.

### Day 11 to Day 20

- Submit visa application.
- Complete stamped visa and Emirates ID process.

## Mainland Dubai Documentation

### Individual Investor, Partner, Director, or Manager With UAE Residence Visa

Required documents include:

- Clear scanned passport copy with at least 6 months validity.
- Clear scanned visa page.
- Shareholder address.
- UAE entry stamp.
- Clear scanned Emirates ID.
- Passport-size photo for all shareholders.

### Individual Investor, Partner, Director, or Manager Without UAE Residence Visa

Required documents include:

- Clear scanned passport copy with at least 6 months validity.
- Entry stamp copy.
- Tourist or visit visa copy.
- Passport-size photograph.

### Corporate Shareholder

Required documents include:

- Board resolution appointing the director, manager, or legal representative, attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and MOFA in the Emirates.
- License, MOA, incumbency certificate, share certificate, and related documents of the shareholding company, attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and MOFA in the Emirates.
- Passport copy of the UBOs.
- Passport copy of the manager.
- Visa page of the manager, if UAE resident.
- Address of the authorized signatory.
- Passport-size photo for the authorized signatory.