Mainland Company Formation
in Dubai

Dubai’s mainland allows you to conduct business across the UAE and internationally without limitations.

For over 5 years, GCG Structuring has helped businesses with mainland company formation in Dubai. With deep expertise in business structuring and UAE regulations, we simplify the entire process—from Dubai mainland company registration to securing the necessary licenses.

Our strategic guidance ensures businesses can operate seamlessly, gain full access to the local market, and establish a strong foundation for long-term success.

gcg structuring in numbers

GCG Structuring: Your Trusted Partner for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

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introduction

Advantages of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Full Market Access

Mainland company formation in Dubai gives you unrestricted access to the entire UAE market, including Dubai’s bustling commercial hubs. You can operate in any emirate, allowing you to serve a wider audience and scale your business across the country. Whether you’re targeting local clients or a nationwide market, setting up on Dubai mainland gives you the flexibility to grow without limitations.

Eligibility for Government Contracts

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai opens the door to exclusive government contracts and tenders. Many government projects require businesses to be registered in the mainland, as this allows them to operate across the UAE and engage in large-scale public sector projects. Mainland company formation in Dubai ensures your business meets these requirements, giving you a competitive edge and positioning you as a trusted provider in your industry.

Trade Internationally

Mainland companies can trade both internationally and within Dubai without restrictions, making them the ideal choice for businesses looking to serve local and global markets. Unlike setting up a business in Dubai free zone, which may face limitations on retail distribution or setting up physical stores, mainland companies can sell directly to customers and open retail outlets freely.With mainland company formation in Dubai, you gain the flexibility to expand globally, form international partnerships, and operate seamlessly in Dubai’s thriving commercial landscape—all while leveraging the UAE’s strategic trade routes and world-class infrastructure.

Foreign Ownership

Mainland company formation in the UAE offers up to 100% foreign ownership for most business activities. With thousands of activities to choose from, selecting the right one ensures you retain full control of your company. Only a few regulated sectors still require a local Emirati partner.

This became possible after the UAE passed a law on June 1, 2021, allowing 100% foreign ownership of most mainland businesses. The change was implemented under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, which amended the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL) No. 2 of 2015.

Flexibility in Business Activities

Mainland company formation in Dubai gives you the freedom to diversify your business activities across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re involved in trading, manufacturing, consultancy, or providing professional services, you can easily adapt to changing market demands without being confined to a specific niche. This flexibility allows your business to grow and scale in ways that free zone companies cannot.

No Limitations on Office Location

A mainland company offers greater flexibility in choosing office locations across Dubai and the UAE, with far more options than free zone businesses. While certain areas, such as DMCC in JLT or Dubai Media City, are exclusive to free zone companies, mainland businesses can set up in most commercial districts, allowing for strategic positioning and growth. Mainland company formation in Dubai gives you the freedom to establish your business in a location that best suits your needs, whether in a prime commercial hub or a developing business area.

Why GCG Structuring?

Why Entrepreneurs Trust GCG Structuring for Mainland Company Formation?

1.1

Tailored Approach

We offer personalized solutions that are perfectly aligned with your business needs, goals, and industry-specific requirements. With expertise in mainland company formation in Dubai, we provide customized guidance on company structure, location, licensing, and more—ensuring that whether you’re a startup or an expanding business, you lay a strong foundation and scale with confidence.

1.2

Reliable Banking Solutions

Opening a business bank account is a critical step in setting up your company, and mainland companies have a clear advantage in this area. With GCG structuring, we ensure a smooth process by helping you open an account in any major bank in the UAE. Unlike freezone businesses, mainland companies benefit from easier banking procedures, fewer restrictions and better account maintenance. This means faster approvals, greater financial flexibility, and a smooth banking experience—allowing you to manage cash flow, make international transactions with ease, and focus on business growth without administrative hurdles.

1.3

Quick and Efficient

Leveraging our extensive understanding of local regulations, we ensure a quick and efficient setup process. If you are in Dubai, we can complete the business setup within 48 hours. If you are outside of Dubai, it can be done within 7 days. By guiding you through the necessary steps and securing approvals swiftly, we help you avoid bureaucratic roadblocks and get your business operational as quickly as possible—allowing you to start engaging with clients and growing your business faster.

1.4

End-to-End Support

GCG Structuring provides comprehensive end-to-end support specifically tailored for mainland businesses. From the initial company registration to acquiring office space, visas, and business bank accounts, we manage every aspect of your mainland company formation in Dubai process. We ensure your business complies with all mainland requirements, including local ownership and licensing, so you can focus on scaling your operations with the confidence that your business foundation is secure and fully compliant.

1.5

Cost and Time Efficiency

Our approach to mainland company formation in Dubai is designed to save you both time and money. Our deep knowledge of the mainland setup process, coupled with strong relationships with government entities, allows us to streamline procedures and reduce costs. We help you avoid unnecessary fees, minimize delays, and maximize efficiency—ensuring your mainland company formation in Dubai is cost-effective while meeting all mainland regulations and requirements.

1.6

Team of Experts

At GCG Structuring, we do more than assist with company formation—we provide ongoing support throughout your mainland company formation in Dubai journey. Our continuous advisory services ensure that your business remains compliant with local laws, optimizes its potential, and successfully navigates the UAE market. Our experts are always on hand to offer guidance and support, even after your business is fully established.

1.7

Quarterly Review

Once your mainland company formation is complete and you’re running operations, it’s crucial to stay on top of the UAE’s frequently updated regulations while maintaining compliance and security with proper accounting services in Dubai.

Failing to do so can lead to fines, frozen bank accounts, legal problems, and tax penalties. Inaccurate records make it difficult to secure funding or credit, while payroll errors can cause WPS non-compliance, employee disputes, and visa issues. Additionally, missing records during tax season can expose your business to penalties, overpayments, or regulatory risks.

To keep everything on track, we provide quarterly consultations where we:

Review your financial statements for accuracy and compliance
Update you on any upcoming filings and ensure you meet deadlines
Keep you informed about tax or regulatory changes that may affect your business
Help with tax reporting to prevent penalties and fines
Address any financial or business concerns and connect you with the right people to resolve challenges
We ensure you’re always up to date, keeping your business fully secure and compliant, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence, knowing that all complexities are handled by experts.

discover the
possibilities

Book a Free Consultation with Our Team!

Ready to establish your company in the UAE’s mainland? With over 5 years of experience, GCG Structuring has been a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to set up businesses in the region. Our comprehensive knowledge of UAE regulations and business structuring ensures a seamless, fully compliant setup—from company registration to securing the necessary licenses.

We provide expert guidance to help you establish a solid foundation for long-term success in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.

Tap the link below to book a call with our consultant and get personalized advice for a smooth, efficient mainland company formation in Dubai.

how do we do it

Steps to Company Setup in Dubai Mainland

Step 1.

Determine Your Business Activity

Before you can set up a company in Dubai’s mainland, it’s essential to determine the business activity you’ll be engaging in. The UAE requires businesses to specify their operations, as it impacts your licensing requirements, legal structure, and approval process. This step ensures you comply with the local laws and regulations while also allowing you to select the most appropriate license (commercial, industrial, or professional) based on your business type, especially when considering mainland company formation in Dubai.

At GCG Structuring, we provide expert consultation to help you select the correct business activity and guide you through the regulatory framework, ensuring your mainland company formation in Dubai meets all requirements from the outset.

Step 2.

Choose a Company Name

Choosing the right company name is a crucial step in the process of mainland company formation in Dubai. The name must accurately reflect your business activity while adhering to UAE’s naming regulations, which include restrictions on certain words and the need for specific approvals. Additionally, the translation of the company name into Arabic must be approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED), which can be more complex than it seems, as many English names have Arabic translations that are not permitted. It’s also essential that the name is unique and doesn’t resemble any existing businesses.

We help you select a name that complies with all legal requirements, ensuring a smooth approval process with the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Step 3.

Finalize Your Legal Structure

The legal structure of your company determines ownership rights, liability, and other operational aspects. Popular structures include Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Sole Proprietorships. The choice depends on factors like the number of partners and your business activity.

For mainland company formation in Dubai, GCG Structuring provides tailored advice to help you choose the optimal legal structure, ensuring your business setup is aligned with both your objectives and UAE legal requirements.

Step 4.

Obtain Initial Approval from DED
(Department of Economic Development)

After deciding on your business activity and legal structure, you will need to obtain initial approval from the DED. This approval validates that your business can legally operate here and allows you to proceed with the mainland company formation in Dubai setup process.

Our professionals handle the entire initial approval process, ensuring your application is submitted correctly and quickly so that you can move to the next steps without delays.

Step 5.

Lease Office Space

UAE law requires all companies to have a physical office space. The office must comply with DED regulations and be suitable for conducting business. As part of the mainland company formation process, we assist in finding the ideal office space that meets all legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring your business is fully compliant and ready to operate.

Additionally, we can provide you with a dedicated service for a registered address for your mainland company at a fraction of the cost of a traditional office space, offering you a cost-effective solution without compromising on compliance.

Step 6.

Draft and Sign the Memorandum
of Association (MOA)

The MOA outlines the roles, responsibilities, and shareholding of the partners within the company. It is an essential document for LLCs and other business structures in Dubai.

We guide you through the drafting of the MOA, ensuring it is legally sound and accurately reflects the intentions of all parties involved.

Step 7.

Submit Documents for Trade License Issuance

With all documentation in order, you can apply for the final issuance of your trade license from the DED, following the completion of your mainland company formation in Dubai. This license authorizes you to start operating your business legally.

GCG Structuring ensures your documents are complete and correctly submitted, streamlining the approval process for a quick issuance of your trade license.

Step 8.

Obtain Visas and Open a Corporate Bank Account

After receiving your trade license, you will need to obtain visas for employees, business owners, and other stakeholders. Additionally, you must open a business bank account to manage your company’s financial transactions.

We guide you through the visa application process and assist in selecting the right bank for your business, ensuring both processes are completed seamlessly.

Step 9.

Start Operations

Once you have your trade license, visas, and corporate bank account in place following your mainland company formation in Dubai, your business is legally set up and ready to begin operations in the UAE. From here, you can start serving clients, hiring employees, and expanding your business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

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FAQ

1. 0 What is the process for company setup in dubai mainland?

Company setup in dubai mainland involves several key steps, including selecting your business activity, choosing a legal structure, obtaining necessary approvals, leasing office space, and applying for a trade license. GCG Structuring provides expert assistance in each stage of the mainland company formation in Dubai process to ensure a seamless setup.

2. 0 Can I own 100% of my mainland business in Dubai?

Yes, for certain business activities, particularly professional services, foreign entrepreneurs can fully own their businesses without needing a local sponsor. As part of the mainland company formation in Dubai, we will guide you through selecting the right business activity to qualify for 100% ownership.

3. 0 What are the costs involved in dubai mainland company setup?

The costs of dubai mainland company setup vary depending on factors such as business activity, legal structure, office space, and licensing fees. GCG Structuring provides transparent pricing and can give you a detailed breakdown of all costs involved in your mainland company formation in Dubai setup

4. 0 How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai Mainland?

Mainland company setup in dubai typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business structure and the necessary approvals. At GCG Structuring, we can expedite the process and complete it within just 48 hours. Our efficient approach ensures a seamless setup, allowing you to start operations without delay.

5. 0 Do I need a physical office space for my mainland company?

Yes, UAE regulations require all mainland companies to have a physical office space. The office must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

6. 0 What are the requirements for a business license in Dubai Mainland?

To obtain a business license in Dubai Mainland, you must submit relevant documents, including your business activity, legal structure, office lease agreement, and approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED). GCG professionals handle the entire process for you, ensuring a smooth and efficient mainland company formation in Dubai, leading to quick license issuance.

7. 0 What are the tax implications for a mainland company in Dubai?

Dubai’s mainland companies benefit from favorable tax policies, with a 9% corporate income tax on most business activities. However, only regulated financial activities and government oil and gas activities are exempt from this tax. While the UAE offers various tax incentives, eligibility depends on your business activity. Through our expertise in mainland company formation in Dubai, we ensure your company remains compliant with local tax regulations while maximizing potential benefits.

8. 0 What types of business structures are available for mainland company formation in Dubai?

The most common business structures for mainland company setup in Dubai include Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Sole Proprietorships, and Civil Companies. Each structure has its own ownership, liability, and operational requirements. We can help you choose the best structure based on your business goals.

9. 0 What is the minimum office space requirement for mainland company setup in dubai?

The office space must meet the Department of Economic Development (DED) standards, including a suitable layout for your business activity. The size of the office depends on the number of employees and the type of business activity. Unlike setting up a company in Dubai offshore where you can have a virtual office, it is required by UAE law to have a physical office in Dubai mainland.

10. 0 What happens if I want to change the business activity or legal structure after company setup?

Changing your business activity or legal structure is possible, but it involves a detailed process that may require submitting new documentation and obtaining additional approvals. GCG Structuring can guide you through the process of making such changes, ensuring compliance and minimal disruption to your business.

Mainland Company Formation in Dubai