Mainland

Investors wishing to conduct business within the UAE should set up their businesses with a Mainland trade license. Traditionally investors with Mainland licenses were required to appoint a local sponsor who held a minimum of 51% of the company’s shares. Effective from 1st June 2021, Dubai Economy opened its doors to welcome 100% foreign investor ownership for selected activities in accordance with the Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2020 that amended some provisions of Federal Law No. (2) of 2015. 100% foreign ownership is available for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities excluding economic activities with a strategic impact, which are in only seven sectors.

Legal Forms available for a DED Mainland License

Sole Proprietorship

One Person Company (LLC)

Civil Company

Limited Liability Company

Private Share Holding Company

Public Share Holding Company

Simple Limited Partnership

Partnership Company

Branch of a Foreign Company

Representative Office

Branch of a Dubai-based Company

Branch of a UAE-based Company

Branch of a GCC-based Company

Branch of a Free Zone Company

Steps to obtain a DED Mainland License

  • Trade name certificate
  • Initial Approval Certificate
  • Tenancy contract approved by Dubai Municipality and attested by RERA (Ejari)
  • Memorandum of Association (Applicable for LLCs, One Person Company, Private Shareholding Company (Private Joint Stock Co), Public Shareholding Company, Simple Limited Partnership, Partnership Company and Civil Company)
  • Local Service Agent Agreement/Sponsorship Agreement (Applicable when a UAE national, represents your business with regards to licensing and compliance.)
  • Additional approvals from Government bodies for regulated activities
  • License Issuance

The Memorandum of Association for DED Mainland companies must be drafted by the Notary Public where the Shareholders must be present, however a digital Power of Attorney maybe appointed to proceed with a license application. The tenancy contract for clients who wish to rent a private office, a retail space, a warehouse must be registered with Ejari for attestation. An Estidama can be obtained for those who do not require physical private offices, Ejari’s with the use of co-working spaces with flexible options are also available to those who occasionally require an office to work from.

  • Trade name certificate
  • Initial Approval Certificate
  • Tenancy contract approved by Dubai Municipality and attested by RERA (Ejari)
  • Memorandum of Association (Applicable for LLCs, One Person Company, Private Shareholding Company (Private Joint Stock Co), Public Shareholding Company, Simple Limited Partnership, Partnership Company and Civil Company)
  • Local Service Agent Agreement/Sponsorship Agreement (Applicable when a UAE national, represents your business with regards to licensing and compliance.)
  • Additional approvals from Government bodies for regulated activities
  • License Issuance

The Memorandum of Association for DED Mainland companies must be drafted by the Notary Public where the Shareholders must be present, however a digital Power of Attorney maybe appointed to proceed with a license application. The tenancy contract for clients who wish to rent a private office, a retail space, a warehouse must be registered with Ejari for attestation. An Estidama can be obtained for those who do not require physical private offices, Ejari’s with the use of co-working spaces with flexible options are also available to those who occasionally require an office to work from.

Benefits of setting up a DED Mainland Company

Freedom to trade throughout the UAE, ideal for those who wish to build a brand and increase presence in the UAE and the GCC region – Creating a Dubai mainland company also gives you the freedom to expand your business’ branches to other parts of Dubai and across the UAE. If branch expansion is a key goal of your start up, you should consider a Dubai DED licence.

Ability to trade internationally and expand your global presence

Freedom to grow your company and your team – Opting for the mainland option means you can apply for unlimited visas. However, it is worth noting that visa quotas are directly correlated with office/warehouse space. Typically, the requirement is 100 square feet per visa. This can be negotiable with the DED if you have employees who work remotely and do not require the use of workspace.

Ability to diversify your offerings – Opting for a Dubai mainland setup provides significantly more scope for your business to evolve. Fundamentally, having a Dubai Mainland licence means that the administrative process is smoother, faster, and less restrictive compared to your Free Zone competitors.

Opens doors for you to deal with the UAE or other GCC Governments -Mainland registration in Dubai has another potentially attractive feature, it gives you the scope to tender bids for lucrative government contracts. If your start up is likely to offer services that match the requirements of government projects, then you could place yourself in a very advantageous position. UAE government contract work is worth billions of dollars per year. If your company becomes well-regarded by Dubai’s authorities, then you could create a blueprint for long-term business networking and growth. Winning official state contracts across the UAE will surely improve your business reputation and status, both in the country and internationally.

TLMS DED Solution

Our team offers a turnkey solution for DED Mainland clients including:
  • New DED Mainland License Services
  • Renewal of DED Mainland Licenses
  • DED Mainland License Amendment Services
  • PRO Services
  • Assistance with additional Government approvals
  • Tenancy agreement and Ejari options
  • Visa services for Investors, Employees and Dependents
  • Business Support Solutions