Mainland License
A Dubai Mainland license or a Mainland Company License is a type of business license issued by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DET) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The license can be renewed every year, with the fee depending on the type of business, i.e. commercial, professional and industrial activities, rent of the office space, and a number of employees.
Generally, the procedure involves applying trade name, submitting the required documents and paying the fees. In some cases, additional approvals may be required, such as from the Dubai Municipality or SIRA Approval, Civil Defense Department (CDD), and more!
Mainland License Application Guidance:
Once you have decided to open your business, here is the application guide for your reference:
SR. | JOB DESCRIPTION |
1. | Select Trade Name, Activity, and Company Structure |
2. | Registration of Application Form |
3. | Initial License Application |
4. | Trade Name Reservation Application |
5. | Business Activity Application |
6. | Initial Approval, Trade Name Reservation and Activity Certificate |
7. | Apply External Approval (If require) |
8. | MOA signing |
9. | Ejari (If require) |
10. | License Issuance |
11. | Establishment Card |
12. | Apply Partners/ Investor Visa |
Mainland License Legal Type:
For 100% Ownership – The UAE Government officially announced last June 2021 that certain activities are allowed and eligible for 100% Foreign Ownership in the mainland whether it is trading, manufacturing, transportation, production, services and more! This means that foreign investors can own a business in Dubai without the need for a local partner or sponsor.
With Local Sponsor – Mainland Company formation in Dubai needs a local sponsor or a UAE national and the general shareholding arrangement of Dubai Mainland Company is that, UAE national Sponsor holds 51% share in the company and the Foreign Shareholder (s) holds 49% share in the company. The mainland company provides flexible legal contract between foreign investors and local sponsor, where the local sponsor receives an annual fee or a percentage of sales/profits. The foreign investor holds 100% control over the company and the local partner has no involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business.
With Local Service Agent – Company with Legal form of Sole Establishment and Civil Company require having a Local Service Agent when obtaining a license. This Local Service Agent is paid annually depending on the agreed amount. This local agent has nothing to do with the company, and has no rights to the company.
Types of Licenses in Dubai Mainland License
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Professional Services License
This license is for individuals who are offering professional services such as consultancy, accounting, auditing, engineering, management services, advertising, IT, legal, or medical services.
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Commercial License
This license is for businesses that are involved in trading activities, including the import, export, and distribution of goods.
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Industrial License
This license is for businesses that are involved in manufacturing or processing and assembling activities.
Advantages of having a Mainland License:
Establishing a business on the mainland in Dubai, UAE gives you the freedom to extend your business’ branches to other parts of Dubai and across the UAE. With this license, you can offer a B2B or B2C service. This allows companies to operate in any of the mainland areas in Dubai which is strategically located with easy access to the market and business hub here in Dubai such as Business Bay, Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, and more!
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