Set up your Mainland company in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Choose your business activity

After you have decided to set up your business in the UAE, the mainland is choosing your business. There are thousands of permitted business activities as listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Mainland businesses are free to trade in any of the 2000+ DED-listed activities, unlike some free zone businesses.

Find the ideal location

After deciding your business activity, the next step is to find the best location in UAE to start your business. Since you have decided to start your business on the UAE mainland you will have the option to choose the location of your choice. Plus you will have no restrictions on opening branch offices.

Determining your business legal structure

When establishing a business on the UAE mainland, foreign entrepreneurs have several legal structures to consider. The most popular option is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC is a distinct legal entity owned by multiple shareholders. Businesses engaging in commercial or industrial activities, such as manufacturing, must form an LLC to operate on the mainland. This structure typically necessitates a local sponsor who holds a 51% ownership stake.

However, there's an exception. Companies providing professional services can be established as 100% foreign-owned entities without the requirement of a local sponsor.

Obtain a local sponsor or service agent

Until recently, foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish a mainland business in the UAE were required to partner with a local sponsor or a local service agent. The local sponsor needed to be a UAE national or UAE-based company. Either way the local sponsor will own 51% of the business.

Such arrangements presented challenges for many foreign investors seeking complete control over their ventures. To address this, Trust Account Management offers a Corporate Nominee service to act as a local partner. This arrangement grants foreign owners 100% operational and financial control while mitigating potential risks.

Naming your company

Selecting a suitable name for your business is a crucial step in the entrepreneurial journey. A well-chosen name reveals your brand's essence. It's essential to exercise caution when selecting a name. Avoid using offensive language, religious connotations, and references to other organizations is not permitted.

Apply for a mainland trade license

Once you've finalized your company name, the next step is to obtain a mainland trade license from the Department of Economic Development. This process involves submitting several key documents, including the license application itself, a memorandum outlining the sponsor arrangements, and details of ownership percentages for all partners. Additionally, shareholder visas will be required.

Secure your office space

Once your business license is in hand, the next step is finding a suitable office space. The UAE mainland offers a variety of options that cater to your business’ unique requirements. Finding a workspace that aligns perfectly with your operational needs will be easy with the options available in the UAE mainland.

Apply for relevant visas

Mainland business owners can apply for relevant visas for employees after all the paperwork is finished. There is no specific cap on the number of visas a mainland business owner can apply for in the UAE. However, the visa count should align with the office space requirements. Generally, a rule of thumb is 100 square feet of office or warehouse space per visa.

Additionally, mainland company owners can sponsor visas for dependents, including family members and domestic staff. Also foreign entrepreneurs establishing a mainland business are eligible for an investment visa, granting them and their families the right to reside and work in the UAE for up to three years.

Partner with a company setup consultant

Establishing a mainland company in the UAE is a complex task which involves a multitude of legal and procedural formalities. To navigate this landscape effectively, you can seek assistance from a seasoned UAE-based mainland business setup consultant. By collaborating with a professional consultant like Trust Accounts Management, entrepreneurs can reduce the pressures associated with company formation. As a consultant we will work closely with you in establishing your business in the UAE mainland.