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Overview

Set up your Mainland company in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ready to establish your mainland company in Abu Dhabi? Setup your mainland company with Trust Accounts Management and enjoy the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE and overseas.

Overview Image

When setting up a business in the UAE, entrepreneurs are presented with two primary options: mainland or free zone. A mainland company offers full access to the potential UAE market offers. What exactly is a mainland company? Think of it as a business that’s fully based in the UAE. It is licensed by the local government, which gives it the green light to operate anywhere in the country. Also, a mainland company comes with a ton of perks. You can trade freely, both inside and outside the UAE and makes you eligible for government contracts. Plus you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to hiring people and getting them work visas.

In Abu Dhabi

Benefits of Mainland company formation in Abu Dhabi

Setting up a mainland company in Abu Dhabi comes with a ton of perks. Here are some key benefits:

01

Wider business opportunities

Mainland business is your key to unlock the unlimited potential of the UAE market. By establishing a mainland business, you gain access to trade within Abu Dhabi and throughout the entire United Arab Emirates.

02

Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions

Setting up a Abu Dhabi mainland company gives your location flexibility which means you can choose the best location for your business in Abu Dhabi. Also you can open multiple branches anywhere in the UAE, helping your company in establishing a strong presence throughout the UAE. Plus you can trade freely with other businesses, government and people directly in the UAE. 

03

Full ownership

Until recently, foreigners could only own 100% of a company if it was in a free zone or if it was a specific type of professional service. But things have changed! Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the door for foreigners to own 100% of mainland companies too. This means you can establish a mainland business and have full ownership and control even if you are a foreigner. You won't need to  find a local partner and can just dive right into business.

04

Broad working scope

Want to expand your mainland business? It's easier to expand your mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi. Mainland businesses have the scope to take on a wide range of work. If you choose to diversify your services within the mainland business simply need to re-register the new business activity with the DED.

05

Access to lucrative government contracts

The biggest advantage of establishing a mainland business in Abu Dhabi is the access to government contracts. Unlike other business setups, mainland companies can directly bid on government contracts. That means you could get valuable government projects.

Wider business opportunities Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions
Wider business opportunities
01

Wider business opportunities

Mainland business is your key to unlock the unlimited potential of the UAE market. By establishing a mainland business, you gain access to trade within Abu Dhabi and throughout the entire United Arab Emirates.

02

Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions

Setting up a Abu Dhabi mainland company gives your location flexibility which means you can choose the best location for your business in Abu Dhabi. Also you can open multiple branches anywhere in the UAE, helping your company in establishing a strong presence throughout the UAE. Plus you can trade freely with other businesses, government and people directly in the UAE. 

03

Full ownership

Until recently, foreigners could only own 100% of a company if it was in a free zone or if it was a specific type of professional service. But things have changed! Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the door for foreigners to own 100% of mainland companies too. This means you can establish a mainland business and have full ownership and control even if you are a foreigner. You won't need to  find a local partner and can just dive right into business.

04

Broad working scope

Want to expand your mainland business? It's easier to expand your mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi. Mainland businesses have the scope to take on a wide range of work. If you choose to diversify your services within the mainland business simply need to re-register the new business activity with the DED.

05

Access to lucrative government contracts

The biggest advantage of establishing a mainland business in Abu Dhabi is the access to government contracts. Unlike other business setups, mainland companies can directly bid on government contracts. That means you could get valuable government projects.

Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions

Switching from Free zone to Mainland company formation in UAE

Free zones serve as an excellent starting point for your business. They offer a supportive environment to grow your business. However, when it's time to expand your reach and tap into the full potential of the UAE market, making the move to the mainland is the next logical step. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities for your business. 

Making the move from the free zone to the mainland can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Our Business Setup Service in UAE Mainland makes the transition from the free zone to the mainland as smooth as possible. Let us handle the paperwork and red tape while you focus on growing your business.

In UAE

Your checklist for Mainland business setup in UAE

Setting up a mainland company in UAE comes with a ton of perks. Here are some key benefits:

Choose your business activity

01

Determining your business legal structure

03

Naming your company

05

Secure your office space

07

Partner with company setup consultant

09

Find the ideal location

02

Obtain a local sponsor or service agent

04

Apply for mainland trade license

06

Apply for relevant visas

08
Business Setup Image
Business Setup Image
Business Setup Image
Business Setup Image
01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

05

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.

06

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.

07

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.

08

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.

09

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. 

Business Setup Image
01

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.

02

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.

Business Setup Image
03

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.

04

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.

Business Setup Image
05

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.

06

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.

Business Setup Image
07

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.

08

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.

09

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. 

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