+971 50 500 8821
contact@sbjsmartzone.com
Mon - Sat: 9.00 - 18.00
Set up your business in Dubai Mainland with flexible packages designed to meet your needs, ensuring compliance, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
Split your purchase into 4 interest-free installments.
A Mainland Company in Dubai is a business entity established with the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) that permits businesses to operate both in the UAE and throughout the world. Following recent revisions, international investors may now enjoy 100% ownership of most company operations without the requirement for a local sponsor.
Dubai’s mainland business structure is not only tax-friendly, but it also allows enterprises to trade, recruit, and create headquarters without regard to location.
SBJ SmartZone company establishment specializes in simplifying the company establishment process in Dubai mainland to enable a smooth transition from registration to licensing. Our professional advisors, legal experts, and PRO executives are available to help you at every stage of the process.
While most business operations are allowed on the mainland of Dubai, certain sectors may be subject to additional laws or licensing requirements.
“The best investment you can make is in building the right business, in the right place, at the right time.”
sbj smart zone
A business owned and managed by one individual, ideal for professionals offering consultancy, training, or specialized services.
The most popular structure, allowing up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities and offering flexibility to trade across the UAE.
A partnership between two or more professionals providing services like legal, medical, engineering, or accounting.
Extensions of foreign or local companies that operate in Dubai under the same brand and legal identity.
When establishing a firm on the UAE mainland, you may choose from a variety of business structures based on the nature of your activities, the number of shareholders, and the desired ownership model.
The following are the most usual options for startup companies in the Dubai mainland:
1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Limited Liability Company is one of the most popular business structures in the UAE, suitable for both local and foreign investors. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their share capital, offering legal protection while allowing operational flexibility. An LLC can operate across the UAE, hire employees, open corporate bank accounts, and bid for contracts, making it ideal for businesses aiming for long-term growth.
2. Sole Proprietorship
A Sole Proprietorship is a business fully owned and managed by a single individual, giving complete control over decision-making and profits. This structure is ideal for professionals offering specialized services such as consultancy, training, or freelance work. While simple and cost-effective to establish, the owner is personally responsible for all debts and obligations.
3. Civil Company
A Civil Company is a professional partnership formed by two or more individuals to provide specialized services, such as legal, medical, engineering, or accounting. Partners can be UAE nationals or a combination of nationals and expatriates, depending on the activity. This structure allows shared expertise, flexible profit-sharing agreements, and a strong professional presence in the market.
4. Branch of a Foreign Company
A Branch of a Foreign Company enables an existing overseas business to expand operations into the UAE under its original name and corporate identity. The branch is 100% owned by the parent company, which assumes full responsibility for its activities. This setup is ideal for companies looking to establish a regional presence, serve local clients, and benefit from the UAE’s strategic market position.
From licensing to legal compliance, we handle every step of your company setup with speed, accuracy, and care.
We manage every step of your Dubai Mainland company formation, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Our expertise ensures you can focus on your business goals while we handle the legal, administrative, and operational requirements.
Dubai Mainland businesses are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED), which issues different types of licenses based on the nature of the activity.
Commercial License – For businesses engaged in trading activities such as buying, selling, and importing/exporting goods.
Professional License – For service-oriented activities requiring specialized skills or expertise, such as consultancy, IT services, design, or education.
Industrial License – For businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, or industrial production.
Tourism License – For businesses operating in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector, such as travel agencies, tour operators, or hotel management.
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai is a straightforward process when guided by experts. At SBJ SmartZone, we ensure every step is handled efficiently, making your business setup smooth, compliant, and successful.
Identify the exact nature of your business – whether it’s trading, consulting, manufacturing, services, or e-commerce. Your chosen activity will determine the type of license required and any special approvals you may need.
Choose a unique and compliant trade name for your company. It must follow UAE naming guidelines, avoiding religious, political, or offensive terms, and should not duplicate an existing company name. SBJ SmartZone will handle the name reservation process with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Once your trade name and activity are decided, we will secure initial approval from the DED. This step confirms that your business can proceed with the formation process.
All mainland businesses require a physical office address. We help you find and arrange a location that suits your needs, along with preparing the Ejari tenancy contract for submission to the DED.
We compile and submit all necessary documents, including your trade name certificate, initial approval, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and tenancy contract, to the DED for your business license application.
For certain sectors such as healthcare, education, or finance, additional approvals from relevant authorities are required. SBJ SmartZone manages these approvals to avoid delays.
Once approvals are complete, the DED issues your mainland trade license — the legal document that allows your company to operate in Dubai.
With your license in hand, we assist you in opening a corporate account with a UAE-based or international bank, ensuring all documentation meets banking compliance standards.
We process investor, partner, and employee visas, along with family sponsorships, depending on your office size and visa quota eligibility.
We facilitate the issuance of trade licences from the Department of Economic Development (DED) and assist with Chamber of Commerce registration and Ejari lease agreements.
We connect you with trustworthy UAE Nationals to act as Local Partners or Service Agents, in line with your business requirements.
Our team manages all essential government procedures, including labour card issuance, immigration services, and establishment card processing.
We provide professional PRO services for all visa processing - whether for investors or employees - including medicals, stamping, and renewals.
We handle the typing of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), translation of legal documents, and coordinate procedures with Dubai Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice Notary.
From smooth company incorporation to hassle-free licence renewal and efficient liquidation processes, we cover the full business lifecycle.
We assist in opening commercial bank accounts in Dubai, ensuring compliance with all required documentation.
Choose SBJ SmartZone for a smooth and successful Mainland company formation in Dubai. Our dedicated team ensures every step of your business setup is handled with precision, professionalism, and speed.
A Dubai Mainland Company is a business entity licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and trade directly with both local and international markets.
Yes. Recent UAE laws allow 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities without the need for a local UAE partner, except for certain strategic sectors.
In most cases, the process takes 7–7 working days, depending on activity type, required approvals, and documentation readiness.
The UAE no longer mandates a fixed minimum share capital for most activities, but your Memorandum of Association (MOA) will state an agreed capital amount.
In most cases, the process takes 7–10 working days, depending on activity type, required approvals, and documentation readiness.
Yes. A registered office address with an Ejari tenancy contract is mandatory for licensing.
Yes. You can sponsor visas for yourself, employees, and dependents, with the quota depending on your office size and activity type.
Common documents include passport copies, visa copies, Emirates ID (if applicable), trade name options, MOA, tenancy contract/Ejari, and initial DED approvals.
205B, Deira Twin Tower, Dubai, UAE
+971 50 500 8821
contact@sbjsmartzone.com
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