Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
About Department of Economic Development Dubai
What is the Department of Economic Development?
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government authority responsible for issuing trade licenses to businesses operating in Dubai’s mainland. According to Law No. 13 of 2011, the DED regulates all economic activities for businesses outside of the free zones. Established to ensure economic growth and effective policy implementation, the DED plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s vision for expanding and developing diverse economic sectors.
We collaborate closely with the DED to support these economic goals by providing streamlined corporate services that simplify the process of setting up a business in Dubai mainland.
What is a mainland company?
A mainland company is licensed directly by the DED of the relevant Emirate and can conduct business anywhere across the UAE. Also called an “onshore” company, mainland companies in Dubai are highly popular due to their flexibility and broad operational scope.
What are the benefits of a mainland company in Dubai?
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Ability to operate freely in both local and international markets.
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No restriction on the number of visas the company can obtain.
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Office premises can be located anywhere within mainland Dubai.
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Enhanced brand visibility and easier accessibility.
-
Eligibility to participate in government tenders, as government entities typically do not engage with free zone companies.
What are the main licensing options under the Department of Economic Development?
Commercial License:
Issued primarily as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), this license allows businesses to conduct commercial activities in Dubai mainland. It is the most common license for mainland business setups.
Professional License:
This license is issued for businesses providing professional services, skills, or expertise. The company can be a sole establishment or an LLC. Foreign nationals can establish a sole establishment under their own name (with some exceptions) without the need for a local shareholder. Instead, a UAE national must act as a local service agent.
Branch Office:
A branch office is an extension of a local or foreign parent company. It has no separate legal identity and may only carry out the parent company’s business activities. Setting up a branch office requires special approval from the UAE Ministry of Economy, and a UAE national must be appointed as a local service agent.
Representative Office:
Primarily established to promote the parent company’s business and increase its presence, a representative office cannot conduct commercial activities. Appointment of a UAE national as a local service agent is mandatory.
Ripple Mainland Trade License Process
Trade Name Reservation
We will secure your desired trade name and obtain the necessary initial approvals to facilitate issuing your mainland trade license.
Company Document Preparation
Our team will prepare all essential company documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA). These documents must be signed by all shareholders.
Mainland Trade License Issuance
Once everything is complete, you will receive your mainland trade license, enabling you to officially commence your business operations.
About Department of Economic Development Dubai
What is the Department of Economic Development?
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government authority responsible for issuing trade licenses to businesses operating in Dubai’s mainland. According to Law No. 13 of 2011, the DED regulates all economic activities for businesses outside of the free zones. Established to ensure economic growth and effective policy implementation, the DED plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s vision for expanding and developing diverse economic sectors.
We collaborate closely with the DED to support these economic goals by providing streamlined corporate services that simplify the process of setting up a business in Dubai mainland.
What is a mainland company?
A mainland company is licensed directly by the DED of the relevant Emirate and can conduct business anywhere across the UAE. Also called an “onshore” company, mainland companies in Dubai are highly popular due to their flexibility and broad operational scope.
What are the benefits of a mainland company in Dubai?
-
Ability to operate freely in both local and international markets.
-
No restriction on the number of visas the company can obtain.
-
Office premises can be located anywhere within mainland Dubai.
-
Enhanced brand visibility and easier accessibility.
-
Eligibility to participate in government tenders, as government entities typically do not engage with free zone companies.
What are the main licensing options under the Department of Economic Development?
Commercial License:
Issued primarily as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), this license allows businesses to conduct commercial activities in Dubai mainland. It is the most common license for mainland business setups.
Professional License:
This license is issued for businesses providing professional services, skills, or expertise. The company can be a sole establishment or an LLC. Foreign nationals can establish a sole establishment under their own name (with some exceptions) without the need for a local shareholder. Instead, a UAE national must act as a local service agent.
Branch Office:
A branch office is an extension of a local or foreign parent company. It has no separate legal identity and may only carry out the parent company’s business activities. Setting up a branch office requires special approval from the UAE Ministry of Economy, and a UAE national must be appointed as a local service agent.
Representative Office:
Primarily established to promote the parent company’s business and increase its presence, a representative office cannot conduct commercial activities. Appointment of a UAE national as a local service agent is mandatory.