About UAE Mainland

UAE Mainland Company Formation

Understanding Mainland UAE

In the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the term “Mainland” refers to the areas that are not part of a free trade zone or free economic zone. These Mainland areas are subject to the laws and regulations of the UAE federal government, and businesses established there operate under the UAE Commercial Companies Law.

Mainland Business Flexibility in the UAE

One key characteristic of Mainland areas is that companies registered there have the flexibility to do business NOT ONLY within that specific Mainland jurisdiction but also anywhere else in the UAE. This contrasts with businesses located in free zones, which often have restrictions on conducting business outside of their respective zones. For some specific activities, Mainland businesses may require a local Emirati partner, depending on the business activity and location.

Mainland Business Setup in the UAE

Mainland business setup is an excellent choice for investors seeking to establish a robust presence in the local UAE market. Companies registered in the Mainland enjoy access to a broader market, allowing them to conduct business with clients not only throughout the entire UAE but also internationally.

Mainland Packages

  • Mainland Standard

    • Trade Name Reservation 
    • Initial Approval
    • MOA
    • Business License 
    • Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
    • Establishment Card 
    • 1 Investor Visa
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  • Mainland Bronze

    • Trade Name Reservation 
    • Initial Approval
    • MOA
    • Business License 
    • Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
    • Establishment Card 
    • 1 Investor Visa 
    • Corporate Bank Account
    Get a free Quote

  • Mainland Silver

    • Trade Name Reservation 
    • Initial Approval
    • MOA
    • Business License 
    • Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
    • Establishment Card 
    • 1 Investor Visa 
    • Corporate Bank Account 
    • Family/Employee Visa
    Get a free Quote

  • Mainland Gold

    • Trade Name Reservation 
    • Initial Approval
    • MOA
    • Business License 
    • Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
    • Establishment Card 
    • 1 Investor Visa 
    • Corporate Bank Account 
    • Family/Employee Visa
    • Business Consultation Services 
    • Marketing and Branding Support
    •  
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The Advantages of Mainland Setup in the UAE

The Mainland is an ideal location for business setup due to the greater flexibility it offers investors in terms of expanding their businesses and opening bank accounts. With a Mainland business setup, investors can easily establish new office spaces or warehouses within the same jurisdiction, engage in government projects, and more.

Mainland vs. Free Zone Business Setup

Companies registered in the Mainland are not subject to the same regulations and limitations as free zone companies. Generally, Mainland companies undergo fewer inspections and less stringent audit checks by authorities compared to their free zone counterparts. Additionally, obtaining a business license in the Mainland typically requires fewer supporting documents and compliance checks compared to setting up a business in a free zone.

Market Access and Flexibility

Companies registered in the Mainland have access to a broader market since they can conduct business with clients throughout the UAE. Unlike Free Zone companies, which are typically required to perform physical operations (e.g., manufacturing and retail sales) within the boundaries of the Free Zone, Mainland companies have the flexibility to choose their own office space and location anywhere within the emirate they have selected.

Types of Licenses

  • Industrial License

    is a permit for businesses in the United Arab Emirates to engage in manufacturing or industrial activities.

  • Commercial License

    is a permit for businesses to conduct general trading or specialized commercial activities in the UAE.

  • Crafts License

    is a permit that allows individuals or businesses to engage in artisanal or craft-based activities in the UAE.

  • Tourism License

    is a permit for businesses to provide travel, hospitality, and tourism-related services in the UAE.

  • Agricultural License

    is a permit for businesses to engage in farming, cultivation, and other agricultural activities in the UAE.

  • Professional License

    is a permit for individuals or companies to provide expert services or consultancy in their field of specialization in the UAE.

Steps to Register a Mainland Company in the UAE

To establish a Mainland company, the general process can be summarized in the following steps:

1.Obtaining a Tenancy Contract (Ejari)

Securing a tenancy contract known as Ejari, which serves as the official proof of renting the premises.

2. Trade Name Reservation

Reserve your desired trade name for the company.

3. Receiving Initial Approval

Obtain initial approval for your company registration.

4. Obtaining Necessary 3rd-Party Approvals

Depending on your chosen business activity, you may need to obtain any required third-party approvals.

After successfully completing the license application and obtaining all necessary 3rd-party approvals, the stakeholders of a Mainland Company will receive the following electronic documents:

  • Business license.
  • Memorandum of Association.

Sample of Trade License

This organized structure provides a clear and concise overview of the steps involved in obtaining company registration for a Mainland business.

Key Steps for Employee Hiring and Visa Sponsorship by Mainland Companies

To hire employees and sponsor their visas, the company needs to:

  1. Rent premises with sufficient space to accommodate all sponsored employees.
  2. Obtain the Establishment (immigration) card.
  3. Open a labor file with the Ministry of Labor and acquire an e-signature card.
  4. Undergo premises inspections by the Ministry of Labor and secure the required number of visa quotas.
  5. Sign labor contracts with employees and sponsor their visas

Successfully hiring and sponsoring visas in the UAE requires mainland companies to follow key steps: securing appropriate premises, obtaining the necessary establishment card, and complying with the Ministry of Labor’s regulations. Adherence to these steps ensures a smooth and legally compliant hiring process, essential for business stability and growth in the UAE. 

Government Approvals

  • Ministry of the Interior

    Ministry of Interior issues approvals for activities related to general transport – driving schools, fire equipment, alarm and safety systems, user-car dealers, used auto-parts, car rental.

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  • Ministry of Justice

    Legal activities and legal consultancy

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  • Local Municipal Department

    Architectural and Engineering Affairs

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  • TDRA

    Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority

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  • Executive Council

    Travel and tourism, general services, charter trading, ship and maritime agencies, car clubs, charter air transports and foreign company branches

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  • Ministry of Economy

    Insurance activities and insurance consultancy

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  • Local Health Department

    Health-Related Activities

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  • Supreme Petrolium Council

    Onshore & Offshore gas and oil field services and onshore & offshore drilling operations.

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Visa Options for Your Company: Empowering Growth and Integration

Upon receiving your company’s business license, Memorandum of Association, labor e-signature card, and Establishment (immigration) card, your company will be entitled to apply for the following visas:

  • Investor/partner visas: Typically issued for shareholder(s).
  • Employee visas: Usually issued for employees your company will hire.
  • Dependent visas (for investors and employees): Typically issued for your family members, including spouses, children, and parents

With extensive knowledge of UAE immigration-residency policies, Rodion Group can help you determine the most suitable pathway based on your unique qualifications. From application preparation to liaising with the relevant authorities, ensuring a seamless and efficient process, increasing your chances of success. For a complimentary – free of charge – consultation, don’t hesitate to contact Rodion Group today to help you discover how we can assist you in obtaining a Visa in the UAE.

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