Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

Setting up a business in Dubai mainland offers unparalleled access to the local and international markets, but navigating the regulatory landscape is a critical first step. For entrepreneurs and corporations aiming to establish a presence, ensuring the process is handled with precision is paramount. Oncount stands as a leading corporate services firm, offering structured and compliant business setup in the Dubai mainland. Our services are tailored to businesses operating within the dynamic UAE economy, guaranteeing accuracy, regulatory compliance, and dedicated support for all requirements mandated by the Department of Economic Development (DET) and other government bodies.

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Comprehensive Business Setup Solutions

Oncount provides end-to-end support for mainland company formation in Dubai, ensuring every stage complies with local laws. Our process is built on a foundation of operational efficiency and transparency, delivering customized solutions that align with your specific business activities. We navigate the complexities of federal legislation, including Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, which has fundamentally reshaped foreign ownership, allowing 100% foreign ownership for many commercial activities.

Our tailored support is aligned with key regulations, including:

Cabinet Resolution No. 105 of 2022 which outlines the administrative penalties for violations of the Commercial Companies Law.
Department of Economic Development (DET) guidelines for business activity classification and licensing procedures.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) regulations as per Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020, ensuring full transparency in your corporate structure from day one.

Core Company Formation and License Services

Our core deliverables are designed to manage every facet of company registration and licensing. We help with initial approvals, document processing, and corporate filings, ensuring your new business is established correctly and efficiently.

License Application & Processing: We manage applications for any type of license, including a commercial license in Dubai, a professional license, or an industrial license, ensuring alignment with authority-recognized classification standards.
Document & Memorandum Management: We assist in drafting and notarizing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other essential corporate documents required for company incorporation.
Government Portal Submissions: Our team handles all submissions through official portals for trade name reservation, initial approval, and final business license issuance.
Ongoing Compliance & Visa Services: We provide continuous support for visa processing for investors and employees, manage document renewals, and conduct periodic reviews of your corporate structure.
Establishment Card & Labour File Opening: We facilitate the registration of your company in Dubai with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

Advisory & Regulatory Support Services

Our advisory services enhance regulatory protection and mitigate risks associated with setting up a business in a sophisticated market.

Strategic Licensing Advisory: Guidance on selecting the optimal legal structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), and the right business activities to support your long-term goals.
Specialized Registrations: Assistance with licenses for e-commerce, trading, and other regulated sectors requiring approvals from multiple authorities.
Pre-emptive Compliance Audits: We conduct thorough checks to flag potential risks related to your corporate structure or chosen activities before they become liabilities.

Compliance Restoration & Remediation

For businesses facing legacy compliance issues, our services are focused on restoring good standing with the UAE authorities.

Retrieval of Corporate Records: Assistance in sourcing missing or outdated corporate documents required for audits or license renewals.
Late Registration & Voluntary Disclosures: We guide companies through the process of rectifying past non-compliance, including late UBO registrations or amendments.
Audit-Ready Documentation: We help prepare and organize all corporate documentation to ensure readiness for any potential government audit.

Steps for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland

The entire company formation process is a structured sequence of steps. Our team manages each stage to ensure a seamless launch for your business in the UAE.

Activity & Legal Structure Selection

Determine the nature of your business and select the appropriate legal form (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment).

Trade Name Reservation

Choose a unique name for your company and secure its reservation with the DET.

Initial Approval Application

Submit an application to the DET to obtain initial approval for your chosen specific business activity.

Drafting & Notarizing MOA/LSA

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (for LLCs) or a Local Service Agent agreement (for professional licenses) and have it notarized.

Securing a Physical Address

Arrange for a tenancy contract (Ejari) for your office in Dubai, which is a mandatory requirement for a mainland license.

Final Submission & Fee Payment

Submit all required documents and legal agreements to the DET, pay the required fees and collect your business license.

Post-License Registrations

Open the company’s establishment card and register with the labour and immigration authorities.

Corporate Bank Account Opening

With the trade license in hand, we assist you in opening a corporate bank account to operate your business.

Legal Requirements in Dubai: Why Accurate Setup is Crucial

A proper mainland business setup is not merely an administrative task; it is a legal foundation that enables your company to operate, trade, and grow within the UAE and beyond. Accurate formation ensures your company, registered in Dubai, complies with all legal mandates, protecting it from penalties and operational disruptions. Mainland companies have the advantage of being able to trade freely across the UAE without restrictions and bid on government contracts.

Applicable Laws & Resolutions

Compliance is governed by a framework of federal and local laws. Key regulations include:

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies: The cornerstone of corporate law, defining legal structures, governance, and foreign ownership rules.
Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020 on Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO): Mandates the maintenance and submission of a register of the ultimate beneficial owners to enhance transparency.
DET Recordkeeping Requirements: All mainland companies in Dubai are required to maintain proper accounting records and corporate documents for a specified period.

Risk & Penalty Mitigation

Non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties and operational setbacks. Oncount helps businesses avoid these risks.

Fines for Missing Registrations: Penalties are imposed for failing to register UBO data or renew a license in Dubai on time.
Operational Freezes: Authorities may suspend a company’s license for severe non-compliance, halting all trade activities.
Proactive Tools: We utilize compliance dashboards, automated renewal alerts, and secure digital backups to ensure your business in Dubai mainland remains compliant.

Industry-Specific Business Setup Services

Oncount understands that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient. The type of business dictates the setup requirements, and our expert business setup consultants in Dubai provide tailored solutions for various sectors.

Industry-Specific Expertise

Retail/eCommerce: We handle specialized e-trader licenses and ensure compliance with digital commerce regulations from the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Trading: Our team manages customs registration and documentation for import/export activities, facilitating smooth logistics for commercial activities.
Professional Services: We assist in setting up advisory, legal, and technical service firms, ensuring the correct professional license is obtained.
IT/SaaS: We navigate digital compliance, intellectual property considerations, and e-commerce licensing for technology companies operating in Dubai.
Real Estate: Specialized support for developer registration, RERA compliance, and investor agreements.

Client Integration & Customization

Embedded Advisory: We provide ongoing strategic advice and registration support as your business evolves.
Real-Time Dashboards: Clients gain access to dashboards to track the status of documents, renewals, and compliance milestones.
Investor-Ready Reporting: Our documentation and reporting tools are designed to meet the standards of banks, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Flexible Configurations: We structure the setup to accommodate complex ownership structures, including those involving corporate shareholders or multiple partners.

About Oncount: Top Business Setup Firm in UAE

Oncount is a premier UAE-based firm specializing in business setup services, regulatory consulting, and corporate compliance. Our methodologies are aligned with mandates from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the UAE government, and international standards. We empower entrepreneurs in the UAE to establish their business with confidence.

8+ Years of Local Experience, 320+ Clients Served

Multilingual Service: Our team communicates fluently in English, Arabic, and Russian.
Full Regulatory Adherence: We ensure strict compliance with all mainland, free zone, and international regulations.
Diverse Experience: Our expertise spans mainland and free zone setups, serving a wide range of local and international clients.

Clarity Over Routine: Professional Consultants in Dubai

We move beyond routine processing to deliver strategic value. Our clients receive clear, actionable guidance from assigned managers who ensure seamless delivery.

Structured Workflows: We manage deadlines, track monthly renewals, and ensure all filings are completed on time.
Complex Planning: Support for visa management, intricate document filings, and long-term corporate planning.
Professional Communication: We provide investor-ready documentation and maintain digital communication channels for transparent updates.

Why Choose Us for Business Setup Services in Dubai

Quality Control Process

Dual Document Reviews: A four-eye principle ensures all applications and legal documents are reviewed for accuracy.
Periodic Compliance Audits: We proactively audit licenses, visas, and corporate records to prevent lapses.
SOP Alignment: Our standard operating procedures are continuously updated to align with the latest regulations from the UAE authorities.
Legal Document Verification: All legal documents are verified for authenticity and compliance before submission.

Legal and Technical Accuracy

Certified Tools: We leverage certified software and government portals for all submissions, ensuring technical accuracy.
Integrated Workflows: Our services for tax, licensing, and visa processing are integrated for a holistic compliance approach.
Custom Tech Setup: We adapt our technology and processes to suit the specific needs of your business sector.

Multilingual, Real-Time Support

4-Language Communication: Clear and effective communication in English, Arabic, Russian, and Hindi.
SLA-Based Responses: We operate on strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to guarantee timely responses.
Cloud Access: Clients have 24/7 cloud access to compliance dashboards and important corporate documents.

Outsourcing Business Setup: The Smart Choice for Dubai Businesses

Outsourcing your Dubai mainland business setup to Oncount is a strategic decision that delivers significant advantages, allowing you to start your business with a competitive edge.

Focus on Core Growth: Free up your time and resources to concentrate on your core business objectives.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce the overheads associated with hiring and training an in-house administrative team.
Expert Strategic Support: Benefit from the guidance of seasoned professionals who understand the nuances of the business in the UAE mainland.
Risk Reduction: Minimize the risk of penalties, delays, and legal complications with our expert oversight.
Data-Driven Insights: Gain access to real-time data and insights for informed decision-making.
Guaranteed Compliance: Ensure your company setup in Dubai fully complies with UAE regulations from the outset.

FAQ

About Business Setup Services in Dubai Mainland

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Do I need a local sponsor for a Dubai mainland company?

As of 2021, under the amended Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most business activities on the Dubai mainland. A UAE national is generally no longer required as a majority shareholder for a Limited Liability Company. However, certain strategic activities may still require local partnership.

What is the main difference between a mainland and a free zone company?

The primary difference is market access. Mainland companies can trade freely directly with the entire UAE mainland market and are eligible for government contracts. Free zone companies are typically restricted to operating within their specific free zone and internationally. A mainland company allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE.

How long does the mainland company formation process take?

The timeline for setting up a mainland company can vary based on the specific business activity and the completeness of documentation. Typically, the process can be completed within 1 to 3 weeks, from trade name reservation to the issuance of the mainland trade license.

What is a professional license, and how does it differ from a commercial license?

A professional license is for service-oriented businesses and professionals (e.g., consultants, artisans, doctors). A commercial license is for companies engaged in trading, import/export, and buying/selling goods. The legal structure and ownership requirements can differ between the two.

Is a physical office mandatory for a Dubai mainland license?

Yes, securing a physical address for your business is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Dubai mainland license. The tenancy contract must be registered with Ejari. Some instant licenses may have initial exemptions, but a physical office is eventually required to fully operate your business.

What are the benefits of setting up a business in the Dubai mainland?

The key benefits of a mainland setup include the freedom to conduct business across the UAE without restrictions, the ability to undertake government projects, no limitations on visas (subject to office size), and the flexibility to choose an office in Dubai in any location.

How can Oncount's company formation services help my business?

Our company formation services provide end-to-end management of the entire process. From strategic advice on the best type of license and legal structure to handling all paperwork and ensuring your company setup is fully compliant, our business setup consultants in Dubai provide a seamless, risk-free path to launching your business in the UAE.

Looking to take your business  to the next level? Our professional accounting team in Dubai is here  to help yousoar financially. We handle everything from detailed reports  to smart tax strategies, so you can focus on whatyou do best—growing your company.

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info@oncount.com

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Office 3402, Indigo Icon-1, Cluster F, JLT, Dubai

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Ready to see real growth? Reach out to our team for a free consultation.  We'll chat about your needs and show you exactly how our accounting services in Dubai can make a difference for your business.

Thank you — your answers have been submitted.
Our team will review your inputs and get in touch shortly.

Usually within 1 business day via email or WhatsApp