Business registration in Mainland UAE - your gateway to international markets

The United Arab Emirates is a country that actively attracts international investors and entrepreneurs. one of the most appealing opportunities is registering a company in Mainland, which provides businesses with vast opportunities for growth and expansion. In 2023, the UAE ranked among the top 10 countries for ease of doing business, according to the world bank, and the total volume of foreign direct investments reached $20 billion. These figures speak for themselves—UAE is becoming an ideal platform for entrepreneurs looking to take their companies to the next level.

Advantages of business registration in Mainland

Registering a company in Mainland offers the ability to conduct full-scale business operations both within the uae and abroad, making it an ideal option for those aiming to expand their projects internationally. Among the key benefits are:

• full access to UAE and international markets: unlike companies registered in free zones, Mainland companies can conduct business with local companies without restrictions.
• no limitations on activities: Mainland companies can offer a wide range of services and goods both within the uae and internationally.
• opportunity to sign contracts with government entities: businesses registered in Mainland are eligible to participate in tenders and sign contracts with government organizations.
• possibility of full foreign ownership: since 2020, the UAE government has allowed foreign investors to own 100% of companies in most sectors of the economy.

Steps for registering a company in Mainland

The process of registering a company in Mainland UAE is quite straightforward and includes several key stages. By following a step-by-step guide, you can successfully register a company and start doing business in one of the world's most rapidly developing economies.

1. Choose your business activity. Before registering a company, you must determine which economic sector you will operate in. The UAE offers over 2,000 licensed activities, each requiring a separate permit.

2. Choose the legal form of the company. In the UAE, several types of companies are available, including limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, and branch office. The choice of legal form depends on the type of your business, number of partners, and company goals.

3. Obtain a trade license. To conduct business in Mainland, you must obtain a trade license from the department of economic development (DED). There are three main types of licenses:

- commercial license — for trade and commercial activities;

- professional license — for providing services;

- industrial license — for manufacturing companies.

4. Select and rent an office. Mainland companies are required to rent a physical office space. The office must comply with legal requirements and may vary depending on the size of the business.

5. Register the company with the relevant authorities. After obtaining the license, you need to register the company with the commercial registry and other government entities. You may also need to register with the general directorate of residency and foreigners affairs to obtain work visas for employees.

6. Open a bank account. After registration, the company can open a bank account in one of the UAE’s banks. This is a mandatory step for conducting financial transactions and making payments.

Types of licenses for mainland companies

- commercial license: suitable for businesses engaged in trade, import and export, and wholesale and retail operations.

- professional license: for companies providing consultancy, legal, educational, medical, and other professional services.

- industrial license: intended for companies involved in manufacturing activities, including processing and production.

Costs of registering a company in Mainland

The costs of registering a company in Mainland may vary depending on the type of business, legal form, and office size. approximate expenses include:

- government fees for company registration and license issuance;

- office rent, which is mandatory for all mainland companies;

- registration with the commercial registry and obtaining a registration certificate;

- tax obligations — corporate tax has been introduced in the UAE, which must be considered when planning the company’s budget.

Why choose Mainland for business registration?

Choosing Mainland for business registration in the UAE provides numerous strategic advantages that can help your business thrive:

- international access: registering a company in Mainland allows you to trade freely with companies from any country, including those within the UAE.

- flexibility and growth: Mainland companies are not restricted in their activities and can expand their business to international markets.

- ease of management: UAE legislation simplifies management and accounting processes, making business operations in this jurisdiction less bureaucratic.

Registering a company in Mainland UAE is a key to international success and business development in a stable and fast-growing economy. Considering that in 2023, over 80% of all new companies in the UAE were registered in Mainland, it is clear that this option is one of the most attractive for entrepreneurs. Taking advantage of the UAE's flexible legal mechanisms, absence of corporate taxes (in most cases), and the ability to conduct international trade, you will have everything needed for the successful growth of your business.