Mainland licenses are issued by the Department of Economy & Tourism in Dubai or Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and allow businesses to operate at a lower cost in the UAE. These include commercial licenses for trading activities, professional licenses for service-oriented businesses, and industrial licenses for manufacturing and production activities.
When applying for a mainland license, you can choose between different legal structures, such as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or branch of a foreign company. The legal structure determines factors like liability, ownership, and minimum capital requirements.
It is important to identify the type of activity that suits your business as each type of activity has its own set of requirements and rules.
In some cases, depending on the nature of your business activity, a local partner or service agent who is a UAE national or a UAE-owned company may be required. They may have a certain percentage of ownership or involvement in the business.
A physical office or retail space is generally required for mainland businesses. The specific size and location requirements may vary depending on the activity and license type. You will need to provide office lease agreement as part of the licensing process.
Once the license is obtained, businesses are required to comply with local regulations, such as labor laws, taxation requirements, and any sector-specific regulations applicable to their activities.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a mainland license may vary depending on the nature of your business, the chosen legal structure, and any specific regulations related to your industry. Our company provide professional advice to choose the most suitable legal form and license that aligns with specific business goals and requirements.