Dubai Mainland
Dubai Department of Economic Development's (DED) Dubai Mainland Coworking License is the most affordable Dubai Mainland set up in the UAE today. Obtaining a Dubai Mainland License allows you to access the broader UAE market.
This is a unique setup designed to provide you access to both the Dubai mainland and Dubai Coworking Facilities. This enables you both to conduct business across the UAE and to be part of a vibrant coworking community in Dubai.
The advantages
Central Presence in the UAE Market
Complete access and freedom to trade within and outside the UAE. An advantage available only to the companies located in the Mainland, opening plenty of opportunities.
Conducive Business Environment
World-Class trade centers, high-tech infrastructure and a cohesive communication network. The Mainland region has the best infrastructure to support your budding and already thriving business.
Tax Incentives
0% Corporate Tax remains the no 1 puller of entrepreneurs and investors in choosing UAE as their playground.
Avoidance of Double Taxation
The UAE provides the flexibility to the business owners to enter into a double taxation agreement for import-export processes, which allows them to wipe out the tax to be paid on both sides.
Easy Business Setup Process
When it comes to the business setup process, Dubai Mainland provides an easy way to initiate and complete the process. Business owners prefer to engage with professional business consultants regarding the same that helps to complete the task done at a faster pace.
The features
NO CORPORATE TAX
Mainland companies in Dubai are exempt from paying corporate tax.
NO PAID-UP CAPITAL
The majority of business activities do not require paid-up capital (min 100.000 AED on paper only)
100% DED MAINLAND COMPANY OWNERSHIP
There are a couple of activities that require a local sponsor like a law firm, road contracting, manpower supply. Rest all activities can be owned 100%.
There would however be a requirement of a local service agent which will be for just a representation on the license and will not have signing authority or any shares in the company.
FREEDOM TO CARRY OUT BUSINESS
Complete access and freedom to trade within and outside the UAE; an advantage available only to companies located in the Mainland.
OFFICE CAN BE SET UP ANYWHERE
A feature that allows companies to not only trade with local markets but also open up multiple branches.
No physical office space is required (Flexi desk / co-working space is allowed) Not required and can take one anytime in the future.
CAN TAKE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
Mainland companies are allowed to take on government projects – a benefit not available in Free Zones.
UNLIMITED VISAS
No restriction on the number of visas an individual can apply for.
There is no limit to the number of residential visa quotas on the mainland. For free zones, you need to upgrade your packages and also apply for special approvals to get more allocations. The max limit of most of the free zones is 6.
BANK ACCOUNT
Mainland companies have more preferred by banks due to the security aspect of having a physical address.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY
In Mainland, you can conduct every activity possible.
Whereas for free zones the activities would have to be available. If it is a physical product that you want to trade then you can only do it through B2B. B2C would be possible through an eCommerce platform only.
For Mainland, shareholders need to be inside the country and present for notary signing.
Free zones are cheaper and usually easy to incorporate. Can be done without the presence of the shareholders.
The License
PROFESSIONAL LICENSE
A professional license is for a service-oriented company rendering a range of professional consultation services. Under a professional license, 100% of shares are owned by the expat partner and a UAE national is appointed as a Local Service Agent.
COMMERCIAL LICENSE
Companies involved in any sort of commercial trade activity can avail themselves of this license, both general and specialized traders need to obtain the license to carry out business operations safely throughout Dubai.
BRANCH OR REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
A Branch Office is a legal extension of the parent company and is permitted to secure contracts and conduct business activities, which are similar to those of its parent company subject to the approval of the UAE Ministry of Economy.
COWORKING LICENSE
Our co-working facilities are uniquely designed to provide you with the benefits of a Dubai Mainland setup and co-working facilities in Dubai, giving you the flexibility to conduct business throughout the UAE and the accessibility to a vibrant co-working community in Dubai.
With our co-working facilities, you could operate with all the benefits of having an office, without the hassles and operational expenses to pay for one.
PHYSICAL SPACE
Whether you need office space, retail facilities, storage or distribution, we can help you find the perfect physical space in Dubai for your startup. The UAE’s business infrastructure is up there with the best in the world – and we can find you a monthly payment package to suit your needs.
INSTANT LICENSE
The Instant License is an express form of professional or commercial license that can be obtained within minutes. It allows entrepreneurs to start trading in Dubai quickly with minimal paperwork.
This is great if your business doesn’t expect to hire staff in the first year and unlike a traditional trade license, you don’t need a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or to take on a tenancy agreement for the first 12 months of operation.
