Dubai
Mainland / LLC
Dubai has been at the nucleus of economic growth and development in the UAE. It offers all the fundamental features that are conducive to progress for modern-day businesses. If your business priorities and preferences include unrestricted dealing and trade in the region, you should proceed with the business formation in the Dubai mainland.
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All mainland (Onshore) UAE legal entities are required to be licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL). The main advantage for foreign investors establishing a business in mainland UAE is that, unlike the Free Zones, there is no territorial restriction on business activities or the location of offices/premises. A mainland company, therefore, has the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE or wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including all the Free Zones, and will have a far wider range of real estate options from which to choose.
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Kurum Consultancy provides expert consultation at each stage of the company formation process in Dubai, starting from helping clients get a verified address for their business facility by the proper authority. We ensure that you fulfill all the required factors before submitting your application for a mainland company formation in Dubai. We also help you get a proper business license and necessary visas as per the registration requirements.
Steps to setting up an LLC
Speak with one of Kurum’s consultants who will advise on
the correct legal structure based on the activities that a
the business intends to undertake in the UAE and its intended
markets. ​
If a mainland (onshore) legal entity is the preferred option, then a
UAE local partner/sponsor will be required to be in the L.L.C. license.
There are also other licenses such as Professional licenses,
Branch or Representative Office where the local agent is not required
and full ownership has been given to the owner.
If the shareholder is to be a corporate entity, the required documentation will include:​
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Memorandum and articles of company;
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A board resolution agreeing to incorporate a new LLC in UAE;
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A power of attorney (POA) to the General Manager to incorporate the new LLC.​
All requested documents to be submitted to Kurum,
which will then manage the application process from start to finish.
The required documentation will vary greatly depending on
the type of business activity, including but not limited to:​
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Certified passport copies for all shareholders and managers
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Copy of the UAE residence visa (if applicable)
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Proof of residence (Outside/Inside applicant)
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CV for each shareholder
Mainland Business Licenses
Professional
License
License issued for firms that undertake service-oriented endeavors. Professional License are required for professionals who take part in any professional activity like consulting. Compared to other licenses the cost involved in the issuance of a professional license is less.
Commercial
License
License issued for those business establishments that undertake buying and selling of goods or services or simply trading. Commercial licenses are very common in Dubai and the UAE mainland. The entire formalities connected with Professional License like issuance, amendment, cancellation can be accomplished easily.
Industrial
License
License issued for firms that are involved in the manufacture of goods like factories, industries etc. When it comes to Industrial License, you may need to seek the approval of External Ministries and government departments depending upon the type of industrial activity.
Tourism
License
All tourism related activities require a valid Tourism License. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing DTCM has a major role in the issuance of Tourism licenses. A valid Tourism license is mandatory to conduct inbound and outbound tour related activities.
Advantages of setting up an LLC in Dubai / UAE
The liability of the shareholders is limited to their shares in the company’s capital;
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An LLC may conduct any type of activity except for insurance, banking or investment;
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An LLC can legally trade anywhere in the UAE, including the Free Zones;
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No restrictions on the number of visas that can be obtained;
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No restrictions on the location where the company can rent/buy office premises;
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The government has permanently waived any paid-up capital requirements.
Disadvantages of LLC formation Dubai / UAE
Other activities require a local partner/agent to establish the license;
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Longer time to establish than a Free Zone company, typically 8 to 10 weeks;
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External approvals may be required from UAE government ministries, which is chargeable and time-consuming.
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Tax is required