Business has changed greatly in Dubai, and with 100% ownership in Dubai mainland now available, the options keep growing for entrepreneurs. Recent changes to the law mean that 100% foreign ownership is an option for commercial activities on the mainland. It’s a substantial list of activities that now qualify full foreign ownership.
So let’s look into what it takes to start a mainland company with full ownership in Dubai. In this article, we will cover:
- 100% ownership of Dubai Mainland Activities
- Do I need a local partner for Dubai Mainland
- Steps to get a commercial license with 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland
- Cost of a commercial license with 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland
- Working with Creative Zone
100% ownership of Dubai Mainland Activities
In the past, it was very limited in terms of which professional activities would allow 100% foreign ownership. But today, 100% ownership in Dubai mainland is very much on the table. The list of activities is extensive, but includes the following:
- Pharmacy
- Jewellery
- Perfumes
- Cosmetics
- Spices, fruits, vegetables
- Supermarkets and mini-markets
- General trading
You must check whether your activity is available. Working with a company formation specialist can help ensure that you are fully compliant.
Do I need a local partner for Dubai Mainland?
No, you do not. The good news here is that changes in the law mean that foreign investors no longer must have a UAE sponsor (who would hold a 51% share in the company), which alongside peace of mind also gives greater freedom.
Steps to get a commercial license with 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland
The next question to address when you want a license with 100% ownership in Dubai mainland
is the actual process of applying. The first two questions to resolve are as follows:
Decide on your business activity: Your chosen activity must align exactly with the business activity you are going to undertake. To make sure everything here is clear and compliant, it’s worth bringing in the services of a company formation specialist to avoid fines or even cancellation of your license.
Choose a company name: The UAE is fairly strict when it comes to naming companies, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations. Essentially, you must avoid any language that could be seen as offensive or blasphemous. You must avoid any name that is already held by a well-known organization. If you’re naming your company after yourself, ensure that you don’t abbreviate your name. So David Clark Trading is fine, but D Clark Trading is not. Of course, you will also need to ensure your chosen company name is still available for you to register.
From there, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare your documents and make the payment
- Reserve your business name
- Receive approval
- Apply for your visa
- Receive visa
In all cases, speaking with a company formation expert means that they can guide you through the exact requirements, so you do not just set up quickly, but remain fully compliant throughout.
Documents required to start an online education business in Dubai (h3)
Whether making your application yourself or through a company formation agent, you are usually only required to provide a few details and some basic documentation, including:
- Completed application form
- Passport copy of the proposed business owner/s
- Two color passport-size photos
Other specific documents may be requested during the process. It’s important to work closely with a company formation agent who can ensure that at each stage you have exactly what is needed to keep your application moving quickly.
Cost of a commercial license with 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland
It’s difficult to cost out the price of a commercial license in Dubai with 100% ownership in Dubai Mainland. Much will depend on the size of your company, the specific business activities you intend to carry out, and so on. But basically, you’re looking at around AED 20,000 as a starter price.
As always, contact Creative Zone for the latest pricing information, and to ensure you get a tailored price for your new business that fits your exact requirements.
Working with Creative Zone
So those are the key points around commercial licenses in Dubai for those wanting 100% ownership on the Dubai mainland. It’s fairly straightforward and you should be up and running quickly.
When you’re looking to set up a new company, or even as a freelancer, you can be sure what you’re getting from Creative Zone is the latest, up-to-date info from people who deal with this every day.
While the setup process can be somewhat stressful, you can fast-track it by working with a company formation specialist. It’s the quickest way to get set up in the UAE, letting us take care of all the details and ensuring your application is free from errors.
We can also help you with opening a corporate bank account and offer important advice on the type of financial institution that would best suit your requirements.
Here at Creative Zone, we offer the best solutions to start your company in the UAE. You get fast, reliable, and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your chosen business activity/activities and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
You can let us deal with the hassle of registering a company while you focus on your business. Working with us means you get the best budget-friendly and cost-effective solution to help make your business dream a reality.
Over 13 years, Creative Zone has helped over 75,000 entrepreneurs set up their businesses. Whether it be a mainland business setup, offshore company setup, free zone company setup, or issuing of trade licenses and any related activity for registering a company, Creative Zone is your one-stop shop.
