Mainland Company Formation
Mainland company formation allows businesses to operate freely across Dubai and the UAE without geographic restrictions. Mainland companies can work directly with local clients, bid for government contracts, and scale operations without limitations tied to a free zone.
Zama Tax & Accounting provides mainland company formation services supported by banking assistance, tax structuring, financial planning, and PRO services. We ensure your mainland company is registered correctly with the right authority and structured to meet regulatory, tax, and banking expectations.
If you are planning a mainland setup, professional guidance from the start is essential.
How Mainland Company Formation Works in Dubai
Mainland companies in Dubai are regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously known as the Department of Economic Development (DED).
The standard mainland incorporation process includes:
Choosing the Legal Structure
Sole establishment, LLC, or professional license depending on activity and ownership.
Business Activity Selection
Activities must be approved by DET and aligned with actual operations.
Trade Name Reservation
The business name is reserved and approved under UAE naming rules.
Initial Approval from DET
Approval confirms the business can proceed with registration.
Office Space and Ejari
Mainland companies require a registered office address.
License Issuance
Once documentation is complete, the commercial license is issued.
Key Factors to Consider Before Mainland Setup
Mainland formation offers flexibility but requires planning.
Regulatory Compliance
Mainland companies face higher ongoing compliance obligations.
Banking Expectations
Banks require strong documentation and financial clarity.
VAT and Corporate Tax Exposure
Many mainland businesses trigger VAT earlier and must plan corporate tax carefully.
Operational Costs
Office space, visas, and staffing costs must be budgeted properly.
Zama evaluates these factors before recommending a mainland structure.
What Zama Handles for Mainland Company Formation
Company Registration with DET
Activity selection, approvals, documentation, and licensing.
Banking Assistance
Support for opening corporate bank accounts with strong compliance positioning.
Tax and Accounting Setup
VAT registration guidance, corporate tax registration, and compliance planning.
Financial Planning
Cash flow planning, compliance cost forecasting, and growth budgeting.
PRO and Visa Services
Visas, labor approvals, Emirates ID, and renewals.