Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s leading trade and business destinations in the past two decades. It achieved this feat by introducing investor friendly laws as well as making an unprecedented effort towards developing its infrastructure and technology.
The all-round effort of the Emirate has led to investors from all over the world to flock here and establish their businesses. This fact is evident by the overwhelming 80% expatriate population. It is clear that setting up a company in Dubai is bound to lead to great opportunities.
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Here are the steps to setup your company in Dubai Mainland Area:
1.   Choose a Name and Business Activity
So, you have to choose a company name that will be approved of by the Department of Economic Development (DED). At the same time, you must narrow down the business activities that you wish to carry out so that you may apply for the corresponding trade license.
2.   Pick a Sponsor and Sign MOA (Memorandum of Association)
This is the first step that you need to take in order to form a Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, find a local sponsor and deal with them to set an annual fee and establish their responsibilities. Then, you must get It in writing, so a MOA between you and your sponsor has to be signed.
3.   Rent an Office
Upon deciding on a name and business activity, you may then rent out an office space. This is necessary as having a valid office address is a prerequisite in applying for your trade license in Dubai. A word of advice would be to look into virtual offices as they can provide a plethora of services including a receptionist at a very minimal cost.
4.   Gather and Submit Paperwork
Once you have acquired an office address, you may proceed to collect all the relevant documents and paperwork and submit them to the DED. Pending approval of your license, you can pay the fee and collect it. From here, you can then register in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which will cement your company as a legal entity in the city-state.
5.   Rent an Office
Upon deciding on a name and business activity, you may then rent out an office space. This is necessary as having a valid office address is a prerequisite in applying for your trade license in Dubai. A word of advice would be to look into virtual offices as they can provide a plethora of services including a receptionist at a very minimal cost.
6.   Gather and Submit Paperwork
Once you have acquired an office address, you may proceed to collect all the relevant documents and paperwork and submit them to the DED. Pending approval of your license, you can pay the fee and collect it. From here, you can then register in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which will cement your company as a legal entity in the city-state.
7.   Corporate Bank Account and Visas
The final step is to open your corporate bank account with a bank that suits your company goals. After this, all you really need to do is apply for your visa, as well as the visas of your dependents and employees. A reliable PRO service provider can help you get this done.
Voila! You’re all set to go.
While the process may seem relatively simple, it can be confusing and time consuming if you are new to the Emirate. It is for this reason that we recommend the services of a business set up consultancy in Dubai. Their years of experience and familiarity with the legal boundaries and paperwork should ensure the quick and smooth set up of your company.
For further information and assistance on how to register your company in Dubai mainland, speak with our experienced consultants. Book your FREE consultation today at +971 558654072, +971582595164 or drop us a line on info@companysetup.ae