Mainland Company Setup in Dubai | Sohi Pro Services
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai empowers your business to operate throughout the UAE without any limitations. With 100% foreign ownership now allowed in various sectors, entrepreneurs can enjoy greater freedom, including the ability to trade openly, secure government contracts, and grow without boundaries. At Sohi Services, we offer complete Mainland Business Setup solutions, guiding you through every step of the process with efficiency and expertise.
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Welcome to Your Dubai Business Journey with Sohi Pro Services
Unlock endless opportunities with a mainland company setup in Dubai. Here’s why entrepreneurs choose this path:
Full freedom to conduct a wide range of business activities
Direct access to the UAE local market
No restrictions on currency movement or personal income tax
100% foreign ownership available in most sectors
Eligibility to bid on lucrative government contracts
At Sohi Services, we’re here to simplify the process and help you make the right decisions every step of the way.
Step 1: Choose the Right Business License
To legally operate your mainland company in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate business license. Choose the one that aligns with your business activity:
- Industrial License
- Commercial License
- Professional License
- E-Trader License
- Dual License
- Dubai License
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Legal Structure
Your business’s legal structure plays a crucial role in defining ownership, liability, and how you operate within the UAE. Choosing the right structure ensures compliance and long-term stability. Common legal structures include:
- General Partnership
- Limited Partnership
- Limited Liability Company
- Private Joint Stock Company
- Public Joint Stock Company
- Civil Company
- Sole Proprietorship
Step 3: Understand Ownership Limitations
While Dubai mainland now permits 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, some sectors still require the involvement of a UAE national partner. Understanding these exceptions is essential before moving forward.
Activities That Require a Local Partner
If your business falls under any of the following categories, you’ll need to collaborate with a local sponsor:
Security and defense-related services
Oil exploration and production
Banking, finance, and investment services
Insurance and reinsurance operations
Pilgrimage and Umrah-related services
Specific recruitment and labor supply activities
Utility services (water and electricity)
Fisheries and related sectors
Postal, telecom, and audio-visual media services
Road and air transportation
Printing and publishing services
Commercial agency representation
Medical retail (pharmacies)
Blood banks, quarantine facilities, and poison control centers
At Sohi Services, we’ll help you determine if your business requires a local partner and guide you through establishing a compliant and secure partnership.
Your Dubai Mainland Business Setup Overview | Sohi Services
Ready to launch your business in Dubai? Here’s a quick recap of the essential elements involved in setting up a mainland company:
Business License Options
Dubai offers five main license types to match various business activities:
Industrial License – For manufacturing and industrial operations
Commercial License – For trading and retail businesses
Professional License – For service providers and consultants
E-Trader License – For online and home-based businesses
Dual License – For expanding a Free Zone business into the mainland
Legal Structures
Select the legal framework that best suits your business goals. Mainland options include:- General Partnership
- Limited Partnership
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Private Joint Stock Company
- Public Joint Stock Company
- Civil Company
Sole Proprietorship
Foreign Ownership Explained
Thanks to recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed for most business activities. However, sectors like security services, oil & gas, banking, and insurance still require a local partner due to regulatory restrictions.
Your Next Steps
Once you’ve selected your license type and legal structure, you’ll need to:
Choose a business name
Prepare and notarize required documents
Apply for initial government approvals
Secure a physical office or workspace
Obtain additional approvals (if necessary)
Submit final documents and settle applicable fees
Receive your official Mainland Business License
Sohi Pro Services is your trusted partner for business setup in the UAE. We specialize in company formation, licensing, and consultancy across all major free zones and mainland jurisdictions. Let us simplify your journey to success in the UAE.
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