Mainland Business Setup

The complete mainland business setup typically takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish. This includes company registration and approvals, e-visa application, medical checkup and biometrics, residency visa approval, and Emirates ID delivery. All steps must be processed sequentially – nothing can be done simultaneously.

Yes, you can complete the first two steps (Company Setup and E-Visa Application) from outside the UAE.

However, you must be physically present in Dubai for the next steps like the medical checkup, biometrics, and to complete the residency visa process. You cannot complete the entire setup remotely.

Opening a business bank account is quick and straightforward with GenZone’s support. We work with multiple banks including WIO Bank, Emirates NBD, and RAKBANK.

WIO Bank offers both business and personal banking with no deposit required, and we handle the business application for you. The banking process takes 1-5 days for standard accounts, with cards typically delivered within 2 business days.

Yes, mainland companies require a registered physical office address in Dubai as part of the licensing process. The office type depends on your chosen activity and setup package

No, you do not need a local sponsor. UAE law now allows 100% foreign ownership for most mainland business activities. You can fully own and control your mainland company without requiring a local Emirati partner or sponsor.

Yes, you can register multiple business activities under one mainland license. However, you should carefully choose activities that align with your business operations, as adding or changing activities after setup may require additional approvals and fees.

You must register for corporate tax within 3 months of your license issuance to avoid a 10,000 AED fine. VAT registration is required if your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000 (optional from AED 185,000).

Currently, businesses earning under AED 3 million annually qualify for 0% corporate tax relief until end of 2026. GenZone offers accounting services separately, or you can handle this independently through the FTA portal.

Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE market without restrictions, operate from anywhere in Dubai, sponsor unlimited employees and family members, and have access to all UAE banks. You also get 100% ownership, full repatriation of profits, and the ability to do business with both mainland and free zone companies without limitations.

You’ll need: valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), passport-size photographs with white background, proof of address from your home country, and your business activity details.

All documents will be collected through our streamlined process, and we’ll guide you on specific requirements based on your business type.

Yes, mainland companies can sponsor employee visas and family member visas. There’s no limit on the number of visas you can issue, making mainland setup ideal if you plan to build a team or relocate with family members. Employee visa processing follows a similar timeline to your own residency visa.

Mainland companies can trade freely within the UAE without restrictions and operate anywhere in Dubai, but require a physical office.

Free zone companies have 0% corporate tax guarantees and lower setup costs, but face restrictions on UAE mainland trading (requiring a distributor) and must operate within their designated free zone. Mainland offers more flexibility for local market access; free zone offers cost efficiency and tax benefits.

GenZone provides end-to-end support including: handling all government documentation and approvals, booking VIP medical and biometric appointments with guided assistance, connecting you with banking partners with no kickbacks, providing clear timelines and updates at every step, and offering ongoing support for renewals and compliance.

We’ve successfully helped over 800+ clients relocate to Dubai with full transparency and no hidden fees.

Yes, but you must return to the UAE at least once every 6 months (every 180 days) to maintain your residency visa. You need to physically pass through customs – simply landing is not enough. If you stay outside for more than 180 days consecutively, your visa will expire. Your business can continue operations, but maintaining residency is essential for visa validity.

Closing a mainland company is a structured process that typically takes around one month. It involves preparing a liquidation report, cancelling all active visas, and dissolving the trade license through the relevant authorities.

GenZone manages the entire company closure process from start to finish, coordinating with government departments and partners on your behalf. We recommend starting the closure well before your license expiry to avoid fines or processing delays.

Yes, you can add or modify business activities after your initial setup, but this requires government approval and may involve additional fees.

Any changes to your company details (activities, name, renewed trade license) must be updated on the FTA portal within 20 days to avoid a 5,000 AED fine for the first month and 10,000 AED for the second month.

WIO Bank is strongly recommended for both business and personal banking with no minimum deposit and competitive monthly fees. Emirates NBD requires a 15,000 AED minimum deposit but offers credit cards and global services.

RAKBANK offers both business and personal banking with flexible options. GenZone assists with applications and connects you with banking advisors – we receive no financial kickbacks from any bank.

It depends on your bank choice. WIO Bank requires no minimum deposit to open. For personal accounts, fees can be waived by maintaining AED 3,000 (Standard) or AED 35,000 (Plus Plan). Emirates NBD requires a 15,000 AED minimum deposit for credit card eligibility.

RAKBANK personal accounts have no deposit requirement. Business accounts have varying requirements – we’ll guide you based on your needs.

Corporate tax registration must be completed within 3 months of license issuance – failure results in a 10,000 AED penalty. VAT registration is required once your revenue exceeds AED 375,000 annually (you can voluntarily register from AED 185,000).

GenZone offers tax registration as a standalone service for AED 500, or free if you use our accounting package. You can also complete it independently via the FTA portal.

Mainland licenses renew annually at the same cost as your initial setup, plus any government fee increases. As of 2025, GenZone charges only government fees for renewals – our service is complimentary.

Save money with multi-year licenses: 15% discount for 2-year licenses, 20% discount for 3-year licenses. If your license expires without renewal, you’ll face AED 2,000 monthly fines, and after 3 months, absconding proceedings may begin.

Choose Mainland if: you need to trade directly with UAE customers, want physical presence anywhere in Dubai, require unlimited visa sponsorship, or plan to sell products/services in the local market.

Choose Free Zone if: you primarily work with international clients, want lower setup costs, prefer 100% ownership with guaranteed tax benefits, or operate online/remotely. We’ll help you decide based on your specific business model and goals.