Set Up Your Mainland Company.
Trade Freely, Operate Anywhere.

Your DED trade license is typically issued within 7 to 10 business days. The full setup, including residency visa, biometrics, Emirates ID and bank account, takes 3 to 4 weeks in total.

Unlike free zone setups, mainland visa processing requires you to be physically present in Dubai for the medical checkup and biometrics stages. GenZone gives you a clear day-by-day timeline from the first call so you can plan your visit in advance.

The company registration and e-visa application stages can both be completed remotely from outside the UAE. GenZone handles all documentation and government submissions on your behalf.

However, you must be physically present in Dubai for your medical checkup, biometrics appointment and Emirates ID collection. We schedule and coordinate all of this for you so your visit is as short and efficient as possible.

Yes. Mainland companies require a registered physical office address in Dubai as part of the DED licensing process. The office type and size required depends on your chosen business activity and visa quota.

GenZone advises on the most cost-effective office arrangement for your setup and handles your Ejari tenancy registration directly with the DED.

No. Since the 2021 UAE Companies Law amendment, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland business activities. You can fully own and control your mainland company without a local Emirati partner or sponsor.

A small number of strategic activities still require Emirati involvement. GenZone confirms ownership requirements for your specific activity during the initial consultation.

Mainland companies can trade directly with UAE customers and businesses across all seven emirates, bid for government contracts and operate from any location in Dubai. They require a physical office and are subject to standard UAE corporate tax.

Free zone companies benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income and lower setup costs, but face restrictions on direct UAE mainland trading and need a local distributor for local sales. Choose mainland if your focus is the UAE market. Choose free zone if you operate primarily with international clients.

Corporate tax registration must be completed within 3 months of your license issuance. Failure results in an AED 10,000 penalty. Businesses earning under AED 3 million annually currently qualify for 0% corporate tax relief until the end of 2026.

VAT registration is required once your annual revenue exceeds AED 375,000, with voluntary registration available from AED 187,500. Any changes to your company details must be updated on the FTA portal within 20 days to avoid additional fines. GenZone's accounting team handles all registrations and filings on your behalf.

The core requirements are:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Passport-size photographs with a white background
• Proof of address from your home country
• Business activity details and intended company name

GenZone collects everything through a streamlined process and guides you on any additional requirements specific to your business activity or license type.

Yes. Mainland companies can sponsor an unlimited number of employee visas, with allocation based on your office space rather than a fixed package tier. This makes mainland the better choice if you plan to build a team or scale headcount over time.

Family member visas can also be sponsored through your mainland company. Employee visa processing follows the same timeline as your own residency visa.

WIO Bank is recommended for most founders. It offers both business and personal banking with no minimum deposit required, and accounts are typically active within 1 to 5 business days. Emirates NBD requires an AED 15,000 minimum deposit but provides credit card access and comprehensive global banking services. RAKBANK offers flexible business and personal options with no deposit requirement.

GenZone assists with bank applications and connects you with the right banking partner based on your business profile. We receive no financial kickbacks from any bank.

Yes, your business can continue to operate while you are abroad. However, you must return to the UAE at least once every 180 days to maintain your residency visa. Simply passing through the airport is not sufficient. You must physically pass through customs.

If you remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, your residency visa will expire. Your trade license remains active, but maintaining residency is essential if you wish to keep your visa valid.

Yes. You can add or modify business activities after initial setup, though this requires government approval and may involve additional fees. It is worth planning your activity list carefully from the outset to minimize amendments later.

Any changes to your company details, including activities, name or trade license renewal, must be updated on the FTA portal within 20 days to avoid an AED 5,000 fine in the first month and AED 10,000 in the second.

GenZone provides full end-to-end support from initial consultation through to your trade license, visa and bank account, and beyond. This includes handling all government documentation and DED approvals, booking VIP medical and biometric appointments with on-the-ground assistance, and connecting you with banking partners at no kickback.

You get a dedicated team member managing your setup from day one with clear timelines and updates at every stage. We have helped 1,400+ founders establish UAE companies with full transparency and no hidden fees.