CF mainland

Dubai offers multiple options for setting up your company. Over 2,000 business activities in a wide range of sectors are available at the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), which is the licensing authority for Dubai mainland companies. Of late, the DED has implemented various initiatives to help startups and entrepreneurs set up a company in Dubai at low costs. This includes instant general trading licenses, sustainability licenses on desk spaces (in lieu of a full office) and e-commerce licenses for social media businesses.

Unlike free zone companies, Dubai mainland companies can carry out their business anywhere in the UAE, without any restrictions. Here are some of the advantages on setting up a company in the Dubai mainland:
Easy setup – In some cases, license can be setup in an hour, if you meet the required criteria. Full office space is not mandatory, you can also set up in a desk space.
Cost-effective – Unlike many free zones, the Dubai LLC license is economical, since you do not need to commit to a large office space in the first year.
Flexibility of doing business – Unlike free zone companies, LLCs in Dubai can do business anywhere in the UAE, and in other countries as well. The company can set up retail outlets, showrooms, and enter into trade agreements with Government entities.
Range of locations – Unlike a free zone, which is a designated area, you can set up a Dubai mainland company in any area of Dubai, including Deira, Bur Dubai, Business Bay and anywhere else on the Dubai mainland.
Options for multiple visas – In most cases, the authorities allow for unlimited visas when setting up on the mainland. The number of visas allowed depends on the office space taken, which is usually calculated at 80 square feet per visa. In some cases, the DED is flexible on this allocation, for example in instances where the company has a large outdoor sales force, or cleaning services.
Sponsor of dependents – The company can apply for multiple visas for their employees, and the shareholders and employees can sponsor visas for their dependents – spouse, child, parents, maid, cook etc.