Hi Alejandro,

I'm Kuldeep, and this is a great question because understanding the process beforehand makes the company setup much smoother.

The procedure for mainland company formation in Dubai is managed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). While the exact requirements vary depending on your business activity, the overall process follows a clear sequence.

Here's how it works:

1. Choose your business activity and legal structure
   Start by selecting the activities your company will carry out and decide on the appropriate legal structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Your chosen activity determines the type of licence you'll receive and whether any additional approvals are needed.
2. Reserve your trade name
   Apply for a unique company name through the Invest in Dubai platform or the DET. The name must comply with the UAE's trade naming regulations.
3. Obtain initial approval
   Once your application is reviewed, the DET issues an initial approval confirming that you can proceed with establishing the company.
4. Prepare the legal documents
   Depending on your business structure, you'll need to draft and sign documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement where applicable.
5. Lease a commercial office
   A mainland company must have a registered business address. You'll need to rent suitable office premises and register the tenancy contract through Ejari.
6. Obtain external approvals (if required)
   Some regulated sectors, such as healthcare, education, financial services, or food-related businesses, require approvals from additional government authorities before the licence can be issued.
7. Receive your mainland trade licence
   After submitting the complete documentation and paying the applicable government fees, the DET issues your official mainland trade licence, allowing you to begin business operations.

Although the process is straightforward, choosing the right business activity and legal structure at the beginning can save both time and unnecessary costs later, especially if you plan to expand or hire employees.