Mainland consultancy company setup in Dubai
Williams's consultancy works on site with clients. A DET mainland licence fitted, issued in 2 weeks.
Mainland consultancy company setup in Dubai was the right fit for Williams. His government and corporate clients want face-to-face consulting and invoices from a local company, which a free zone licence reaches only with a DET permit or branch licence. His licence from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) was issued in 2 weeks, and his Emirates NBD account took 3 weeks.
Where he started
He came to us unsure whether to set up on the mainland or in a free zone. His bigger worry was choosing the wrong business activities and paying for it later in problems or extra costs.
Then the offers started. Other firms pitched him free zone companies in Dubai and the northern emirates, most of them for management consultancy or project management. Free zones often issue those within days, which makes them an easy first offer.
Each quote looked simple on its own. Side by side, they left him more confused than when he started, and frustrated.
He came back to us. He signed once we had started again from his clients and the way they work with him.
Free zone or mainland for on-site consultancy?
His clients are corporate offices, government entities and local UAE businesses. The work means face-to-face consulting with regular visits to their offices, and invoices from a local company.
A free zone licence can cover consultancy, but this work would also have needed a DET permit or branch licence. He also wanted a traditional bank, and had Emirates NBD in mind.
What we did
We set out both routes side by side with the setup and renewal costs of each. He chose mainland. From there we handled his Dubai mainland company formation and trade licence with DET. Our work also covered a few residence visas and his Emirates NBD account opening.
- Licence issued in 2 weeks
- Emirates NBD account in 3 weeks
My main concern was selecting the wrong business activities and facing problems or extra costs later.
What I appreciated most was getting practical advice instead of just being pushed towards a package.
Mainland consultancy company setup questions
Weighing mainland for your consultancy? Tell us who you bill, and an advisor replies on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppFree zone or mainland licence for a consultancy with government clients?
How long does a Dubai mainland consultancy licence take?
How long does an Emirates NBD business account take to open?
Consultancy setup in Dubai with DM Consultancy
If your clients need you on their premises, we check whether the mainland or a free zone fits the way you work and bill, before you pay for either.
