Starting a business comes with many challenges, from perfecting your business model to building a strong customer base.
Although, for entrepreneurs like you, launching a startup or expanding into the Middle Eastern market—a hotspot for investors and corporate giants—one critical question always requires careful thought: Which business setup is right for me—Mainland or Free Zone?
Both jurisdictions open doors for you in UAE’s dynamic business landscape, but their rules and benefits vary significantly.
You may have heard that a mainland always requires a local sponsor or that free zone setups are cheaper. But here’s the challenge—opinions can vary, leading to misinformation.
The misinformation can cause confusion among many. Entrepreneurs often ask, “What’s the difference between the two?” or “How do I know which one is best suited for my business?”
Your choice will directly impact your operations, costs, and growth potential. Some business owners save a fortune by choosing the right setup, while others lose valuable time, money, or future opportunities by making the wrong decision.
In this guide, we’ll simplify the complexities. We’ll break down the key differences, explore the pros and cons, and highlight the essential factors to consider. By the end, you’ll leave knowing which setup aligns best with your business goals and budget. Let’s dive in.
Free zone vs Mainland: Head-to-Head Comparison
Summarized below are some of the primary differences between Dubai Mainland and UAE Free Zone setups:
- Licensing Authority
- Ownership
- Legal Structure
- Operational Scope
- Business Activities
- Office Requirements
- Visa Quota
- Taxation
Summarized below are some of the primary differences between Dubai Mainland and UAE Free Zone setups:
Licensing Authority
Mainland: To establish a mainland company, you must register with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate, such as DED Dubai. The DED offers six main types of business licenses: Occupational, Tourism, Industrial, Commercial, Agricultural, and Professional.
For a detailed guide check out our blog on these licenses and the economic activities it caters.
Free zones: A free zone company must register with one of the 45+ free zones across the UAE, each governed by its own regulatory authority, such as DMCC. Free zones offer sector-specific licenses tailored to different industries. For example, fintech startups can apply for an Innovation License in DIFC, while media businesses can obtain a Media License from SHAMS or DMC. Freelancers can also benefit from Freelance Licenses, ideal for independent professionals working remotely.
Ownership
Mainland: Previously, foreign investors in mainland companies were required to have an Emirati partner holding 51% ownership, limiting their stake to 49%. However, an amendment to Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 of the Commercial Companies Law allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Exceptions apply to industries such as commercial and Islamic banking, or defense-related activities, which still require an Emirati partner.
Free zones: Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership across all business activities. Thus, unlike Dubai mainland, there are no such business activities that impose ownership restrictions or require a local partner in your organizational structure.
Legal Structure
Mainland: Mainland companies can choose from various legal structures based on their business activities and operational needs. Common options include Limited Liability Company (LLC), Civil Company, and Sole Proprietorship. For a detailed breakdown, click here.
Free zones: Similarly, free zone companies have multiple legal structure options, such as Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC), Free Zone Establishment (FZE), and Free Zone Company (FZCO). Explore our blog to find the best fit for your freezone business.
Operational Scope
Mainland: Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses are not restricted to specific areas. They can operate freely across all seven UAE emirates and expand into international markets. Additionally, mainland companies can bid for lucrative government contracts, creating valuable revenue opportunities.
Free zones: Free zone business setups are limited to operating within their designated jurisdiction and international markets, restricting direct access to the UAE mainland. To serve mainland clients, businesses must partner with a local distributor or establish a mainland branch. Additionally, free zone companies cannot bid for government contracts, which may reduce their potential return on investment (ROI).
Business Activities
Mainland: With over 2,000 economic activities listed by the DED, mainland companies can include an unlimited number of activities under a single license, provided they belong to the same group. However, if a business offers services from different groups, separate licenses may be required.
For example, a pet grooming or veterinary clinic would need a professional license to provide its services, while selling pet food would require a commercial license.
Free zones: A free zone setup limits the number of activities your business can undertake. The allowed activities depend on the chosen free zone package, typically ranging from two to ten.
Unlike Dubai Mainland, free zones allow businesses to combine activities from different groups under a single license. For example, a consultancy firm can offer marketing services, management consulting, and event management under one license.
Office Requirements
Mainland: All mainland companies, except those with instant or e-trade licenses, must register a physical office with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) through the Ejari system to obtain their license. However, even businesses with instant licenses must secure and register a physical office by the time of their license renewal.
Free zones: Free zones offer greater flexibility in office requirements compared to the mainland. Businesses can rent or purchase land, warehouses, office buildings, shell-and-core spaces, or state-of-the-art serviced offices within designated business hubs. Freelancers and startups also have a cost-effective flexi-desk option, significantly reducing setup costs.
Unlike the mainland, free zone companies do not require an Ejari certificate for their lease. Instead, the free zone authority provides an attested lease contract, eliminating additional registration fees.
Visa Quota
Mainland: Mainland companies benefit from an unlimited visa quota, determined by their business activity, employee roles, and contractual agreements. The Ministry of Labour reviews each case, granting higher visa allocations to businesses with substantial work demands and supporting documentation
Free zones: A disadvantage of setting up in a free zone is a limited visa quota, which typically ranges from one to six visas, depending on the chosen package. The quota is directly linked to office space. For example, the Meydan Free Zone allocates one visa per five square meters of physical office space.
Taxation
Mainland: Mainland businesses are mandated to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Tax (CT). A VAT of 5% is applicable on businesses whose supplies and imports surpass AED 375,000. Similarly, corporate tax, introduced on 1 June 2023, applies 0% tax on income below AED 375,000. If net profit exceeds AED 375,000, 9% tax is levied.
Free zones: Free zone businesses must register for VAT and corporate tax just like mainland companies. However, they can qualify for a 0% corporate tax on income above AED 375,000 if they meet specific criteria:
- Hold a valid free zone license.
- Generate income through operations with only free zone or international clients (e.g., through manufacturing or trade).
- Comply with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) – demonstrate substantial activities in the free zone by maintaining adequate employees, assets, and operating expenses.
- Not engage in activities with mainland entities or only conduct permissible qualifying activities with these entities.
- Maintain proper financial records (in line with IFRS), submit timely tax filings, and adhere to transfer pricing requirements.
A Guide to Making the Right Decision for You
Choosing between Dubai Mainland and Free Zone should be at the top of your priority list when launching a business in the UAE. This decision can be a game-changer, making or breaking your success in the UAE’s competitive market.
To make the right call, you need to weigh the pros and cons and ensure your choice aligns with your business model and long-term goals.
Our 4-step decision guide below outlines key factors to consider, walking you through the process so you can make an informed decision.
Selecting Your Business Activity
Your business activity is a determinant of whether you need a mainland or free zone trade license. Some activities, like car rentals, must be set up in the mainland—even if you prefer a free zone setup.
Car rental companies that own vehicles and operate within the UAE require external approval from The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The RTA permit is typically granted to mainland setups with a physical presence.
Mainland companies face fewer hurdles with payment processors (e.g., Stripe or local banks). Additionally, car rental businesses often need to coordinate with government authorities to handle fines from customers’ reckless driving. Since legal precedents exist for other mainland rental companies, mainland setups have easier access to legal representation for dispute resolution.
Free zones may work for intermediaries or brokers, but high-risk businesses such as car rentals with their own fleet must register in the mainland.
Therefore, legal and compliance requirements for your business activity may determine whether a mainland or free zone setup is more suitable.
Defining Your Target Market
For businesses that heavily rely on the local UAE market for their revenue—such as retail, hospitality, or service-based industries—a mainland setup is the better choice.
Setting up a business in the mainland allows you to operate across all emirates whilst serving international clients without restrictions.
Example: Al Tayer Group, a major retail and hospitality chain, needed direct access to UAE consumers and premium retail locations like Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. A mainland setup enabled them to register various flagship stores, establish a strong local presence and cater directly to their target market.
For businesses primarily targeting global markets or operating in sector-specific industries—such as tech, logistics, import/export, international trade—a free zone setup may be more beneficial.
Free zones not only offer benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but also provide excellent networking opportunities.
For instance, free zone authorities, particularly those managed by TECOM Group (including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District, and Knowledge Park), frequently host networking sessions on trending industry topics. These events are designed to connect startups, SMEs, and like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Example: DP World established its flagship operation – Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) to expand its global trade and logistics operations. DP World leverages JAFZA’s multi-modal connectivity, which links businesses to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. The free zone’s business-friendly policies, extensive community network, and world-class infrastructure further support seamless trade operations. As a result, DP World efficiently manages international trade and has grown into one of the world’s leading port operators.
If your business follows a hybrid model—availing free zone benefits while also serving local UAE clients—you can opt for a dual license. Issued in collaboration with the DED, this license allows select free zone companies to operate in Dubai Mainland without needing additional office space or a local shareholder.
In Dubai, dual licensing is available in six free zones:
- Dubai CommerCity
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Dubai Design District (d3)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- One Central (Dubai World Trade Centre Authority
Assessing Scalability for Future Growth
When choosing between a Mainland or Free Zone setup, assess how easily your business can scale as market demands evolve.
Mainland companies have the flexibility to expand across all emirates without requiring additional licenses in each location. The setup allows large-scale operations, hiring a sizable workforce, or bidding on government projects.
With a Mainland license, Al Tayer Group successfully bid on government contracts, securing the rights to manage F&B outlets at Expo 2020. Their large-scale contractual agreements also enabled them to employ over 10,000 staff across 200+ stores.
Similarly, Emaar Properties leveraged its Mainland setup to attract UAE-based investors and bid on major projects, leading to the development of iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Address Hotel, and Dubai Marina.
On the flip side, while free zones offer numerous benefits, expanding beyond the Free Zone can involve additional costs and regulatory processes.
For instance, if a manufacturing firm operates in a Free Zone that does not offer a dual license but wants to sell directly in Dubai, it must establish a Mainland branch, resulting in higher operational costs.
Think long-term—if your vision includes nationwide expansion, a Mainland setup is the better choice. However, if your operations are primarily international, a Free Zone setup may be more suitable.
Regulatory & Compliance Preferences
Review the distinct compliance requirements for free zones and the mainland. Based on your analysis, determine whether you can dedicate the necessary time and resources to proactively stay ahead of ongoing changes to UAE laws and regulations.
Mainland setups must adhere to stringent post-licensing regulations, including regular audits and meeting Emiratisation targets.
The Emiratisation law states that Dubai mainland companies with more than 20 employees are required to have at least 2% Emirati staff in their skilled workforce.
Failure to meet these targets can result in a monthly fine of AED 6,000 per vacancy, which increases annually by AED 1,000 if not addressed.
Additionally, obtaining a mainland license often involves securing external approvals for activities like legal consultancy, travel and tourism, or restaurant operations.
In contrast, free zones offer a more streamlined process by eliminating many of these third-party government approvals. Instead, free zones conduct rigorous due diligence using tools like World-Check databases to screen shareholders and related parties for legal or financial disputes.
As discussed above, high-risk businesses such as car rentals are unlikely to pass the free zone’s numerous compliance checks, as their business plans are often viewed as less viable by regulatory authorities.
Regardless of the setup you choose, you can always rely on Best Solution’s legal compliance assistance. We guide businesses through local laws and regulations, ensuring adherence and minimizing the risk of legal complications.
Cost Analysis: Free zone vs Mainland
The setup cost for a free zone or mainland entity depends on factors such as location, business activities, office space, visa requirements, and bookkeeping/auditing needs.
Free zones typically offer lower upfront costs with flexible packages that include bundled utilities like high-speed internet, telephone services, and 24-hour technical support when you opt for an office in a free zone business center. However, depending on your business activities, annual license fees may be higher.
Freelancers and startups can further reduce expenses by choosing a flexi-desk option, as office rental usually accounts for 20% of the license fee.
On the downside, free zones provide a limited visa quota that can only be increased with a physical office space. With a free zone setup, you also face restrictions on the number of business activities and market access within the jurisdiction.
Mainland setups generally involve higher initial expenses, primarily due to rental costs. For instance, prime areas like Business Bay or Downtown Dubai have higher rents—a 200 sq. ft. office in Business Bay might cost around AED 5,000 per month.
Additionally, companies building their own offices must cover extra costs for decor, furnishings, utility installations, and ongoing bills.
Licensing fees vary based on business activities and visa requirements, and additional support services such as accounting or legal advice for VAT and corporate tax compliance may add AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 to your expenses.
Both free zone and mainland setups are also subject to random audits, primarily for LLCs and sole establishments. Audits typically cost between AED 1,500 and AED 2,200, largely covering the fee for a local mainland auditor’s stamp on the report. If your business has no transactions, you will receive a non-activity report.
Freelancers, however, are rarely audited; opting for a freelance license in a free zone can help you avoid these additional charges.
Consider the above-mentioned factors when evaluating your budget. Accordingly, plan your finances to choose a setup which is cost-effective and offers long-term success.
For a detailed estimate, use Best Solution’s cost calculator or schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our CEO – Mr. Essa Al Harthi, to find the most affordable license package for your venture.
Conclusion
Mainland or free zone? This question often creates an air of confusion among entrepreneurs new to the UAE market. Ultimately, your choice depends on your business goals, operational needs, and budget.
Our guide is designed to simplify this decision-making process. We aim to help you perform a comparative analysis – assessing the pros and cons of a mainland or a free zone setup.
Next, we prompt you to consider key questions: What type of activities will you conduct? Who is your target market? Are you planning to scale within the next 3-5 years? Can you manage the compliance and regulations associated with each setup? And finally, which option is more affordable without compromising long-term success?
If you’re still unsure, the experts at Best Solution are here to help. With over 14 years of experience, we handle every detail of the setup process, ensuring you make informed decisions and build a successful business in the UAE.
