Free Zone vs Mainland UAE Comparison

Compare Free Zone and Mainland company setup options in UAE with pros and cons.

#freezone #mainlanduae #dubaifreezone #uaesetup

	Mainland	Free zone
Foreign ownership	100% allowed for most activities since 2021; some strategic activities are restricted.	100% allowed.
Where you can trade	Anywhere in the UAE and abroad.	Inside the free zone and abroad. Selling to the mainland usually needs a distributor or a mainland licence.
Licensing authority	The emirate's economic department (for example Dubai DET).	The free zone authority.
Office	A physical office with a registered lease is generally required.	Flexi-desk and shared-office packages are common.
Government contracts	Can bid directly.	Usually limited.
Corporate tax	9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000.	Same 9%, but a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income.
Visas	Quota linked to office size and approvals.	Quota linked to the package and office size.

A general comparison. Rules differ between emirates and between free zones, and they change. Confirm costs and conditions with the authority before you choose.