Step 1 of 4 — Exploring Your Options. Compare Free Zones vs Mainland
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PREMIUM BUSINESS SETUP

Mainland Business Setup in UAE

Unlimited visa quotas, full UAE market access, government contract eligibility. The ultimate platform for serious entrepreneurs.

Setup Journey
Step 1: Exploring Your Options — Choose Jurisdiction
20%
COMPLETED
1
Licence Choice
2
Activity Selection
3
Documentation
4
Final Approval

Expand Without Limits

A UAE Mainland licence (DED) offers the ultimate flexibility for entrepreneurs looking to serve local customers directly, hire unlimited staff, and win government contracts.

Key Feature
Mainland (DED)
Free Zone
Foreign Ownership
100% (Selected Activities)
100% Always
Taxation
9% Corp Tax over AED 375K
0% Corp Tax*
Market Access
Full UAE and International
International and Zone Only
Office Requirement
Physical Space Required
Virtual / Flexi-Desk Options
Visas
Unlimited
Capped by package rules

Expert Recommendations

BEST FOR LOCAL COMMERCE

Choose Mainland If...

You plan to open a restaurant, clinic, or retail shop in Dubai.
You want to pitch for large government contracts.
You need to hire 10+ employees immediately.
Apply for Mainland Licence
BEST FOR DIGITAL AND GLOBAL

Choose Free Zone If...

You are a tech consultant or digital agency.
You prioritise privacy and 100% capital repatriation.
You require zero personal physical presence initially.
Find Best Free Zone
Not sure about Hybrid setups?
Dual-licensing allows companies to benefit from both environments.
Speak to a Consultant
Mainland Licence
Full UAE market access · Sell directly to UAE consumers
From AED 15,000
Professional Licence (DED Dubai)
Commercial from AED 18,500 · General Trading from AED 28,000
Physical office (Ejari) required: AED 5,000–25,000/yr
Get Custom Quote
Mainland Pricing by Emirate
PROFESSIONAL LICENCE
DED Dubai (Professional)AED 12,000–15,000
DED Abu DhabiAED 11,000–14,000
DED SharjahAED 8,000–12,000
DED RAK / Ajman / UAQAED 7,500–10,000
COMMERCIAL / TRADING LICENCE
DED Dubai (Commercial)AED 15,000–25,000
DED Dubai (General Trading)AED 28,000–32,000
Get Custom Quote

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