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Accounting & Bookkeeping
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VAT Compliance
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Corporate Tax
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Transfer Pricing
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Business Advisory
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Transaction Advisory
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Audit & Assurance
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from AED 1,250View packagesUAE business setup
Not sure where to start? Compare mainland and free zones side by side, then let us recommend the right structure.
Mainland company formation
Licensed by the emirate’s economic department, for businesses targeting the UAE domestic market.
Choose your emirate
Popular
Free zone company formation
27 prominent free zones across all seven emirates, each with its own licensing framework and industry focus.
Abu Dhabi4
Umm Al Quwain1
Fujairah2
Licensed in as little as 3 days
Mainland or free zone. We handle licence, visas, bank account and accounting.
Consult nowPricing
Know the cost before you commit
Use the calculator for an instant estimate, or pick a fixed monthly package.
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Consult nowUAE Business Setup: Mainland & Free Zone Solutions
The United Arab Emirates offers a diverse range of business jurisdictions designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and international investors.
- Emirates7
- Mainland authorities7
- Free zones27 profiled
- First consultationFree
Two ways to set up in the UAE
Mainland company
Licensed by the emirate’s economic department. Suitable for businesses targeting the UAE domestic market, government-related opportunities, retail and professional services.
- Trade across the UAE market
- Dubai DET, ADDED, SEDD and 4 more authorities
- Preferred when broad UAE market access is a priority
Free zone company
Designated jurisdictions with their own licensing, facilities and business support. Popular with international entrepreneurs, consultants, traders and technology firms.
- Industry-focused ecosystems
- DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, RAKEZ and more
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, if conditions are met
Mainland vs free zone
The main differences at a glance. The right choice depends on your activity, customers, office and visa needs.
| Mainland | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed by | The emirate’s economic department (e.g. Dubai DET, ADDED, SEDD) | The free zone’s own authority |
| Where you can trade | Across the UAE domestic market, subject to activity-specific rules | Inside the zone and internationally. Mainland trade depends on the activity, emirate and permits |
| Best suited to | Retail, trading, professional services and government-related opportunities | International entrepreneurs, consultants, traders, tech firms and specialised industries |
| Corporate tax | 0% up to AED 375,000 taxable income, 9% above | 0% on qualifying income only if all conditions are met, otherwise standard rates |
| VAT | 5% on taxable supplies | 5% on taxable supplies (special rules in designated zones) |
| Audit | As required by law or the licensing authority | Often required by the free zone authority |
| Choices | 7 emirates | 27 prominent free zones (and many more specialised zones) |
Free-zone status alone does not guarantee a 0% corporate tax rate. Dubai introduced a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit framework in 2025; eligibility and scope should be checked with the relevant authority.
The right structure starts with the right advice
At A2a Corpix, we help businesses explore suitable mainland and free-zone structures based on their commercial objectives, proposed activities, ownership requirements, operational needs and compliance responsibilities.
From Dubai mainland company formation to specialised free zones across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, our goal is to simplify the decision-making process and help clients understand their available options.
Our services include
- Mainland and free-zone company formation assistance
- Business activity and jurisdiction assessment
- Trade licence and renewal support
- Corporate tax registration and compliance assistance
- VAT registration, returns and advisory
- Bookkeeping and accounting services
- Audit coordination and financial reporting support
- Corporate structuring and ongoing compliance guidance
Your setup in six steps
Choose your business activity
Tell us what you will do. We match it to the right licensed activities.
Pick the right jurisdiction
Mainland or free zone, compared on cost, visas and market access.
Reserve a company name
We check availability and secure your trade name with the authority.
Submit the documents
We prepare and file your application. You review and sign.
Get your trade licence
Your licence is issued and your company is ready to trade.
Open a bank account & apply for visas
Corporate bank account introductions, investor and employee visas.
Which jurisdiction suits which business?
Starting points to explore for common business types.
| Business requirement | Jurisdictions worth exploring |
|---|---|
| Accounting, bookkeeping and consultancy | Dubai Mainland, IFZA, Meydan, DMCC |
| Auditing and regulated financial services | Relevant mainland or financial-zone jurisdiction, subject to professional and regulatory approvals |
| General trading and import-export | Dubai Mainland, DMCC, JAFZA, SAIF Zone, RAKEZ |
| Manufacturing and industrial operations | KEZAD, JAFZA, Hamriyah, RAKEZ |
| Technology, software and IT | Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA |
| Financial services and investment management | DIFC, ADGM |
| Media, advertising and digital content | Dubai Media City, Shams, twofour54 |
| E-commerce and online retail | Dubai CommerCity, Dubai Mainland, eligible free zones |
| Shipping and logistics | JAFZA, Dubai South, Fujairah Free Zone |
| Sustainability and clean energy | Masdar City Free Zone |
| Digital assets and Web3 | RAK Digital Assets Oasis, subject to applicable rules |
These are starting points, not exclusive activity lists. The correct choice depends on the exact activity, customer location, office requirements, visa needs and regulatory approvals.
Find the right jurisdiction
Tell us about your business and we will recommend suitable mainland and free-zone options, usually within one working day.
By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy.Plan your UAE setup with clarity and confidence
All company formation, licensing, tax and regulatory services are subject to the relevant authority’s requirements and any necessary professional approvals.