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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.
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Consult nowMainland company formation in the UAE
Mainland companies are licensed by the relevant emirate’s economic department or competent licensing authority. They suit businesses targeting the UAE domestic market, government-related opportunities, retail, professional services and wider commercial operations.
- Licensed byEmirate economic department
- MarketWhole UAE domestic market
- Emirates7
- Corporate tax9% above AED 375k
Choose your emirate
The seven emirates where businesses can establish mainland companies through the relevant licensing authority. Mainland is generally preferred when broad UAE market access is a priority.
Dubai Mainland
Department of Economy and TourismFamous for its international business environment, commercial trading, professional services, retail, tourism, real estate and access to a diverse customer base. A popular choice for businesses targeting clients throughout the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
Department of Economic DevelopmentKnown for government-related opportunities, energy, infrastructure, consulting, industrial projects and a strong institutional business environment.
Ajman Mainland
Department of Economic DevelopmentRecognised for small businesses, general trading, professional services, retail and local-market entrepreneurship.
Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
Department of Economic DevelopmentKnown for manufacturing, industrial activities, tourism, construction-related businesses and local commercial operations.
Fujairah Mainland
Fujairah licensing authoritiesKnown for port-related commerce, shipping, logistics, industrial activities, construction and businesses connected to the east coast.
Umm Al Quwain Mainland
Department of Economic DevelopmentA jurisdiction for local trading, services, small enterprises and businesses serving the emirate’s domestic market.
Not sure which emirate?
Tell us your activity, customers and visa needs. We recommend the right emirate and authority, usually within one working day.
Find the right jurisdictionMainland 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.
Mainland 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.
Important tax and compliance information
Setting up is only the start. These rules apply from the moment your company is licensed.
Corporate tax
UAE corporate tax generally applies to taxable businesses. The standard rate is 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% on taxable income above that threshold, subject to the applicable legislation and exceptions.
Free-zone corporate tax
A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income if all relevant conditions are met. Free-zone incorporation alone does not guarantee this treatment.
VAT
UAE VAT is generally 5% on taxable supplies, with registration and other obligations depending on the business’s circumstances.
Auditing
An audit may be required by the relevant law, licensing authority, free zone or other applicable requirement. Do not assume that every company has the same audit obligation.
Mainland access
Check the relevant licensing route before a free-zone business conducts regulated or otherwise restricted activities on the mainland. Dubai introduced a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit framework in 2025; its eligibility and scope should be checked with the relevant authority.
One team for setup and compliance
A2a Corpix handles company formation together with corporate tax, VAT, bookkeeping and audit coordination, so your business is compliant from day one.
Find the right jurisdiction
Tell us about your business and we will recommend suitable mainland and free-zone options, usually within one working day.
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All company formation, licensing, tax and regulatory services are subject to the relevant authority’s requirements and any necessary professional approvals.