Mainland vs Free Zone: Key Differences
Choose a jurisdiction around your activity, customers and operating requirements.
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Ownership and licensing
Many Mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, subject to applicable activity and strategic-impact restrictions. Free zones apply their own permitted activities and legal forms. Confirm the specific activity with the relevant authority.
Market access and workspace
A free zone licence does not provide unrestricted Mainland operating rights. Check the relevant emirate’s permits, licensing and sector requirements. Office, facility and tenancy requirements depend on the activity and chosen authority; a flexi-desk is not suitable for every case.
Compare the complete commitment
Compare licence scope, premises, visa capacity, additional approvals, taxes and renewal conditions. Advertised licence or package prices may exclude necessary expenses. The dedicated comparison page and cost calculator use existing indicative data, not binding quotations.