When mainland is the right choice
If your customers are in the UAE, if you need to take on government or semi-government work, or if you want branches across multiple emirates, the mainland is usually the right base. A free zone is defined by its activity list and its geography; the mainland is not.
The reform allowing full foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities removed the old reason many businesses defaulted to a free zone, so the decision is now about where you actually trade.
Activities, approvals and the DED
A mainland licence is issued by the emirate's Department of Economic Development, and some activities need approvals from other authorities before it is granted. Getting the activity list right the first time is what keeps a setup from stalling.
We confirm the activities you need, secure any external approvals, and register the company, the establishment card and your team's visas.
Tax, banking and running it
Mainland companies fall under the standard UAE corporate tax regime (9% above the threshold) and register for VAT where their taxable supplies require it. We keep the accounting and filings correct so compliance is never the thing that trips you up.
With named relationship managers at 10+ UAE banks and 1,000+ accounts opened, we prepare your banking file the way each bank wants to see it.
Ownership, activities and approvals depend on the activity and the emirate. We confirm what applies to you before you commit; treat any figure here as a starting point, not a quote.