Choosing between a mainland and free zone company depends on your business activity, target customers, ownership requirements, office needs and plans for expansion. Horus Zone helps you identify the suitable jurisdiction and manage the licensing process from application to issuance.
Mainland can be suitable when you want to operate directly across the UAE market. Free zones provide activity-specific licensing and business environments, with up to 100% foreign ownership available in free zones.
The right choice should be based on how you actually plan to operate, not simply on which option has the lower setup cost.
Mainland can be suitable when you want to operate directly across the UAE market.
Free zones provide activity-specific licensing and business environments, with up to 100% foreign ownership available in free zones.
Dubai mainland licences include commercial, professional, industrial and other licence categories depending on the activity.
Yes, in many activities. UAE law permits 100% foreign ownership for many mainland businesses, although certain strategic or regulated activities can have specific ownership or approval requirements.
Not automatically in every case. Mainland operations may require the appropriate licence, permit or regulatory route. Dubai has also introduced a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit framework for eligible free zone companies.
Not automatically in every case. Mainland operations may require the appropriate licence, permit or regulatory route.
Review your activity, ownership and operating model.
Choose the appropriate jurisdiction and licence.
Arrange documents, trade name and approvals.
Submit the licensing application.
Complete post-licensing requirements and begin operations.
Don't choose a jurisdiction based on price alone. Tell Horus Zone about your business activity, target market and plans, and we'll help you identify the appropriate licensing route.
FAQs
Tell us your business activity and plans for the UAE. Horus Zone Consulting can help you compare the available setup options and manage the licensing process.