By Moinuddin
December 04, 2025Start Company in UAE is an excellent decision, offering a stable economy, world-class infrastructure, and significant tax advantages. However, the first and most critical choice is selecting the right jurisdiction: Dubai Mainland or a Free Zone.
I am Moin Uddin, your professional UAE business setup consultant. I provide complete, end-to-end support from selecting the optimal jurisdiction to licensing, documentation, securing your Corporate Bank Account, processing Visas, and ensuring ongoing Tax Compliance.
The right choice depends entirely on your business model. Use the comparison below to find your perfect fit.
Below This table summarizes the core differences in ownership, market reach, and operational costs, guiding your decision instantly.
| Feature | Dubai Mainland (DED) | Dubai Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Market Access | Full & Direct access to the entire UAE market (all seven Emirates) and international trade. | Restricted to the Free Zone and international trading. Local market sales require a local distributor/agent. |
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities (no local sponsor needed). | 100% foreign ownership is guaranteed across all sectors. |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on profits up to AED 375,000; 9% thereafter (standard CT rules apply). | 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income (best for international trade). |
| Office Requirement | Mandatory physical office space (Ejari) that must be approved by the DED. | Flexible office solutions: Flexi-desk, shared workspace, or dedicated office. |
| Setup Cost | Generally Higher due to mandatory physical office lease and municipality fees. | Generally Lower due to cheaper flexi-desk packages. |
| Ideal For | Local Retail, Services, Construction, or B2C businesses targeting the UAE consumer. | E-commerce, International Trade, Consulting, and service businesses targeting foreign markets. |
Mainland companies are registered under the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). This setup provides the maximum operational freedom within the UAE.
Key Advantages:
Common Legal Structures:
Free Zones (such as DMCC, DAFZA, JAFZA, IFZA) are specialized economic areas offering powerful tax and investment incentives, making them ideal for global operations.
Key Advantages:
Common Legal Structures:
We manage this entire process for you, ensuring compliance at every turn.
Key Advantages:
Setup costs are highly variable, but our advisory service provides a guaranteed, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific needs.
Pricing for company formation depending on your chosen activity, jurisdiction, and visa requirements. We offer all-inclusive packages designed to remove hidden fees.
| Package | Ideal For | Dubai Free Zone (Low-Cost Option) | Dubai Mainland (Professional/Commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| License Only (0 Visa) | Foreign investor, holding company, or testing the market (non-resident). | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | AED 18,000 – 30,000 |
| Standard Package (1 Investor Visa) | Owner residing in the UAE, active entrepreneur, or primary service provider. | AED 12,000 – 25,000 | AED 25,000 – 45,000 |
*Note on Mainland: The Mainland cost is highly variable and includes the mandatory physical office (Ejari) requirement, which starts from approximately AED 15,000 - AED 30,000 annually. The prices shown are the estimated total minimum for a starter professional/commercial license with basic office arrangements.
This table shows the typical fee components that make up the total estimated cost for a 1-Visa package.
| Cost Component | Dubai Free Zone (Estimate) | Dubai Mainland (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Name & Initial Approval | Included in Package Fee | AED 1,000 – 2,000 | Mandatory government fees (DED). |
| Trade License Fee (Annual) | AED 8,000 – 18,000 | AED 12,000 – 25,000 | Varies greatly by activity type (e.g., General Trading is often higher). |
| Office/Desk Fee (Annual) | Flexi-desk: AED 5,000 – 15,000 | Physical Office (Ejari): AED 15,000+ | Mandatory for both; Mainland requires a dedicated physical space. |
| Registration & Admin Fees | AED 3,000 – 7,000 | AED 4,000 – 10,000 | Includes setup, MOA drafting, and Chamber of Commerce fees. |
| Investor Visa Fee (1 Person) | AED 3,500 – 6,000 | AED 4,000 – 7,000 | Includes Entry Permit, Medical Fitness Test, and Emirates ID. |
| Immigration Establishment Card | AED 1,500 – 2,500 | AED 2,000 – 3,500 | Required for visa processing. |
| Mandatory Share Capital | Often AED 0 (in many low-cost zones) | AED 50,000 (varies, must be committed, not always paid). | Required amount varies by zone/activity and must be committed. |
Setup costs are highly variable, but our advisory service provides a guaranteed, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific needs.
The right start ensures long-term success. Don’t risk delays or costly jurisdiction errors. I guarantee a smooth, compliant, and efficient company formation process.
Contact me today for a FREE, personalized consultation and a guaranteed cost quote for your Mainland or Free Zone setup.
Get a transparent, fixed quote customized to your exact needs. Contact me today to discuss your specific activity and visa requirements.
