Business setup
Mainland and free zone company setup in the UAE
Your business activity and operating plans help determine the right setup route. bizkey helps you explore mainland and free zone options and understand the next steps for your application.
Mainland
Built for broad UAE operations
A mainland company can suit businesses that plan to trade across the UAE, pursue government contracts, or operate physical retail and office locations.
- Dubai DET licence
- Trade name reservation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Office and Ejari where required
- Establishment card
Free zone
Flexible packages for focused businesses
Free zones can suit international trade, services, e-commerce and startups seeking a package with flexi-desk options.
- Zone selection based on activity
- Licence package
- Lease or workspace option
- Visa quota aligned with the package
Offshore company formation
We also help suitable clients explore UAE offshore structures for international holding or trading purposes. Offshore companies do not provide a UAE residence visa and their permitted activities, banking and substance requirements must be reviewed case by case.
Compare
Mainland and free zone at a glance
The details below are general guidance. Exact rules depend on the activity, authority and selected jurisdiction.
| Consideration | Mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Location & trading scope | Broad UAE trading scope, subject to licensed activity. | Often suited to activity within the zone and international markets; mainland trade rules vary. |
| Activities | Activities approved by Dubai DET and any relevant external authority. | Activities available under the selected free zone’s licence categories. |
| Workspace requirement | Office or premises and Ejari may be required depending on the activity. | Options may include flexi-desk, shared space or dedicated premises. |
| Visa allocation | Linked to premises, licence and authority approvals. | Linked to the selected package, workspace and zone rules. |
| Authority fees | Set by Dubai DET and related authorities; vary by activity and requirements. | Set by each free zone and selected licence package. |
| Renewals | Annual licence and related registrations generally require renewal. | Annual licence, lease or package renewal generally applies. |
| Costs | Request an itemised quote. | Request an itemised quote. |
Consultation
What to bring to a consultation
This list is helpful guidance, not a mandatory checklist. We can begin a conversation before every detail is final.
- Passport copy
- Intended business activities
- Proposed trade names
- Expected staff and visa count
- Preferred location
Ready to set up in Dubai?
Tell us about your plans and we'll map the right route.