Business Setup Comparison

Choose the right business setup structure for your needs. Compare the benefits, requirements, and suitability of Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company formations in the UAE.

Detailed Comparison
Expert Guidance
Best Fit Analysis
Detailed Comparison

Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore

Compare key features, benefits, and requirements across all three business setup options to make an informed decision.

Mainland

Ownership: 51% Local Required
UAE Market: Full Access
Corporate Tax: 9% (>AED 375K)
Setup Time: 7-14 days

Free Zone

Ownership: 100% Foreign
UAE Market: Limited
Corporate Tax: 0%
Setup Time: 3-7 days

Offshore

Ownership: 100% Foreign
UAE Market: No Access
Corporate Tax: 0%
Setup Time: 3-5 days
Best Fit Analysis

Which Setup is Right for You?

Choose the perfect business structure based on your specific needs, business model, and growth objectives.

Mainland is Best For

Businesses targeting local UAE market
Companies seeking government contracts
Retail and consumer-facing businesses
Real estate and construction companies
Service providers to local clients

Ideal Industries:

Retail Construction Real Estate Healthcare

Free Zone is Best For

International trading companies
Import/export businesses
Tech and IT companies
Manufacturing and logistics
Consultancy and professional services

Ideal Industries:

Trading Technology Logistics Media

Offshore is Best For

International holding companies
Investment and asset management
Intellectual property holding
International tax planning
Wealth preservation structures

Ideal Industries:

Investments Holdings IP Licensing Finance

Still Not Sure Which Setup is Right?

Our experts will analyze your business requirements and recommend the perfect setup structure for your specific needs.

Costs & Timelines

Investment & Setup Process

Understand the investment requirements and timeline for each business setup option to plan your venture effectively.

Mainland

Setup Costs

License Fee: AED 10,000+
MOA: AED 2,000
Tenancy: AED 5,000+
Chamber Fee: AED 2,000
Total (approx): AED 25,000+

Process Timeline

1
Initial Approval
3-5 days
2
Tenancy & MOA
2-3 days
3
License Issuance
5-7 days

Free Zone

Setup Costs

License Fee: AED 15,000+
Office Space: AED 12,000+
Visa Quota: AED 3,000
Registration: AED 2,000
Total (approx): AED 35,000+

Process Timeline

1
Name Reservation
1-2 days
2
License Application
2-3 days
3
License Issuance
1-2 days

Offshore

Setup Costs

Registration: AED 8,000
Share Capital: AED 1,000
Certificate: AED 1,500
Registered Agent: AED 2,000
Total (approx): AED 15,000

Process Timeline

1
Name Approval
1 day
2
Documentation
1-2 days
3
Registration
1-2 days

Annual Costs

Mainland License Renewal: AED 8,000 - 15,000
Free Zone License Renewal: AED 12,000 - 20,000
Offshore Annual Fee: AED 3,000 - 5,000

What's Included

Complete documentation support
Government liaison services
Bank account opening assistance
Initial visa processing
Ongoing compliance support