UAE Business Setup: Mainland vs Free Zone in 2025
ISZ Global Team10 June 2024
Compare licensing, visa quotas, corporate tax, and VAT obligations when choosing mainland or free zone structure.
Choosing between UAE mainland and free zone setup affects ownership, office requirements, and tax treatment.
Mainland: Broader market access and government contracts, often with local sponsor or agent considerations depending on activity.
Free zones: 100% foreign ownership and sector-focused ecosystems, with rules on trading within the UAE market.
Tax & VAT: Both structures may have corporate tax and VAT duties — structure should follow your commercial model, not tax alone.
Speak with business setup and accounting advisors listed on ISZ Global before incorporating.