What is Free zone or mainland?
Free zone or mainland is a UAE company formation option in United Arab Emirates. A structured comparison of the two main UAE company routes: free zones for international trade and services, mainland for trading across the UAE. Applications are decided by The relevant free zone or emirate economic department. The qualifying asset and government fees are shown separately, and Dynasty Migration's professional fee is quoted on consultation.
- Decided by The relevant free zone or emirate economic department
- Asset and government fee kept separate
- Professional fee quoted on consultation
At a glance
Key facts
- Ownership Requirement
- 100% foreign ownership available for most activities
- Corporate tax Authority charge
- 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000 (0% for qualifying free zone income)
- Timeline Timing
- Typically 1–4 weeks for licensing, plus banking
- Professional fee Advisory
- Quoted on consultation
Paid to the authority. Not part of the qualifying asset.
Advisory service, separate from authority charges.
Clear limitation
What this does not give
Company formation does not by itself guarantee Golden Visa eligibility or bank account approval.
Approval rests with the authority
Only the issuing government or its unit can approve, refuse, or revoke an application.
No outcome can be promised
No adviser can guarantee a decision. Any claim of assured approval is a warning sign.
Rules can change after publication
Thresholds, fees, and criteria are set by the authority and may change — confirm before you commit.
Step by step
How to apply for Free zone or mainland
A calm, document-first sequence. Timings depend on the authority and your file.
1Check eligibility
Answer a short set of questions about your goals, family and assets.
2Confirm current criteria
We check the latest published rules from The relevant free zone or emirate economic department.
3Prepare documents
Gather, translate and certify the documents the authority requests.
4Submit and wait for decision
The file is lodged and the issuing authority makes the final decision.
