Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore: Which Is Right for You?
Choose a free zone if your clients are outside the UAE, a mainland licence if you sell directly to UAE customers or bid for government work, and offshore only for holding assets.
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Read next: Free zone setup | Mainland setup | Offshore setup
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What to know about Free Zone vs Mainland
Ownership
Free zone and offshore are 100% foreign-owned, and most mainland activities now allow 100% too.
Where you can trade
Free zone inside the zone and internationally, mainland across the UAE, offshore internationally only.
Office and visas
Free zones offer flexi-desks, mainland needs an Ejari office, offshore needs only an agent and has no visas.
Tax and cost
Corporate tax applies to all, with 0% for qualifying free zone income only if conditions are met.
- How it works
How to get started with Maven&
Free consultation
We review your goals, activity and budget.
Plan and quote
We recommend an option and give an itemised quote.
Prepare documents
We list and prepare the documents you need.
Apply
We submit the application and handle follow-ups.
Launch and support
We support visas, banking, accounting and compliance after launch.
What to prepare
Send us what you have and we will confirm what is missing.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- A short description of your business activity and plans
- Copy of the trade licence and incorporation documents, if the company already exists
- Details of how many visas or team members you plan to have
- Anything else we ask for once we understand your case
Talk to a Maven& consultant today
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Free Zone vs Mainland
One dedicated consultant
One consultant coordinates your application from start to finish, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees and service fees line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Checked against official sources
We work from official government guidance and confirm current requirements before we file.
Connected services
Company formation, visas, tax, accounting and banking are handled as one coordinated plan.
- Business setup FAQs
Free Zone vs Mainland: frequently asked questions
It depends on activity, visas and office. Free zone starting fees can be lower, but total cost varies.
Often through a distributor or a mainland permit.
You can set up a mainland entity or add a mainland licence. We advise on options.
Maven& confirms government fees and our service fees in an itemised quote before you commit.
Ready to get started with Free Zone vs Mainland?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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