Company set-up options in Dubai
You can set up a company on the 'mainland' or in a free zone – here's a comparison of both options.
When setting up a company in Dubai, the first major decision you have to make is where to establish your business: within one of Dubai's many free zones, or on the "mainland". It's important to make an informed choice regarding company jurisdiction, and to understand what "mainland" and "free zone" mean.
Free zones are usually tailored to specific industries or sectors, and typically companies within free zones conduct business outside the UAE. Mainland companies can trade within and outside the UAE, and are subject to standard Dubai laws and regulations.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared the two business set-up options below, highlighting criteria that might affect your decision.
What are the differences between mainland and free zones in Dubai?
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Company set-up options in Dubai
You can set up a company on the 'mainland' or in a free zone – here's a comparison of both options.

Free zone companies
Learn more about Dubai's free zones and the process of setting up a company within them.

Employees, administration and logistics
All the information you need about visas, bank accounts, employment and business premises.

Support for start-ups and SMEs
Getting the right help is crucial for a new company – and Dubai has plenty of support options.