Free Zone or Mainland: which to choose
We break down the difference between a free zone and mainland using the factors that actually affect your work: access to the local market, visas, office, taxes, and how banks view each option.
When clients come to us
- you are not sure which jurisdiction suits your activity
- your clients will be inside the UAE, and you need access to the local market
- you need a large number of visas for staff
- keeping maintenance costs low matters to you
- a bank has refused to open an account
What we do
- review your activity and the licence requirements it triggers
- compare the options by cost, visas and restrictions
- take into account how banks view the specific zone
- calculate the tax consequences
- give you a written recommendation with the calculation
How the work proceeds
- Activity. We identify the list of activities and the required licence type.
- Market. We establish where your clients are: inside the UAE, abroad, or a mix of both.
- Calculation. We calculate the full cost of the first year and ongoing maintenance for both scenarios.
- Recommendation. We provide a written opinion and register the chosen option.
Documents required
- description of the activity
- plan for the number of visas
- details of the clients' geography
- expected turnover
Comparison by parameter
Timeline and cost
Prices exclude UAE government fees and court charges. We confirm the exact quote in writing after reviewing your situation.
Работу начинаем в день обращения. Если по вашей ситуации есть более быстрый или более дешёвый путь, мы скажем об этом до заключения договора.
Коротко о главном
Yes, by registering a new company or a branch. Direct conversion is not available, which is why the choice at the start matters.
The 0% rate applies to qualifying income where the conditions are met. Income from working with the local market usually does not qualify. Registration and reporting are mandatory regardless.
Banks look at the type of activity, the genuineness of operations, and the founder's profile more than the name of the zone. But some zones have a better reputation, which speeds up compliance.
Смотрите также
Опишите ситуацию — ответим сегодня
Первый разбор бесплатный. Мы честно скажем, если дело бесперспективно или решается без юриста.