At a glance
| Factor | Dubai mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | UAE-wide, incl. government | Within the zone and internationally; onshore limited |
| Premises | Ejari-registered office | Desk or office per package |
| Entry cost (published) | About AED 13,900 all-in + lease | From about AED 5,565 (Ajman) to over AED 100,000 (DIFC); DMCC packages from AED 29,185 |
| Visa quota | Office size | Package or office |
| Best for | Retail, UAE customers, tenders | International, online, holding, sector hubs |
Compare specific zones
DMCC vs mainland · DMCC vs IFZA · Meydan · full framework
Sources and verification
Government-fee figures are those published by Dubai’s authorities as compiled in public guides and reviewed July 2026; amounts marked indicative come from market guides and vary. Confirm every figure with Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) before paying. Reviewed September 2026.
- UAE Government portal
- Federal Tax Authority
- Market guide: Mainland company formation Dubai cost (2026)
- Market guide: How to set up a company in Dubai (2026)
Fee-data status: Published (government) and Indicative (market) as labelled in each table.
Dubai mainland vs free zone: FAQs
Is Dubai mainland better than a free zone?
Neither is universally better; it depends on where your customers are.
Can a free zone company sell in Dubai mainland?
Not freely; options include a distributor, dual licence where offered or a mainland licence.
Get a written quote for Dubai mainland
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.