Decision Tool

Free Zone vs Mainland — UAE

Six questions to recommend the jurisdiction that actually fits your business: cost-efficient free zone, standard free zone, mainland, financial free zone (DIFC/ADGM), or RAK ICC offshore. Built around the 2024+ rules — including 100% foreign ownership on mainland.

Tell us about your business

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Do you need to bid on UAE government contracts?
First-year setup budget
Importance of common-law / international legal framework?

Recommendation

Best-fit jurisdiction with reasoning.

Answer the six questions on the left and we'll score five jurisdiction families against your situation and recommend the strongest fit, with the trade-offs spelled out.

Decision tool, not a legal opinion. The full picture also depends on activity sub-category, special approvals, capital requirements, banking-relationship preferences, and group / shareholder considerations. Mainland 100% foreign ownership is available for most activities since 2021 but a small list of strategic activities still requires UAE national involvement.

Want a structuring memo, not just a recommendation?

We compare 3–4 jurisdictions side by side for your specific activity — including tax, banking access, visa allocation, exit flexibility, and ongoing compliance load.

Get a structuring memo

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