It’s not simple to start a business in Dubai, and when you do, you may find it difficult to decide whether to create a mainland or freezone company formation in UAE. Enterprises operating in free zones are quite different from those operating on the mainland, and they are subject to the same regulations and advantages as mainland businesses.
What differentiates mainland enterprises from those located in free zones?
Many prospective investors who wish to start a business in the UAE market frequently ask this question. If an investor did not have a precise and thorough grasp of the numerous business jurisdictions in the UAE, their viewpoint would be comparable to that of someone boarding a bus without knowing its route or destination. Therefore, it’s vital to understand the facts, the core laws, the conventions, and the differences between these countries if you are interested in investing in the UAE. Mainland, Free zones, and Offshore are the business jurisdictions. Before selecting the jurisdiction that best suits the aims of their firm, the investor or business owner should take these factors into account.
The three jurisdictions—Mainland, Freezone, and Offshore—distinguish themselves from one another in various important ways. This blog discusses the significant differences between free zone and mainland countries in terms of things like ownership and business scope, office space, visa eligibility, company audit, and other things.
- Mainland Company
A mainland firm is made up entirely of an onshore corporation that has registered with the administration of the relevant Emirate. The trade permission must be issued by the Emirate’s Department of Economic Development. What sets apart a UAE mainland firm is largely its capacity for unrestricted trading. A mainland UAE firm that obtains funding from a foreign investor is permitted to carry out both local and international commerce.
- Free zone Company
A firm founded inside a specified legal framework that is regulated by a certain Emirate is referred to as a free zone corporation. Throughout the United Arab Emirates, there are now more than 40 active free zones. Free zone regions are regulated by the Free Zone Authority, a government organization. The Free Zone Authority is responsible for issuing trade permits. The benefits of having 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions set a UAE-free zone apart.
The scope of the Business
- Mainland Company
Anywhere in the nation is legal for a firm whose corporate headquarters are on the UAE mainland. This shows that the company can conduct business both inside and outside of the UAE.
- Free Zone Company
Any UAE-free zone is subject to special restrictions for businesses created there. Businesses operating in free zones are allowed to conduct operations both within and outside of the UAE.
You should now understand the major differences between a Mainland and Free Zone Company formation. In both the UAE’s mainland and free zones, Alpha Equity assists investors and company owners in establishing their companies. If you have any queries concerning mainland or free zone firms in the UAE, or their special Dubai company registration charges and procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of business counselors and consultants. Any questions you may have will be answered by us.