At a glance
Last verified September 2026
- Ownership
- 100% foreign ownership available for most activities
- Corporate tax
- 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000; 0% only on qualifying free zone income if QFZP rules are met
- Timeline
- Typically 1–4 weeks for licensing, plus banking
- Professional fee
- Quoted on consultation
Advisory service, separate from authority charges.
What is Free zone or mainland?
Free zone or mainland is a UAE company formation option in United Arab Emirates. A structured comparison of the two main UAE company routes: free zones for international trade and services, mainland for trading across the UAE. Applications are decided by The relevant free zone or emirate economic department. The qualifying asset and government fees are shown separately, and Dynasty Migration's professional fee is quoted on consultation.
Step by step
How Free zone or mainland applications are prepared
A document-first sequence aligned to The relevant free zone or emirate economic department. Timing is confirmed on consultation.
1Confirm current criteria
Check the latest published rules from The relevant free zone or emirate economic department against your goals, family, and assets.
2Prepare documents
Gather, translate, and certify the documents the authority requests for your route.
3Lodge the file
Submit through the correct channel. The issuing authority makes the final decision.
FAQs
Who approves Free zone or mainland applications?
The relevant free zone or emirate economic department makes the final decision. Dynasty Migration prepares and guides the application but does not issue or guarantee visas, permits or citizenship.
Are government fees included in the investment amount?
No. The qualifying asset and government fees are separate amounts. Dynasty Migration professional fees are also separate and quoted on consultation.
What does Free zone or mainland not give me?
Company formation does not by itself guarantee Golden Visa eligibility or bank account approval. Dynasty Migration does not give tax advice.
How current is this information?
Figures on this page were verified in September 2026. Authorities can change rules without notice, so we confirm criteria again before any application.
Clear limitation
Important to know
Company formation does not by itself guarantee Golden Visa eligibility or bank account approval. Dynasty Migration does not give tax advice.
Approval rests with the authority
Only the issuing government or its unit can approve, refuse, or revoke an application.
No outcome can be promised
No adviser can guarantee a decision. Any claim of assured approval is a warning sign.
Rules can change after publication
Thresholds, fees, and criteria are set by the authority and may change — confirm before you commit.
