Overview of Dubai Company Registration and Main Free Zones

Dubai Mainland companies are regulated by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). Their main advantages include:
- Ability to freely conduct business throughout the UAE and in international markets;
- Capability to sign contracts with government departments and participate in tenders;
- More open to foreign investors, with 100% foreign ownership allowed in most industries (only a few industries require 51% local shareholder ownership);
- Office requirement is a physical office space (rentable or purchasable), offering high flexibility;
- License fees are approximately AED 15,000 + 5% rent (EJARI), requiring a lease contract signed in the company's name.

Freezone companies are independent from the Mainland system in terms of registration, regulation, and operation:
- Can only operate within the freezone or in international markets, typically not allowed to trade directly with Mainland companies in the UAE;
- Enjoy higher tax incentives and foreign exchange freedom;
- Allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a UAE local partner;
- Each freezone has its own independent regulatory authority and registration fee system.

Regulatory Authority: Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)

Suitable Industries: Technology, IT, engineering services, light manufacturing, real estate management, general services.

Registration Fees: Starting from approximately AED 22,000 (including Flexi Desk).

Office Situation:
- In addition to official offices within the free zone, there are some privately owned offices that can be used for license registration.
- It also allows companies with Ministry of Economy licenses to operate.

Suitable Clients: Small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, cost-sensitive companies.

Regulatory Authority: JAFZA Authority (under DP World)

Suitable Industries: Trade, manufacturing, logistics, automotive, shipping, engineering, warehousing, etc.

Location: Jebel Ali Port, the largest industrial and import-export free zone in the Middle East.

Registration Fee: Starting from approximately AED 55,000 (including workstation).

Office Situation: Mostly owned by the authority or long-term lease structures, with few buying opportunities; companies must rent factories or offices through official channels or from already established enterprises.

Regulatory Authority: Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees (Dubai Planning and Development Authority)

Affiliated Group: Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC)

Suitable Industries: Trade, commercial services, engineering, logistics, maintenance, real estate management, etc.

Registration Fees: Starting from approximately AED 18,000 + office rental.

Office Requirements: Must use office buildings or park spaces approved within the regulatory scope of Trakhees.

1. Determine company type and registration area (Mainland or specific Freezone);
2. Choose a company name and submit for pre-approval;
3. Prepare documents and business plan (passport copies, shareholder information, etc.);
4. Sign MOA (Memorandum of Association) and submit to regulatory authorities;
5. Complete lease contract and EJARI registration;
6. Pay registration and license fees;
7. Receive business license and visa quota approval.

The entire cycle varies from about 7 to 30 working days depending on the area.