Mainland Companies
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of a specific emirate and can trade freely within the UAE and internationally. They can bid on government contracts, have no restrictions on office location, and recent reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, eliminating the need for a local sponsor.2
Free Zone Companies
Free zone companies operate within designated economic zones managed by independent authorities, each tailored to specific industries. They offer 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemptions, full repatriation of profits, and world-class infrastructure—but they cannot directly trade with the UAE mainland without appointing a local distributor or setting up a subsidiary.
Offshore Companies
Offshore companies are incorporated in jurisdictions such as JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC, providing full foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and high confidentiality. They cannot conduct business inside the UAE market and are ideal for holding assets, protecting wealth, or international trade structures without requiring physical office space.
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