Dubai Mainland, Dubai Free Zones and Dubai offshore: Which jurisdiction to choose?

Dubai has grown as a business center in the past few years. Business personals and economists are eager to set up companies in Dubai. But before you step into the competition, you must know which jurisdiction will suit your company best. Your business activities and target market will decide whether you need to set up a company in Dubai in Dubai Mainland, Dubai free zone or as an offshore company.

Hence, to make you understand the differences, we have come up with a short guide in this blog.

1. Dubai Mainland company setup

A mainland company in Dubai is also known as an onshore company. Its license is provided by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of Dubai and allows the companies to do business in the local market as well as outside the United Arab Emirates without any restrictions. The advantages of company formation in Dubai Mainland[s1]  are lucrative government contracts, international presence, wider business scope, various amenities, unlimited visas and many more.

2. Dubai Free zone company setup

Dubai like the rest of the UAE has free zones for business setup. Dubai free zone authority allows the companies to do business inside the Dubai free zone. Entrepreneurs looking for tax exemptions should opt for Dubai free zones.  Dubai Free zones have several advantages for investors and businessmen alike such as tax exemptions, 100% ownership regardless of nationality and domicile, exclusion from all import and export duties and many more.

3. Dubai offshore company setup

A company that has its parent corporation in another country but has an office established in another jurisdiction is called as an offshore company. It cannot be called a branch office as no physical office is required nor they are physically present in Dubai.

One of the things that you must know is that in no way you can convert Dubai free zone offshore company into an onshore company. This is because of the different status of all the three companies and varied laws and regulations.

If you want to set up your company in any of the jurisdictions like Dubai Mainland or Dubai free zones or Dubai offshore, contact EBMS. They are the best business set up consultancy service providers with years of experience. We will guide you through the whole process and help you grow internationally.