Freezone vs Mainland vs Offshore — costs, pros, and which is right for you
| Feature | Freezone | Mainland | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100% allowed | 100% (since 2021 for most activities) | 100% allowed |
| Trade Within UAE | Via distributor/agent | Yes — direct | No (international only) |
| Physical Office | Flexi-desk or dedicated | Required (DED licensed) | Not required |
| Residency Visa | Yes — included or add-on | Yes | Not typically |
| VAT Registration | If revenue > AED 375K | If revenue > AED 375K | Not applicable |
| Typical Cost/Year | AED 5,750–25,000+ | AED 10,000–50,000+ | AED 8,000–15,000 |
| Best For | Digital business, solo founders | Retail, local services, restaurants | Holding company, international trade |
From
AED 5,750/yr
Ownership
100% foreign
Visa allocation
Up to 6 visas
Activities
E-commerce, media, publishing, consulting
Most affordable for solo founders; great for e-commerce and digital businesses.
Visit Shams (Sharjah) →From
AED 12,500/yr
Ownership
100% foreign
Visa allocation
1–6 visas (flexible)
Activities
Multi-activity, general trading, tech
Includes residency visa; great flexibility with multi-activity license.
Visit IFZA (Dubai) →From
AED 8,500/yr
Ownership
100% foreign
Visa allocation
Up to 3 visas (starter)
Activities
Manufacturing, logistics, services, trading
Best for manufacturing and light industrial. Cost-effective residency.
Visit RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) →From
AED 18,000/yr
Ownership
100% foreign
Visa allocation
Up to 3 visas
Activities
Commodities, precious metals, general trading
World's leading commodities hub. Prestigious address in JLT.
Visit DMCC (Dubai) →From
AED 25,000/yr
Ownership
100% foreign
Visa allocation
Varies by activity
Activities
Financial services, fintech, fund management
Regulated by DFSA. Best for financial services, VC, and hedge funds.
Visit DIFC (Dubai) →Select your business activity to see the recommended setup and estimated cost: