Ideal for: Businesses targeting local UAE markets and government contracts.

Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate. This setup allows businesses to operate across the entire UAE without restrictions on geography or business type.

Advantages:

• Freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
• Access to government tenders and contracts
• Option to lease office space anywhere in the city
• Easy expansion into physical branches and multiple activities

Considerations:

• Requires office space lease
• Subject to UAE labor law
• Corporate tax may apply depending on revenue and activity

Best for: Retail, restaurants, real estate, contracting, logistics.

Ideal for: Entrepreneurs looking for full foreign ownership and a quick, cost-effective setup.

Free Zones are designated economic areas with their own regulations and authorities. There are over 40 Free Zones across the UAE, including JAFZA, DMCC, SHAMS, and RAKEZ.

Advantages:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Tax exemptions (0% import/export tax, corporate tax in most cases)
• No customs duties on re-exported goods
• Quick setup with flexible office options (including flexi-desks)

Considerations:

• Cannot directly trade in the UAE local market without a local distributor
• Limited to Free Zone jurisdiction unless special permissions are obtained

Best for: E-commerce, media, tech startups, consulting, trading companies.

Ideal for: Asset protection, holding companies, and international operations with no physical UAE presence.

Offshore companies are often registered in jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, or Ajman Offshore. They are not meant for physical operations but are powerful vehicles for structuring wealth and protecting assets.

Advantages:

• 100% foreign ownership
• No minimum capital requirement
• No requirement for physical office space
• Full confidentiality and privacy
• No corporate tax (subject to OECD standards)

Considerations:

• Cannot conduct business within the UAE
• Mostly used for holding assets, IP rights, and international banking

Best for: International investors, consultants, holding companies, and wealth management structures.

Each structure offers unique benefits depending on your business goals, market strategy, and operational model. At Conqueror Aspiration LLC, our team of business advisors, legal consultants, and PRO experts will guide you from selection to registration — ensuring compliance, speed, and strategic alignment.