Mainland, free zone, offshore, branch or holding — what each one lets you do, what it costs you in obligations, and who it actually suits.
A branch extends your existing company into the UAE under the same name and legal identity — it isn't a new company. It can…
Holding CompanyA holding company owns and protects assets — shares in other companies, real estate, or intellectual property — rather than trading itself. It can…
MainlandA mainland (DED) licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE — including with government — hire as your premises allow, and own 100%…
OffshoreAn offshore company is built to hold assets and trade internationally — not to trade inside the UAE. It gives you 100% ownership with…