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Most free zone licenses are issued within 3 to 5 working days once documents are submitted. Mainland licenses can take slightly longer depending on the activity and any external approvals required (e.g. from a regulator).
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership, and reforms since 2021 extended this to most mainland activities as well. A small list of "strategic" activities still requires a local service agent or shareholder.
No. You can complete the entire setup remotely for most jurisdictions, though some banks may require an in-person visit for account opening. We handle documentation either way.
A mainland license lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid on government contracts. A free zone license offers 100% ownership and simplified setup, but generally restricts direct trade to within the zone or internationally unless you appoint a local distributor.
Costs vary significantly by jurisdiction, activity, and visa quota — free zone packages typically start in the low thousands of USD per year, while mainland costs depend on office space and activity type. We provide a itemised quote after the free consultation.
Most free zones offer flexi-desk or shared workspace options that satisfy the license requirement. Mainland licenses generally require a tenancy contract (Ejari) for a physical office, though this varies by activity and emirate.