Jurisdictions
UAE company formation, by jurisdiction.
Free zone, mainland, or holding — and which specific authority. The choice drives your cost, your visa options, and who you can sell to. Here’s the honest rundown of each.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Free zoneThe cost-effective free zone for international and industrial business.
From AED 11,000 year-1 authority fee
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International Free Zone Authority
Free zoneDubai-issued, broad activity list, no mandatory office.
From AED 12,900 year-1 authority fee
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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Free zonePremium Dubai free zone — strong for trading, commodities, and crypto.
From AED 25,000 year-1 authority fee
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Dubai International Financial Centre
Free zone · Holding / SPVCommon-law jurisdiction for SPVs, Foundations, and wealth structuring.
From AED 40,000 year-1 authority fee
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Abu Dhabi Global Market
Free zone · Holding / SPVAbu Dhabi's common-law jurisdiction — lean SPVs and strong Foundations.
From AED 38,000 year-1 authority fee
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RAK International Corporate Centre
Holding / SPVThe cheapest pure holding / offshore structure in the UAE.
From AED 9,000 year-1 authority fee
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Dubai Mainland (DET)
Mainland (DED)For trading inside the UAE — DET-licensed, full local-market access.
From AED 22,000 year-1 authority fee
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Abu Dhabi Mainland
Mainland (DED)For trading inside the UAE — ADDED-licensed, strong for government work.
From AED 20,000 year-1 authority fee
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Not sure which fits?
Run the 5-min diagnostic — we recommend the jurisdiction that actually fits your situation, with the realistic cost, in one business day. Or model the numbers yourself in the calculator.