Free tool
Mainland, free zone or offshore? Find your fit
The jurisdiction selector is a four-question check that recommends a UAE mainland, free zone or offshore company based on who pays you, the visas and premises you need, and whether you will bid for government work. It explains the reasons behind the result so you can test them with an adviser.
Your result
Answer the four questions
Your recommended structure and the reasons behind it will appear here.
This is guidance, not legal advice. Confirm your activity, approvals and tax position with an adviser before paying fees.
How it works
How the selector decides
| Your answer | Points towards | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UAE consumers, local businesses or government | Mainland | You will sell to customers on the UAE mainland, which a mainland licence allows directly. |
| Clients overseas or in other free zones | Free zone | Your customers are outside the mainland, which free zone licences are built for. |
| Nobody — the company will only hold shares, property or IP | Free zone, Offshore | A holding-only company does not need to trade, which suits an offshore or free zone structure. |
| Yes, for several employees | Mainland, Free zone | You need several visas; offshore companies cannot sponsor visas. |
| Only for me and my family | Free zone | You need an investor visa, which mainland and free zone companies can sponsor. |
| No | Offshore | You do not need visas, so an offshore company remains an option. |
| A shop, restaurant, clinic or showroom open to the public | Mainland | Premises serving walk-in customers are licensed on the mainland. |
| An office or desk | Mainland, Free zone | An office or flexi-desk is available both on the mainland and in free zones. |
| A warehouse, factory or land | Mainland, Free zone | Port and industrial free zones offer warehouses and land; mainland industrial areas also do. |
| No premises | Free zone, Offshore | You do not need premises; offshore companies and free zone flexi options suit this. |
| Yes | Mainland | Government and semi-government contracts generally require a mainland entity. |
| No | Free zone | You do not need government contracts, so a free zone is not ruled out. |
Frequently asked
About the selector
How does the jurisdiction selector decide?
Each answer adds points to mainland, free zone or offshore based on UAE licensing rules: selling to mainland customers, public premises and government work favour mainland; international clients favour free zones; holding-only companies without visas can use offshore.
Is the selector’s result final?
No. It is a starting point. Your exact activity, approvals, banking and tax position can change the answer, so confirm it with an adviser before you pay any fees.
Can I have both a mainland and a free zone company?
Yes. Some groups use a free zone company for international trade and a mainland company or branch for UAE sales.
Check your result with an adviser
We confirm the structure for your exact activity and send real quotes.