There are 3 types of jurisdiction in UAE: Free zone, Offshore and Mainland. For any investor to operate their business in the local market require either Free Zone or Mainland company. Both jurisdictions have their own pros and cons depending on the business activity. Whilst Mainland Company registered with DED is permitted to carry on business anywhere in the world including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Free Zone business entity operation is restricted in respective Free Zone. But looks like things are changing slowly.

Earlier, as per law, a Dubai free zone registered company had only one option to expand its business in mainland i.e. either by restructuring through incorporating a branch or subsidiary company or through mediators.

Now, there is a new development under the law. An initiative has been taken by Department of Economic Development (DED) according to which, all Free Zone companies that are operating inside Dubai can now apply for a permit to DED for doing the business transaction in mainland without opening a branch. This permit is issued only to companies registered in Dubai Free Zones. However, it must be noted that the permit is available to selected activities only. 

Permissible activities

• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Accounting and Office Machinery Rental
• Aircraft Cleaning Services
• Aircraft Upholstery Services
• Boat Upholstery Services
• Business Events Management
• Cargo Loading and Unloading Services
• Cost Control and Risk Management Services
• Cyber Security Consultancy
• Data Entry Services
• Documents Destroying Storage
• Electronic Chips Programming
• Exhibition Organization Management
• Facilities Management Services
• Facilities Resource Management Consultancy
• Feasibilities Study Consultancy
• Festival Organization Management
• Financial Instruments Quotation Services
• Fine Arts Consultancies
• Health Consultancies
• Health Food Consultant
• Health Planning Consultancies
• Information Technology Consultants
• Internet Consultancy
• Logistics Consultancy
• Management Consultancies
• Marketing Research and Consultancies
• Media Studies and Consultancies
• Network Consultancies
• Noise Control, Vibration, and Acoustics Consultancy
• Occupational Safety Training
• Parliamentary Consultancy
• Pharmaceutical Consultancies
• Product Design Services
• Project Management Services
• Public Networking Services
• Quality and Standardization Consultants
• Radiology Centers Consultancy
• Science and Technology Consultancy
• Sourcing and Procurement Consultant
• Spa and Fitness Clubs Consultant
• Technical Installation Consultancies

Documents

Documents required for this permit are:

1. A license copy and
2. A NOC from the owner of the property/building

This The new law development can be much beneficial to the companies established in Free Zone and looking to expand their business in mainland with less expense compared to establishing a new company. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and get your permit issued and commence your business in UAE without restrictions.