Mainland or free zone
Neither route is better in the abstract; the right answer follows from your target market and activities. Selling to the UAE market or contracting with government points to the mainland. International business, funds and holding structures point to a zone.
Selection depends on target market, activities, regulatory requirements and tax considerations. Confirm your case with ADIO or your adviser before filing.
ADRA on the mainland, the independent authority of your zone in a free zone.
One table, nine rows
The nine factors your advisers will check, compared across both routes.
Two court systems, one choice
Mainland companies sit under UAE civil law in Arabic-language courts; ADGM companies under an independent English common law system, in English.
Not sure which fits? This is the exact question ADIO advisors resolve in the first conversation.
Talk to ADIOFind your free zone, live on the map.
Answer three quick questions. We score every Abu Dhabi free zone live on the map and reveal the one that fits you best.
Three ways a licence is issued
The default route: activity approval, trade name, documents, then issuance.
For eligible activities through TAMM, with documents completed in the first year.
Lets an eligible free zone company also operate onshore, one company, both markets, where permitted.
Bring your activities and target market; leave with a structure, a zone shortlist and the document list.