Compare · Dubai · Mainland vs Free zone · 2026
DET (mainland) vs IFZA (free zone): Which Is Better for Your Business (2026)?
DET (mainland) Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism · 548 combinations 
IFZA (free zone) Dubai Silicon Oasis · 550 combinations - Same city, two regimes: DET is the Dubai mainland authority, IFZA is a Dubai free zone — the license differs more than the address does.
- IFZA's median package is ~18% cheaper: from AED 12,900* vs from AED 15,665* at DET in the snapshot.
- Regime: DET trades anywhere in the UAE with Ejari-based visa quotas; IFZA trades in-zone and internationally with a flexi-desk included.
- Bottom line: walk-in UAE customers and government contracts → DET; remote services, cost control and a flexi-desk → IFZA.
Side by side
DET (mainland) vs IFZA (free zone): parameters
| Parameter | DET (mainland) | IFZA (free zone) |
|---|---|---|
| Median license price | from AED 15,665* | from AED 12,900* |
| Price range in snapshot | AED 15,665 – 46,530* | AED 2,000 – 30,560* |
| Typical setup time | from 4 days | from 6 days |
| Activity combinations statistical tie | 548 | 550 |
| Trading territory | anywhere in the UAE | in-zone + international |
| Office requirement | premises lease (Ejari) for visas | flexi-desk included |
| Foreign ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% |
| Corporate tax | 9% (0% to AED 375k) | 9% (0% to AED 375k) |
| Banking recognition | mainland license, all banks | Dubai free-zone license, all banks |
| Government contracts | eligible | not eligible |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Typical licenses
What a license costs for typical activities
| Parameter | DET (mainland) | IFZA (free zone) |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting / services license | from AED 15,665* | from AED 12,900* |
| Trading license | from AED 15,665* | activity-dependent |
* Market reference as of September 2026, exact quote on request. Market data, Sep 2026.
Decision
Who suits which option
Choose DET if
- You sell directly to UAE walk-in customers or bid for government work
- You need premises in a specific Dubai location anyway
- Visa quotas should scale with your office size
Choose IFZA if
- You work remotely or internationally — the flexi-desk covers you
- Cost control matters: median is ~18% below DET in the snapshot
- You want standardized packages with fast, documented onboarding
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Both are Dubai licenses — what is the practical difference?
The regime. DET licenses the company on the mainland (trade anywhere, premises-based visas); IFZA licenses it in the Dubai Silicon Oasis free zone (in-zone and international trade, flexi-desk, zone-issued visas).
Why is IFZA cheaper in the snapshot?
Free zones bundle flexi-desk instead of mandatory premises and compete on price. The median IFZA package (AED 12,900*) runs ~18% below DET's (AED 15,665*).
Which one is faster to set up?
DET showed issuance from 4 days, IFZA from 6 days — both are fast; complex activities stretch timelines in either regime.
Can I switch from IFZA to DET later?
Yes — mainland conversion or a DET branch of the free-zone company are standard routes. Budget fresh government fees and re-issued visas.
Still choosing between DET (mainland) and IFZA (free zone)?
A 15-minute call with your business model on the table settles it — jurisdiction, license and visa plan.