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Dubai Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit Guide 2026

Q: What happens if my free zone license expires while I have an active mainland operating permit?

Your mainland operating permit becomes invalid immediately if your underlying Dubai Unified Licence expires, so you must maintain active free zone status throughout the permit period.

Q: If I’m already paying 9% corporate tax on my free zone business, will I be double-taxed on mainland activities?

No double taxation occurs you’ll pay 9% corporate tax on total UAE income (both free zone and mainland), with proper allocation between jurisdictions for tax filing purposes.

Q: Can I transfer my existing mainland clients to this permit, or does it only apply to new business activities?

You can formalize existing mainland client relationships under this permit, but any previous unofficial mainland operations should be disclosed during the application process for compliance.

Q: What are the penalties if I operate on the mainland without this permit, and can past violations affect my application?

Operating without proper permits can result in fines and license suspension, while past violations may require disclosure and could impact approval depending on severity and remediation efforts.

Updated 20 January 2026

Dubai just made a big change for businesses. In October 2025, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launched the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. This new permit is a game-changer for the emirate. It allows Dubai free zone companies to operate in mainland areas without opening a second business. Before this, free zone firms needed […]

Mona9 December 20257 min read

It allows Dubai free zone companies to operate in mainland areas without opening a second business. Before this, free zone firms needed separate companies for each area one for the free zone and one for the mainland. That cost a lot of money and time.

Now, with this permit, free zone companies can engage in domestic trade and work across Dubai more easily. If you own a business or want to invest in Dubai, this saves money and opens new doors for growth.

RIZ AND MONA CONSULTANCY helps free zone and mainland companies navigate this new operating permit and unlock expanded market opportunities in Dubai.

What Is the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit?

The Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit is a new permit system launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism through Executive Council Decision No. 11 of 2025. It’s managed by the Business Registration and Licensing Corporation and overseen by the Dubai Free Zone Council.

This permit lets eligible free zone companies holding a Dubai unified licence operate on the mainland without creating a separate business.

How It Works?

Instead of setting up a full mainland company with local sponsorship and office space, businesses simply:

• Apply through the Invest in Dubai portal
• Get approval from their free zone authority
• Pay AED 5,000 for six months of mainland access
• Must maintain separate financial records for mainland activities

What You Can Do?

The permit covers non-regulated activities like:

• Technology and consulting services
• Design and trading
• Professional services

With this permit, your business can:

• Engage in domestic trade across Dubai (mainland operations)
• Bid on government tenders
• Integrate with domestic supply chains
• Keep 100% foreign ownership
• Maintain free zone tax benefits (though corporate tax rules from the Federal Tax Authority still apply)

Key Benefits for Dubai Freezone Companies

The new free zone mainland operating permit builds on Dubai’s position as a global business hub, offering low-risk pathways for businesses to expand.

1. Save Money

The permit allowing free zone firms to operate in mainland Dubai eliminates the need for a mainland branch. Skip duplicate fees and local sponsorship costs.

2. Reach More Customers

Allowing free zone companies to expand into local markets means you can:

• Work with customers across the emirate’s mainland
• Unlock access to government tenders previously restricted to mainland entities
• Join supply chains in Dubai’s mainland

3. Use Existing Resources

Your existing free zone staff and office can handle mainland work. The structured permit system lets you keep 100% foreign ownership.

4. Get Started Fast

Apply via the Invest in Dubai platform. Approvals come in 1–2 business days, enabling free zone companies to scale quickly.

5. Smart Tax Planning

The permit covers non-regulated activities. Free zone companies engaging in mainland activities will be subject to 9% corporate tax on mainland income only free zone revenue stays exempt.

6. Test the Market

The mainland operating permit is valid for six months. Test demand, then decide on permanent setup—minimal risk upfront.

This partnership with the Dubai Free Zone Council strengthens Dubai’s world-class business ecosystem and helps companies operate in Dubai’s mainland while keeping free zone advantages.

Eligibility Requirements and Covered Activities

Who Can Apply?

−Details

The permit for free zone companies requires:

A Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) from eligible free zones
An active licence throughout the permit’s validity
Exclusion: DIFC financial services firms cannot apply

Most freezone companies within the free zones across Dubai can access mainland through this new framework.

What Activities Are Covered?

+Details

The permit covers non-regulated activities including:

Technology and IT services
Management and business consultancy
Design and creative services
General trading (non-strategic goods)
Professional services (legal, accounting, etc.)

Mall/Shopping Center Outlet
Leased space within retail complexes benefiting from established foot traffic. Requires approval from both the mall management and Dubai Municipality.

Office Building Cafeteria
B2B-focused model serving corporate clients and office workers. Contracts directly with building management for steady customer base.

What’s Not Included (Yet)?

+Details

The permit offers mainland access for non-regulated sectors only. Regulated activities are currently excluded:

Finance
Healthcare
Education
Logistics

These will need additional approvals when the programme expands.

Free zone companies engaging in mainland activities must operate within these approved categories via the Invest in Dubai platform.

Steps to Apply for the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit

Step 1

Verify Eligibility

Confirm your free zone company holds a valid Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) and that your intended business activity appears on the DET-approved list for non-regulated sectors.

Step 2

Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Request a formal NOC from your free zone authority confirming permission to operate on the mainland. This is a mandatory prerequisite for all applications.

Step 3

Access the Invest in Dubai Platform

Navigate to the official Invest in Dubai (IID) digital platform at app.invest.dubai.ae, which serves as the sole application portal for the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit.

Step 4

Complete Online Application

Submit your application entirely online through the IID platform, selecting the appropriate permit type:

• Mainland Branch Licence for permanent operations under DET supervision
• Free Zone-Based Branch Licence for mainland activities managed from your free zone base
• Temporary Permit for six-month market testing or short-term projects

Step 5

Upload Required Documents

Digitally submit all mandatory documentation through the platform:

• Valid Dubai Unified Licence copy
• Memorandum of Association or company charter
• NOC from free zone authority
• Activity-specific regulatory approvals (if applicable)

Step 6

Pay Application Fees

Process the AED 5,000 permit fee through the platform’s secure payment system. This fee covers six months of mainland operating rights.

Step 7

Await DET Review

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism reviews your application and supporting documents. Non-regulated activities typically receive approval within 1–2 business days.

Step 8

Receive Digital Permit

Upon approval, download your official Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit and accompanying documentation directly from the IID platform.

Step 9

Commence Mainland Operations

Begin conducting approved business activities on Dubai mainland while maintaining compliance with corporate tax obligations (9% on mainland-generated revenue) and separate financial record-keeping requirements.

Step 10

Plan for Renewal

Set calendar reminders for permit renewal every six months at the same AED 5,000 fee to maintain continuous mainland operating rights.

Get a Free Consultation

Need a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit?

Required Documents to Apply for the Operating Permit

To apply for the new free zone mainland operating permit via the Invest in Dubai platform, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

Valid Dubai Unified Licence (DUL)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) or company incorporation documents
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your free zone authority
Professional licences (if applicable for legal, accounting, engineering services)
Regulatory clearances (if applicable for import/export activities)
Sector permits (if applicable for government-regulated activities)
Ejari-registered office lease (optional)
Staff employment contracts (optional)
Bank statements (optional)

Submission: Upload all documents digitally via the Invest in Dubai platform in PDF format with English translations where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing free zone office address for mainland operations, or do I need a separate mainland office?

You can operate from your existing free zone office for most activities, though certain professional services may require an Ejari-registered mainland address for compliance purposes.

What happens if my free zone license expires while I have an active mainland operating permit?

If I’m already paying 9% corporate tax on my free zone business, will I be double-taxed on mainland activities?

Can I transfer my existing mainland clients to this permit, or does it only apply to new business activities?

What are the penalties if I operate on the mainland without this permit, and can past violations affect my application?

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About the author

Mona

Managing Partner · Riz & Mona Consultancy

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For me, business is personal. It’s about creating trust, empowering visionaries, and leaving a legacy of excellence.

Published 9 December 2025 · Updated 20 January 2026