Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has introduced a new Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, enabling companies established in free zones to operate on the Dubai mainland under a structured permit system.
According to DET, this initiative will simplify cross-jurisdictional operations, offering cost-effective and low-risk opportunities for businesses to engage in domestic trade, secure government contracts, and expand their local presence. The permit is expected to benefit both small enterprises and multinational companies, enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a global business hub.
In its first phase, the permit covers non-regulated sectors, including technology, consultancy, professional services, design, and trading. It will later extend to regulated industries.
The permit is valid for six months, priced at Dh5,000, and can be renewed for the same amount. Companies using this permit must pay 9% corporate tax on mainland revenues and maintain separate financial accounts in line with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements.
DET also confirmed that existing employees of free zone companies can be utilized for mainland operations, removing the need for new recruitment.
DET anticipates that the initiative will increase cross-jurisdictional business activity by 15–20% within the first year, directly benefitting over 10,000 active free zone companies. This will enable firms to expand into local markets, integrate with domestic supply chains, and participate in government tenders and contracts worth billions of dirhams annually — opportunities previously limited to mainland-licensed businesses.
“We are enhancing the ease of doing business while creating new opportunities for growth, from domestic trade to participation in government projects,” said Ahmad Khalifa AlQaizi AlFalasi, CEO of the Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC).
He added that the initiative underscores Dubai’s leadership in regulatory innovation, strengthening its reputation as a progressive, investor-friendly economy that promotes entrepreneurship, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Free zone companies holding a Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) can apply for the permit online through the Invest in Dubai (IID) platform. The process is fully digital to ensure convenience for SMEs, startups, and business incorporation agents.