| Freezone | Onshore | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% | NA | 100% |
| UAE national/Local sponsor requirement | UAE National is not required | Required | UAE National is not required |
| Operation Zone | Free zone and internationally | UAE and internationally | Internationally |
| Yearly Audit | Mandatory for most of freezones | Not mandatory | Not mandatory |
| Tax | Exempt from corporate tax, personal income tax, import & export taxes and duties if no local business | NA | Exempt from corporate tax, personal income tax, import & export taxes and duties if no local business |
| Office Space | Required | Required | Not required |
| UAE Residence Visa Application | Possible | Possible | Not possible |
Freezone Company
- 100% ownership
- UAE national/Local sponsor not required
- Can operate within free zone and internationally
- Yearly audit is mandatory (depending on type and location of company)
- Free from corporate tax, personal income tax, import & export taxes and duties
- Office space required
- Possible to apply for UAE residence visa
Onshore Company
- UAE national/Local sponsor is required
- Can operate within UAE and internationally
- Yearly audit is not mandatory
- Corporate tax may apply
- Office space required
- Possible to apply for UAE residence visa
Offshore Company
- 100% ownership
- UAE national/Local sponsor not required
- Can operate internationally
- Yearly audit is not mandatory
- Office space not required
- Not possible to apply for UAE residence visa