Setting up a business in the UAE involves choosing between 42+ free zones and 7 mainland jurisdictions. This tool compares all options based on your business activity, team size, revenue, and budget — and shows the annual compliance costs that most comparison tools ignore including audit, accounting, corporate tax, VAT, AML compliance, and payroll.
A free zone at AED 5,000/year might cost AED 36,000+ annually with audit, accounting, VAT and CT. Fastlane's AED 499/month plan covers accounting, VAT and CT filing.
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and potential QFZP tax benefits but restrict trading. Mainland companies trade freely across the UAE and bid on government contracts but need physical office space (Ejari).
AML is mandatory only for DNFBPs (auditors, accountants, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals/stones, corporate service providers, lawyers, virtual asset service providers) and mainland companies.
Fastlane Management Consultancy is a Dubai-based FTA Registered Tax Agent (TRN: 104218042400003) and MoE Registered Auditor, also serving as a Meydan Free Zone Approved Auditor and IFZA registered partner. We offer liquidation, audit, accounting, tax, AML, payroll, and company incorporation across all UAE jurisdictions.