How do I convert my free zone company to a mainland company in the UAE?

Moving from a free zone to the UAE mainland is usually done by establishing a mainland presence and transitioning operations, rather than a single automatic switch. Common approaches include: registering a new mainland company or a branch of your free zone entity with the relevant emirate's economic department (such as Dubai's DET), or winding down the free zone licence after the mainland entity is operational. You will need to choose your mainland legal form and activities, secure approvals, lease qualifying premises, and re-process visas and bank arrangements under the onshore regime, where labour relationships fall under MOHRE rather than your free zone authority. Existing contracts, assets and employee transfers should be planned so there is no gap in licensing or visa status. Because procedures, required approvals and any name or activity continuity rules differ by emirate, confirm the current steps with the economic department before starting. For a structured transition plan, compare verified UAE corporate and legal professionals on LEXAI.