Is your free zone business in Dubai ready to operate legally onshore under the new 11/2025 resolution? Many free zone entrepreneurs are still unclear about how the recent shift in regulations impacts their operations. The rules have changed. The pathway to Dubai’s mainland is now open, but only to those who understand the process. We at Jitendra Business Consultants are here to help you do that.
A New Direction for Free Zone Companies in Dubai
Dubai has changed the game for business owners operating from free zones. With the introduction of the Dubai 11/2025 resolution, the door to onshore permits for free zone companies is now open. This is not just a rule change. It’s a restructuring of how Dubai free zone onshore access will be granted moving forward.
Previously, companies based in free zones had limited options when looking to offer services or sell directly in the mainland market. The choices were complicated, costly, and often unclear. But now, under the Dubai onshore licensing for FZEs, three direct routes are permitted, each with its own conditions and timelines. These options are not only formalised but also structured in a way that gives more flexibility.
The Dubai 11/2025 resolution makes it easier for companies to legally access the mainland without shutting down their free zone base. That means less disruption, more clarity, and greater opportunity. But with this opportunity comes responsibility. Companies must now take steps to become compliant under the new guidelines.
What’s Changing Under Dubai’s New 2025 Business Rules?
The most important update under the new business rules Dubai 2025 is that free zone company onshore operations Dubai must now follow formal registration routes. You cannot casually operate in the mainland while being based in a free zone. This was a grey area before. Now it is regulated.
The rules include:
- Three clear options for legal onshore presence
- Licensing validity of either 6 months or 1 year
- Fee structure and regulatory oversight
- Conditions for dual licensing and operational limitations
The UAE dual licensing update 2025 is part of this movement. It allows businesses to keep their presence in the free zone but also operate onshore under conditions. These are not just about licences; they’re about proper governance, clarity in accounting, and business structure. So, if your business is serving clients in mainland Dubai, but your legal presence is still in the free zone, this resolution impacts you directly.
Why Compliance Can’t Wait Anymore
Many entrepreneurs are still unaware that operating without a permit under the new Dubai 11/2025 resolution may result in fines or loss of business rights. There’s a grace period of 12 months from March 2025 to regularise such situations. After that, it won’t be as simple. Failure to comply may result in rejection of business licences or penalties. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to get an onshore permit in Dubai well in advance. This is no longer a question of ‘if’, it’s a matter of ‘when’ and ‘how’.
The steps are specific. You must apply to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), choose one of the three operational paths, and ensure your financial reporting for both free zone and onshore operations is kept separate. This is your time to formalise growth. The rules are clear. What you need is the right guidance.
How Do These New Permits Work?
Let’s summarise what the new resolution enables:
- Full onshore branch with mainland office: For those who want a full presence in Dubai.
- Onshore operations with HQ in free zone: No physical office in the mainland required.
- Short-term activity permit: For temporary or trial presence, valid for 6 months.
Each option comes with fees and specific regulatory checks. If you’re still operating under previous assumptions, it’s time to revisit your model. The new Dubai regulations for free zones also include conditions on sector-specific approvals. Not all businesses may be eligible for all types of onshore access. A list of permitted activities will be released by September 2025, which will further clarify this.
How Can Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) Help?
At JBC, we understand what’s at stake. For more than two decades, we’ve helped companies make sense of Dubai’s evolving business laws. With the introduction of the Dubai onshore licensing for FZEs, our work becomes even more focused. If your business has operated in Dubai’s free zone till now but is eyeing onshore expansion, this is your chance to move forward legally and confidently. Don’t let paperwork or confusion delay your plans. Our team at Jitendra Business Consultants will make sure your transition under the Dubai 11/2025 resolution is quick, compliant and cost-effective.
Start with a simple consultation. Let us show you how easy it is to move forward.
