The answer
in one screen.
- 01
Resolution No. 11 of 2025 applies to free-zone establishments wishing to conduct activities outside free zones within Dubai, excluding DIFC financial establishments.
- 02
The resolution provides two branch-licence routes and one temporary-permit route.
- 03
Branch licences under the resolution are valid for one year and renewable.
- 04
Temporary permits can run for up to six months.
- 05
The resolution states AED 10,000 per year for the branch-operating-out-of-free-zone licence and AED 5,000 for the temporary permit.
What changed in Dubai
Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 created a clear regulatory framework for free-zone establishments that want to conduct activities outside free zones and within Dubai. It does not abolish the underlying free-zone licence and it does not turn every free-zone company into a mainland company.
The free-zone establishment must still satisfy the relevant conditions, keep its free-zone licence valid and obtain other government approvals where the activity requires them.
The three routes in Article 4
The resolution says DET may authorise the activity through: a licence to establish a branch within the emirate; a licence to establish a branch operating out of the free zone; or a permit to conduct specific activities within the emirate.
The two branch licences referenced in Article 4 are valid for one year and renewable for the same period.
- Branch physically established within Dubai
- Branch operating out of the free-zone location
- Temporary permit for specific eligible activities
Temporary permit: up to six months
Article 7 states that DET may issue a temporary permit, valid for a period not exceeding six months, for specified activities outside the free zone and within Dubai, subject to the resolution's conditions.
Those conditions include a valid free-zone licence, approval from the licensing authority, additional government approval where required and the activity being within the applicable activity list.
Fees stated in the resolution
Article 12 states AED 10,000 per year for issuing or renewing a licence to establish a branch operating out of the free zone, and AED 5,000 for issuing or renewing a temporary permit for specified activities.
Do not treat these two figures as the total project cost. Other authority, premises, approval, professional or operational costs can still apply depending on the route.
Accounting and compliance are part of the route
The resolution requires an establishment operating outside the free zone under the framework to maintain separate financial records for the activities conducted outside the free zone and within Dubai.
The setup should therefore be reviewed together with accounting and Corporate Tax implications rather than as a licensing-only shortcut.
Quick answers
before you act.
Can every Dubai free-zone company automatically trade anywhere in Dubai?+
No. Resolution No. 11 of 2025 creates licence and permit routes subject to conditions, activity eligibility and approvals.
How long is a temporary permit valid?+
The resolution states a temporary permit may be valid for a period not exceeding six months.
How long is a branch licence valid?+
The branch licences described in Article 4 are valid for one year and renewable for the same period.
What fee does the resolution state for a temporary permit?+
Article 12 states AED 5,000 for issuing or renewing the temporary permit. This is not necessarily the entire setup cost.
Does this replace the free-zone licence?+
No. The resolution requires the establishment’s free-zone licence to remain valid and the route is an additional Dubai authorisation.
Verify the rule
at the source.
This guide is written from current official material available on 29 September 2026. Requirements can change after publication, so use the linked authority source before a filing or deadline decision.