Key takeaways
- Trakhees is PCFC's regulator and licenses businesses in its special development areas; it isn't DET or a free zone authority.
- Trakhees areas include International City, Palm Jumeirah, JVC, Dubai Maritime City, Al Jaddaf, Dragon Mart and Palm Deira.
- Your licensing authority follows your premises' location, not only your activity.
- Trakhees also handles establishment cards, employment visa transactions, NOCs and health cards in its areas.
- Free zone companies need DET authorisation to trade on the Dubai mainland.
Side by side
| Trakhees | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing body | Trakhees, part of PCFC | The free zone's own authority |
| Where | PCFC special development areas | Inside the zone's boundaries |
| Example areas | International City, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Maritime City | DMCC, JAFZA, Meydan and 40+ others |
| How you apply | PCFC website, app or service centre | The zone's portal |
| Related services | Establishment cards, employment visa transactions, NOCs, health cards | Zone handles its own immigration services |
| Mainland trading | Depends on area and activity; confirm scope with Trakhees | Needs DET branch license or permit |
How to tell which authority covers your unit
The address alone isn't always enough, because communities can sit next to areas covered by other authorities. Before you sign a lease:
- Ask the landlord or master developer which authority licenses businesses in the building.
- Check whether the area is among PCFC's special development areas.
- Look at the licenses of existing tenants in the same building.
- Send us the unit details and we'll confirm.
Documents for each
For Trakhees, expect passport copies for owners and the manager, Emirates ID and visa copies if you live in the UAE, the tenancy or unit details, your activity and trade name choices, and attested company documents for corporate shareholders. Free zones set their own lists, starting with passports and the activity. See documents required for company formation.
Which suits your business
- Your shop, warehouse or office is in a Trakhees area: you'll license with Trakhees, whichever activity you run.
- You want a flexi-desk package and international clients: a free zone usually fits.
- Most customers are on the Dubai mainland: compare a DET mainland license too; see benefits of a Dubai mainland company.
Common mistakes
- Signing a lease for a unit that falls under a different authority.
- Assuming a Trakhees license works like a free zone or DET license without checking its scope.
- Choosing an activity that doesn't suit the unit or area.
- Corporate shareholder documents not attested for UAE use.
We confirm the authority for your unit, prepare the application and submit it. See Trakhees company formation and free zone company formation.
Sources
- Dubai Media Office: Trakhees transactions in H1 2026
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025
- UAE Embassy in Washington, DC: UAE free zones
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.