Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone
Dubai has been a financial hub for all multi-national companies and industries, and a large part of the credit is owed to the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone. DWTC has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2015. It is a key factor in increasing Dubai’s economy by offering specialized benefits that attract SMEs, MNCs, and local startups.
Here’s what makes the DWTC Free Zone special:
- Global Hub for Events: Hosts world-class exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences.
- Prestigious Business Address: A landmark location in Dubai’s commercial heart.
- Seamless Connectivity: Direct access to metro, highways, and top hotels.
DWTC authority has set up a seamless process for company formation. The free zone embraces growing businesses and international setups alike and has business growth plans and policies for both.
If you’re exploring different options where you can start your business in the Emirate of Dubai, this guide walks you through everything you should know about the DWTC Before you choose the perfect place for yourself.
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Types of Business Licenses in DWTC
- Commercial License
- Professional License
- Event Management License
- General Trading License
- Dual Licensing Option
Features: Allows trading, importing, exporting, and warehousing. Businesses can distribute products within the free zone. Ideal for companies handling physical goods.
Business Examples: Electronics trading, textile distribution, and food import-export.
Features: For service-based businesses. Allows consultancy, technical services, and skilled professions. Can operate within the free zone and internationally.
Business Examples: IT services, legal firms, financial advisors, and engineering consultants.
Features: For organizing displays, conferences, and trade shows. Covers large-scale and corporate events. Supports event planning and management companies.
Business Examples: Exhibition organizers, corporate event planners, and concert management firms.
Features: Allows businesses to trade multiple products. No restrictions on product categories. Suitable for large-scale trading operations.
Business Examples: Import-export businesses, wholesalers, and multi-category retailers.
Features: Lets businesses operate in both the free zone and UAE mainland. Provides flexibility in serving different markets. Expands business reach.
Business Examples: Corporate service providers, distribution firms, and logistics companies.
Top Selling DWTC
Promotions
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 11,900.00
Save up to AED 1,785.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 17,900.00
Save up to AED 2,685.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 21,900.00
Save up to AED 3,285.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 25,400.00
Save up to AED 3,810.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 23,900.00
Save up to AED 3,585.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 27,400.00
Save up to AED 4,110.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 25,900.00
Save up to AED 3,885.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 29,400.00
Save up to AED 4,410.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 27,900.00
Save up to AED 4,185.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 31,400.00
Save up to AED 4,710.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 29,900.00
Save up to AED 4,485.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 33,400.00
Save up to AED 5,010.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 21,900.00
Save up to AED 3,285.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 27,900.00
Save up to AED 4,185.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 31,900.00
Save up to AED 4,785.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 35,400.00
Save up to AED 5,310.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 33,900.00
Save up to AED 5,085.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 37,400.00
Save up to AED 5,610.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 35,900.00
Save up to AED 5,385.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 39,400.00
Save up to AED 5,910.00
Executive Contains
Business Incorporation Starter Pack
- 1 Free Visa Processing for Employee from A to Z
- OR
- 1 Free Visa Processing for Dependents from A to Z
- Health Insurance Assistance
- VAT Registration – One Time Only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP assistance for visa application and Company incorporation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 37,900.00
Save up to AED 5,685.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 41,400.00
Save up to AED 6,210.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 39,900.00
Save up to AED 5,985.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 43,400.00
Save up to AED 6,510.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Process and Timeline
- 1Should be 18 years old and above
- 2Should not have any criminal records
- 3The business should be legally permissible
- 4Should be an individual, corporate or mixed of both
Company Registration
For Individual Shareholder/s
1. Scanned passport copy
2. Emirates ID copy (back & front), if applicable
3. Scanned visa copy/UAE Entry Stamp/Tourist or Visit Visa Copy
4. Number of Shareholders with sharing (%) of Manager of the company
If Manager is not a Shareholder:
1. Full Name as per the passport
2. Valid Phone Number
3. UAE Home Address
4. Scanned passport copy
5. Passport size with white background
6. Scanned copy of the visa page
7. Emirates ID copy (back & front)
For Corporate Shareholder/s
1. Board resolution
2. Trade License, MOA, Incumbency, Share Certificate of the shareholding company
3. Passport copy/ies of the UBO/s
4. Passport copy/ies of the Manager/s
5. Visa of the Manager/s if UAE resident
6. UAE Home address of the Authorized Signatory
7. Passport size photo of the Authorized signatory
8. Number of Shareholders with sharing (%) of Manager of the company
Residence Visa Application
Company Documents
1. Trade License copy
2. Establishment Card copy
Applicant
1. Scanned passport copy, should be current and valid for at least 6 months – coloured, uncut with full border
2. Passport size photo with white background
3. Tourist or visit visa/Residence Cancellation report copy (if applicable)
4. Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
5. Duly filled visa application form
License Package Fees
Standard License – Zero Visa Package
Starts from
AED 11,900
Standard License – With Visa Package
Starts from
AED 17,900
Immigration Fees
Establishment Card – New
AED 2,000
Establishment Card – Renewal
AED 2,200
Visa Application Fees
Residence Visa – 3 years
AED 3,750
Additional AED 1,000 on the visa fee if applying for an Investor/Partner Visa and an AED 48,000 share capital is required.
Change Status
AED 1,600
Applicable if within the UAE application only.
Medical Test
Normal (48 hours) – AED 450
VIP (within 24 hrs) – AED 750
Emirates ID – 3 years
AED 375
Company Registration
Trade Name Approval
1 business day
Shareholder’s Security Approval
5-7 business days
Trade License Issuance
3-4 business days
Establishment Card Application
1 business day
Establishment Card Issuance
5-7 business daysResidence Visa Application
Electronic Visa Application
5-7 business daysClient Arrival (if outside the UAE) | Change Status (if within the UAE)
Depends on the client | 2-3 business daysMedical Test
1 business dayMedical Test Result Release
Normal - 2 business days | VIP - within the dayEmirates ID Typing
1 business day
Obtaining Health Insurance
Depends on the client | Mandatory if applying in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Visa Approval
5-7 business days
Emirates ID Biometrics & Photo Capturing
Approx. 15-20 business days from the date of Emirates ID typing
Emirates ID Issuance
5 business daysSteps to Start a Business in Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone
The first step is to select your business structure based on your company goals, budget, and size. It can be a tricky choice but the key is to focus on what is perfect for the future of your business. Here are your options:
- Free Zone Establishment
- Free Zone Company
- Branch Office
DWTC offers a diverse range of approved business activities to choose from. You can explore the options. The set of business activities you choose will dictate the type of license you need for your business.
There’s a wide range of options you can choose from including flexi desks, coworking offices, serviced hubs, executive offices, etc. The final choice should depend on your business goals and budget.
Gather the required documents and make sure that they are all updated and correct. Submit them to the authority after double-checking. A mistake in this step can cause delays and fines.
After filling in the online application and submitting the required documents, you will get an initial approval if the application gets accepted. With initial approval in hand, you can start working on your final documents.
The last step in the process is to finalize your lease agreement. It can require some documentation and professional assistance. Ensure that you’re aware of property laws and prices of the emirate to get a good deal.
You are now free to start your business operations legally in the free zone. Spend some budget on marketing and competitor research. That’ll help you devise a proper strategy to grow in the competitive market of DWTC.
Benefits of Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
100% foreign ownership
Zero income tax
No currency restrictions
Prime Dubai location
Fast business setup
Flexible office spaces
Full repatriation rights
Strategic trade access
No import/export duties
World-class facilities
Visa packages
Elite corporate network
Top Business Activities in DWTC
Event Management
This includes organizing trade shows, corporate events, conferences, and large-scale exhibitions. DWTC is famous for being a hub for such activities. It’s perfect for marketing and networking.
Professional Consultancy
If you’re a professional in any field or have expertise in consultancy, your services in the free zone will be highly valued and needed. There’s much room for this sector to grow offering you the perfect time to join.
Tax & Accounting
Qualified professionals manage tax and accounting tasks. Compliance and financial accuracy remain a priority. Businesses can concentrate on expansion while experts handle finances.
Types of Business Setups in DWTC Free Zone
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
This structure is for people and companies looking for sole proprietorship. With a single shareholder, the ownership and control remain in one hand. It’s perfect if you do not have any partners. The final choice should rely on your business goals and expansion plans.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
This structure is perfect if you are starting a company with multiple partners. It allows up to 10 shareholders. They can distribute the shares among themselves however they see fit. The shareholders can choose to manage the company themselves or hire a manager.
Branch Office
UAE Branch: This allows the limited liability companies in the country to have a branch representation in the free zone.
International Branch: This allows foreign companies to have a branch representation in the DWTC free zone in Dubai.
Support Services for Free Zone Business Setup
However, business formation can be confusing or may cost you extra if you're not aware of the region's laws and norms. To avoid any complications and delays, consider hiring a professional consultancy service to help you navigate the process. It'll save you a lot of effort and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone different from other free zones in the UAE?
Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone provides a unique and highly desirable proposition for businesses. Its strategic location, seamless connectivity, and access to world-class display facilities make it stand out.
How much does a business license cost in DWTC?
The license cost varies depending on the type of activity and office space required. Additional fees may apply for visa packages, office lease, and government approvals.
Can I operate both inside the zone and elsewhere in the UAE?
Yes, DWTC provides a dual licensing option, allowing businesses to operate within the zone and elsewhere in the UAE without needing a separate mainland license.
Do I need a physical office space to set up a company in DWTC?
Yes, businesses must have an office lease agreement. DWTC provides flexible options, including co-working spaces, serviced offices, and executive suites.
Is DWTC an affordable business setup option?
DWTC is considered one of Dubai’s most dynamic and affordable free zones in Dubai, offering competitive free zone packages and flexible payment plans.
What are the benefits of business setup in a free zone like DWTC?
Setting up a business setup in a free zone offers tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and streamlined administrative autonomy and full legal capacity for international businesses.
Who governs the DWTC?
The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, oversees the free zone’s operations.
What industries can be licensed by the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority?
The free zone provides licenses for various industries, including trade, consultancy, event organization, and professional services.
Can I expand my business from the free zone and elsewhere in the UAE?
Yes, businesses in DWTC can expand beyond the free zone by obtaining approvals from the relevant UAE authorities.
What support services are available for business setup in Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone?
DWTC offers one central set of support services, including company registration, visa assistance, and legal consultancy to facilitate a smooth company setup process.
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