If you are a budding entrepreneur looking for a centrally located, cost-effective business setup option in Dubai, then the DWTC free zone is your destination. This special economic zone attracts a lot of entrepreneurs and foreign investors, providing them with a dynamic business environment and a rewarding business hub. Established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the DWTC offers a variety of business setup opportunities, such as free-zone licensing and hassle-free branch establishment for both foreign and domestic enterprises.
In this article, we will explore all the necessary information and basics of the Dubai World Trade Centre, including the viability of establishing a company within this zone.
Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone
Established in 2015, the DWTC free zone is a thriving business hub in the Central Business District of Dubai. With a unique blend of world-class facilities, excellent connectivity, and a supportive business environment, this free zone provides a nursing ground to a variety of industries, including construction, healthcare, IT, media, and trading. More than 2,000 companies from over 40 different industries have already established their presence in the DWTC Free Zone.
Reasons to choose DWTC free zone for company setup
Investors must consider investing in a DWTC license for the following reasons:
- Geographic location – Situated at the heart of Dubai’s commercial center, the DWTC Free Zone enables businesses to easily access the regional and global markets.
- Quick setup – The Free zone offers a streamlined company registration process with minimal bureaucracy.
- Foreign ownership – The foreign business owners with companies operating in the DWTCFZ can enjoy full ownership and control over their business operations.
- Tax benefits – Being registered in a free zone, company owners can enjoy full exemption on import and export duties as well as corporate income tax.
- Top-notch facilities – The facilities provided in the DWTC Free Zone to business entities include commercial buildings, collaborative workspaces, and networking opportunities.
- Thriving community – On the whole, DWTC is an exciting hub for leading companies, startups, and investors.
Additional benefits:-
- Prized developments
- Single-owned properties
- Collaborative workspaces
- Attractive packages for startups and SMEs
- Proximity to top-notch business events
Activities permitted under the DWTC license
The DWTC Free Zone caters to an extensive scale of industries including –
- Trading
- Consultancy
- Information Technology
- Media & Advertising
- Education & Training
- Logistics & Warehousing
Types of licenses offered in DWTC
A DWTC license allows its holders to conduct business within the designated free zone. Additionally, one can find different types of licenses in this free zone catering to different activities –
Trading license – With this license, companies can import, export, distribute, and store goods within the free zone.
Commercial license – Business owners can carry out a specific set of commercial activities with a commercial license. Unlike a trading license, this license is more flexible as it covers activities that involve services or a combination of trade and services.
Service license – For businesses providing professional services such as consultancy, IT services, marketing, or engineering within the designated area, a service license is the ideal option.
Freelance permit – This license is designed specifically for those who want to offer professional services independently, operate under their own name, and conduct business legally within the free zone.
E-commerce license – Businesses engaged in online trading and e-commerce activities can obtain an e-commerce license. With this license, they can operate in digital marketplaces and sell products or services online.
Event management license – For firms involved in organizing, managing, and promoting events, exhibitions, and conferences, this license is perfect.
Business facilities offered in the DWTC free zone
Companies registered in the DWTC Free Zone can avail the following corporate facilities:-
- Modern and fully equipped offices
- Co-working Spaces
- Amenities for meetings, conferences, and events
- Administrative support, IT services, and more
- High-Speed Internet
- 24/7 Security
- Parking Facilities
- Retail and Dining facilities
- Proximity to Dubai International Airport
- Ready-to-move business centers
- Large halls for exhibitions and trade shows
Company structures allowed in DWTC Free Zone
Entrepreneurs and investors can form different types of company structures under this jurisdiction:
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- For small-scale businesses or companies with single shareholders
- Simpler structure with fewer administrative requirements
- Well-suited for those seeking the establishment of a solo business presence in Dubai
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
- For large-scale companies or firms with multiple shareholders
- Allows a minimum of two and a maximum of 10 shareholders
- More flexible in terms of ownership structure
- A more conventional structure compared to the FZE
Foreign Branch
- Allows foreign companies to establish a legal presence in Dubai
- Operated under the name of the parent company
- Subject to limitations and regulations set by the Dubai mainland authorities
- Suitable for established entities seeking expansion into the Dubai market without the full commitment of a separate legal entity
UAE Branch
- Allows UAE-registered companies to establish a branch office in Dubai
- Subject to mainland regulations and corporate income tax laws
- Useful for companies operating within the UAE looking to expand their operations specifically within Dubai
Business Setup Process in DWTC Free Zone
The procedure of setting up a business with the DWTC Authority is quick and easy. The process includes the following steps:-
- Selection of business activity – DWTC Free Zone permits the operation of a wide variety of activities and you can choose the one you want to engage in.
- License type – Further, based on the selected activity, choose an appropriate license that fits the needs of the business.
- Name & legal structure – Finalize a unique business name and decide whether the company should be single-owned or have multiple shareholders.
- Documentation – The process may involve extensive paperwork, for which you can seek assistance from the experts of Shuraa. The general requirements are listed below.
- Approval – Finally, submit the application and get approval from the DWTC authority for the business license and registration.
- Business launch – Now that you have your license, your business is ready to launch.
For any support or guidance, Shuraa is here!
Documentation requirement for business setup in DWTC
For FZCO and FZE:-
- Company profile
- Passport, Emirates ID, and residency visa copies of shareholders, Directors, and the General Manager
- NOC from the local sponsor for General Manager (if applicable)
- Specimen Signature of General Manager
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
- Board of Resolution to establish the company under the DWTC Authority (for corporate shareholders)
- Certificate of Incorporation/Certificate of Registration (for corporate shareholders)
For Branch:-
- Passport Copies of Director(s) and General Manager
- Copy of Emirates ID and residency visa
- Attested Memorandum and Articles of Association of Parent Company
- Certificate of Incorporation or Association of the Parent company (attested)
- Board Resolution for establishing a branch under the DWTC Authority
- Power of Attorney and the level of authority of the holder (attested)
- Specimen Signature of General Manager
- Copy of Audited Account(s) of Parent for previous 2 years
- Certificate of Good Standing or a valid Trade License of the Parent company
- Copy of UAE valid registration (for UAE branch)
Set up your company in the DWTC Free Zone
Shuraa Business Setup is a one-stop shop for all your business solutions. It has been serving entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world in various business setups and corporate services for over two decades. Through their remarkable skills and exceptional services, Shuraa’s team of experts enables a smooth and stress-free business setup process in the UAE for businesses of all sizes and industries.
