Business Setup Service in Dubai

DWTC Business Setup Options

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the basic steps to set up a business in Dubai DWTC Free Zone?

  The process involves the following steps:

  1. Decide on the type of business activity & license you will need.

  2. Obtain the necessary trade license based on your business type.

  3. Register your business with the relevant authorities.

  4. Secure an office space and complete visa processing, if required.

  5. Register your business with the relevant authorities.

  6. Secure an office space and complete visa processing, if required.

• Do I need an office space to be eligible for a DWTC License?

  All kind of licenses require hot desk/office space; however, space requirements vary depending on the trade license activity. Click Here to see our office spaces available in Dubai.

• What is the difference between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company setups in Dubai?

  Feature	Mainland	Free Zone	Offshore
  Ownership	100% foreign ownership for most activities, but some require Emirati partnership.	100% foreign ownership guaranteed for all activities.	100% foreign ownership, but no local operations allowed.
  Business Scope	Operate anywhere in the UAE but requires approvals for certain activities.	Trade internationally or within the free zone with ease.	Restricted to international markets only (No UAE trading).
  Office Requirement	Physical office space required.	Flexible office solutions, including hot desks or physical offices.	No physical office required.
  Taxation	Subject to UAE corporate tax (from 2023) and VAT compliance.	Tax-free incentives in most cases and no customs duties within the free zone.	Tax-free but cannot benefit from UAE's Double Taxation Agreements.
  Set-up Costs	Higher due to office, licensing, and approval requirements.	Cost-effective setup with minimal bureaucracy and free zone authority support.	Low set-up costs but limited in operational scope.
  Customs Duty	5% customs duty on imported goods.	No customs duties for goods traded within the free zone.	Not applicable, as no local trading is allowed.
  Trading Restrictions	None.	Can trade directly in the mainland with a local distributor.	No trading allowed within the UAE.
  Regulations	Governed by UAE Commercial Companies Law.	Business-friendly regulations tailored to industries, governed by free zone authorities.	Strict regulations for international compliance.

• How long does it take to set up a business in a Dubai Free Zone?

  While there is no guaranteed timeframe for business formation from the point of registration, it is typically expected that after initial approval has been granted from DWTC, it takes 3-5 working days to set up your business.

  This indicative timeline is subject to timely submission of documents, fees, and finalisation of desired business activity.

• What documents are required to register a company in Dubai DWTC Free Zone?

  Application Stage

  All:

  • Company Profile (Business Plan)
  • Propose 3 names for the company
  • Passport Copies of all involved
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Shareholders, Manager, & Director
  • Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Declaration Form

  UAE Residents Only:

  • Emirates ID & Residency Visa Copies
  • No Objection Letter

  
  

  Post Initial Approval Stage

  • Specimen Signature of General Manager
  • Bank Certificate for Share Capital Deposit (only for “paid up capital” applications)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

  
  

  Additional Documents for Corporate Shareholders (If Shareholder is a non-individual)

  • Board of Shareholder Resolution
  • Certificate of Incorporation or Registration
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association of the Corporate Shareholder
  • License Copy (if applicable)

  Note: Documents from corporate shareholders must be notarised by a notary public and attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin or by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All documents should be in English or Arabic.

• Do I need an office to set up a business in a Dubai Free Zone?

  All kind of licenses require hot desk/office space; however, space requirements vary depending on the trade license activity. Click Here to see our office spaces available in Dubai World Trade Centre.

• Do I need a local sponsor to set up a business in a Dubai Free Zone?

  No, you do not need a local sponsor to set up a business in a Dubai Free Zone. One of the primary benefits of setting up in a Free Zone, for example, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is that it allows 100% foreign ownership of the business.

  This eliminates the need for a UAE national to act as a local sponsor, which is typically required for mainland businesses outside free zones.

• Are there any specific regulations for E-commerce businesses in Dubai?

  Yes. There are some regulations specific to E-Commerce Businesses operating in Dubai Free Zones (e.g. website regulations, payment gateways & online specific rules).

  You must:

  • Obtain an E-commerce License from DWTC Free Zone Authority.
  • Ensure your website complies with UAE laws (terms, refund policy, VAT-inclusive pricing).
  • Use UAE-approved payment gateways for secure online transactions.
  • Adhere to data protection and cybersecurity laws to secure customer information.