At Dubiz, we understand the complexities & challenges of establishing a business in UAE’s evolving landscape. Our suite of expert business setup services is specially designed to support your venture at every stage, from inception to expansion.

Located right in the heart of Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) is a progressive economic and global hub known for being one of the most vibrant destinations for businesses. The free zone is a gateway to the Dubai markets and beyond. The presence of premium commercial spaces, a developed community, diverse business options, and flexible business setup solutions are some of the features offered in the free zone.

Since its establishment in 2015, DWTC has been creating opportunities, innovation and connectivity for entrepreneurs. The free zone remains highly attractive to those seeking a competitive, well-regulated ecosystem for expanding their local and global business.

Dubiz can help you with your business launch in one of the trending freezones in UAE – Dubai World Trade Center freezone. Our specialized team of experts are well equipped and experienced to make your DWTC company formation smooth and hassle free.

Dubai World Trade Center – DWTC

UAE’s freezone for business visionaries

Dubai World Trade Center – DWTC

DWTC authority offers a unique and highly desirable proposition for businesses of all types, whether large corporations, SMEs or startups. The free zone stands as a future-oriented center, especially designed for the transformation and growth of businesses across diverse sectors.

Here are the key benefits that make Dubai World Trade Center freezone an appealing destination for entrepreneurs worldwide:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • 100% Capital and Profit Repatriation
  • 0% Personal Income Tax
  • 1200+ Licensed Business Activities
  • Global Events and Exhibitions
  • No Currency Restrictions
  • No Foreign Staff Hiring Restrictions
  • Central Business District Location
  • Multiple Office Space Options
  • Strong Community of 1800+ Businesses
  • World Class Infrastructure
  • Flexible Company Formation

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Types of Business Licenses in DWTC

DWTC is a welcoming free zone open to all industries and sectors. The free zone aims to offer entrepreneurs the freedom to choose their desired business activities. In fact, under one license, a new company can engage in multiple business activities simultaneously. The free zone offers seven distinct types of business licenses:

Event Management

Event Management

Companies planning to organize, manage, and host events, exhibitions and conferences in DWTC can obtain an event management license.

Family Offices

Family Offices

This license is meant for wealth management businesses that serve families with services like investment and tax advice, and estate management.

Virtual Assets

Virtual Assets

The virtual asset license allows companies operating in the virtual and digital asset space, such as cryptocurrencies and digital securities.

E-commerce

E-commerce

For selling products and services online in and from the free zone, companies can obtain an e-commerce license from the DWTC authority.

Commercial

Commercial

A commercial license is required for activities related to the buying, selling, and trading of commodities, both for retail and wholesale purposes.

Professional

Professional

Businesses and individuals can practice professional activities based on their skills and qualifications by holding DWTC professional license.

General Trading

General Trading

The general trading license allows businesses to trade a wide range of products with very minimal restrictions.

DWTC Business Setup Cost

The cost of business license in DWTC freezone ranges between AED 12,000* to AED 30,000*. However, you must remember that a lot of variables impact the cost of DWTC company formation. Your chosen business activity, type of license, legal structure selected and the visa requirement influence the cost of your DWTC business setup.

For those looking for low-cost business setup in Dubai, DWTC stands out as a choice. The freezone offers various cost-effective packages to the budget needs of all. For more detailing on DWTC license costs, you can tell us your needs and we will help you with estimate.

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Required Documents For DWTC Company Formation

The following documents need to be submitted for obtaining DWTC business license:

For individual shareholder

  • Passport Copy
  • Visa Copy
  • Emirate’s ID Copy
  • Passport Sized Photos
  • NOC from Local Sponsor (if applicable)
  • 3 Trade Name Proposals
  • UBO Form

For corporate shareholder

  • Certificate of Registration of Non-Individual Shareholder
  • Passports of Directors/Shareholders
  • Business Plan
  • Memorandum and/or Articles of Association
  • Board’s Resolution
  • Certificate of Incumbency
  • 3 Trade Name Choices

Please note that there may be additional documents asked for by DWTC Authority. Need help? Consult our legal experts.

Setting Up The Business

Process of DWTC Business Setup

Here is the step-by-step process of DWTC company formation:

Step 1

Choose Business Activities:

Select intended business operations from 1200+ DWTC approved activities.

Step 2

Decide Legal Form:

Choose between freezone establishment, freezone company, branch or other available.

Step 3

Documentation Preparation:

Gather the necessary paperwork for license application including passport copy, address proof, NOC, etc.

Step 4

Register Trade Name:

Get an appropriate and unique business name registered for your business.

Step 5

Get Approvals:

Obtain initial approval and additional permits from concerned government authorities for DWTC company formation.

Step 6

Choose Office Space:

Depending on your needs you can get private office, co-working space, virtual office, etc.

Step 7

Apply for DWTC License:

Fill and submit the application form with DWTC authority along with paperwork and fee payment.

Step 8

Bank Account & Visa:

Open a corporate bank account and get visas for self, staff and family.

Virtual Assets License in DWTC

A step towards virtual assets future economy

Dubai is on track to become the most advanced center for financial services and has emerged as a leader in the global virtual asset industry. To support the vision of the city, DWTC has emerged as a pioneering hub that encourages the setup, expansion and growth of virtual asset firms. In fact, the free zone is already home to many thriving digital asset companies.

Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) regulates the use, provision and trading of virtual assets in the Emirate, including the DWTC free zone. Therefore, businesses interested in the digital asset industry must obtain a VARA license to operate legally. Some of the permitted virtual asset (VA) activities include:

Virtual Assets License in DWTC
  • Advisory Services
  • Broker Dealer Services
  • Custody Services
  • Exchange Services
  • Lending and Borrowing Services
  • Management and Investment Services

Types of Companies Permitted by DWTC Authority

The kind of legal entities that can be established in DWTC freezone includes:

Freezone establishment (FZA)

Freezone establishment (FZA)

Number of shareholders: One
Operates with a single shareholder (individual or company) who controls and runs the businesses. Ideal for entrepreneurs looking for sole ownership.

Freezone company (FZCO)

Freezone company (FZCO)

Number of shareholders: Minimum two, maximum ten
Shares are distributed among the shareholders who run the company themselves or through appointed manager.

Branch

Branch

Types of branches: UAE or foreign
Already existing companies can expand their operations to the DWTC freezone through branch which remains legally dependant part of parent company.

DWTC Commercial Offices for Businesses

Get modern amenities at strategic locations!

The office spaces in DWTC cater to medium to large companies. Located in prime locations with world-class amenities, these offices offer a comfortable and collaborative work environment.

One Central

One Central:

A LEED Gold certified Grade A commercial development, One Central features world-class restaurants, hotels, meeting spaces, outdoor areas and is home to top global firms and innovative startups.

Sheikh Rashid Tower

Sheikh Rashid Tower:

A sought-after landmark tower featuring 39 floors with customizable office spaces ranging from 50 to 1,160 square meters. It is home to multinational tenants and even government entities.

Convention Tower

Convention Tower:

A 13-story commercial tower with spacious offices ranging from 230 to 1,829 square meters. The tower is located close to the Dubai Metro and Sheikh Zayed Road, making it strategic choice for DWTC company formation.

How Can Dubiz Help?

Business setup in Dubai World Trade Centre free zone is a promising choice for aspiring entrepreneurs. It connects businesses with communities, pushing them towards unparallel success.

Dubiz business Setup has been operating from more than 7 years and has helps countless entrepreneurs with mainland as well as freezone company formation in Dubai. With our team of multi lingual experts, we can help you at every step of your company setup in Dubai World Trade Center. We can help you with your business license application, residency visas, business bank account, government approvals and much more.

By partnering with us you get access to unmatched benefits under one roof:

  • Deep industry knowledge of local regulations and laws.
  • Strong connection with local freezone authorities.
  • Personalized assistance throughout the setup process.
  • Expert PRO and document clearance services.
  • Well qualified and easy-to-collaborate team.

To discuss your business needs with us, you can book a free consultation with one of our business setup experts.

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FAQs about DWTC company formation

You can operate in the UAE mainland only through appointing a local distributor or partnering up with local agent.

No, you cannot operate outside DWTC freezone with DWTC Authority license. For operating anywhere outside DWTC freezone, the authority of that respective jurisdiction will issue the license and permits.

Yes, subject to the activity type and location of business conduct, corporate tax may be applicable.

As a general rule, DWTC company formation takes around 3 – 5 working days. However, it may vary with the company type, nature of business activities, etc.

Yes. company incorporation in DWTC can be completed remotely. Shareholders do not need to be physically present in UAE.

A maximum of ten (10) activities are permitted under a single license in DWTC.