How to Setup Your Business in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Start your business venture in the heart of Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone with Smart Zones® UAE. a strategic location within the iconic World Trade Center complex, providing unparalleled connectivity and visibility for your enterprise.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital
- No Export Tax
- Easy Business Setup
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone, established in 2016, represents one of Dubai's newest additions to its portfolio of affordable free zones. Nestled in the heart of Dubai's bustling commercial hub, it offers an exceptional environment ideal for startups, SMEs looking to expand locally, and those aiming to tap into regional and global markets.
Why Setup Your Business in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone ?
Strategically located within the prestigious World Trade Center area, this vibrant hub frequently hosts various exhibitions, providing ample networking and business opportunities. It also offers a diverse range of office spaces for lease, catering to businesses from various sectors seeking a prestigious commercial address.
Managed by the DWTC Authority, this free zone spans a significant area, stretching from the iconic Sheikh Rashid Tower (formerly known as the Trade Centre Tower) to the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, including the latest commercial development within the DWTC, known as One Central.
Accessibility is another advantage, with Dubai International Airport just a 10-minute drive away, and numerous hotels and banks within walking distance, enhancing the appeal of this dynamic free zone asa prime business location.
Features of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone Companies in UAE
- A wide selection of cost-effective office facilities in Dubai's center
- Possibility to obtain EJARI for flexi-desk contracts
- Extensive choice of business activities
- Option to rent an office in One Central business center instead of within the free zone
Types of Business Activities permitted under Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone accommodates various business activities across these categories:
- Trading
- Services
- Consultancy
A unique feature is the allowance of multiple activities under a single license—up to 10 or more, provided they belong to the same category. However, industrial activities are not supported here; consider the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) Free Zone for such operations.
Benefits of Establishing a Company in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone, UAE
The DWTC Authority free zone provides an augmented incentive for businesses to establish their permanent representation within the free zones. In addition to this, there are other benefits, such as:
- Full Business Ownership And Capital Repatriation: As an expatriate, you have the opportunity to possess 100% ownership of the company and transfer all profits to your home country.
- Business Operating Permits: DWTC permits the relocation or establishment of existing onshore registered businesses within the free zone.
- Strategic Location: DWTC is strategically situated within the same territory as the largest exhibitions in Dubai.
- One-Stop-Shop: DWTC provides assistance for government services, company registration, and visa support.
- Prestigious Surroundings: DWTC is the ideal location for entrepreneurs to meet, collaborate, and engage.
Types of Licenses offered by Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone
The Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone offers three types of licenses for businesses of all sizes:
Commercial licenses (with and without General Trading Activity)
These licenses permit businesses to import, export, distribute, and sell goods.
Professional licenses
They enable businesses to provide professional services, such as accounting, legal, and consulting services.
Events management licenses
This type of license allows businesses to organize and manage events, such as conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows.
E-Commerce licenses
E-Commerce licenses allow businesses to engage in buying and selling goods or services over the internet.
Office Options offered by Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone offers clients access to conventional (standard) offices, executive offices, and flexible workspace solutionswithin the historic Sheikh Rashid Tower. This tower, Dubai's first skyscraper completed in 1979, is a landmark in its own right and houses the Dubai Financial Market.
Flexible workspaces, also known as 'flexi-desks,' are available but subject to high demand, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Beyond its premises, the free zone allows clients to rent workspaces at one of the business centers in the One Central Development, another dynamic business destination within the World Trade Center complex.
Steps to Launch a Company in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone
Establishing a Business in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone involves several steps:
Embark on the journey of opening a business in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone by partnering with Smart Zones® UAE. Our adept company formation specialists will guide you through the business license application and setup process, liaising with relevant government and municipal authorities on your behalf.
Choose a business activity you want to undertake, as the type of license you apply for will depend on the business activity. DWTC allows for multiple business activities, providing you with numerous options to explore.
Prior to finalizing a name, ensure that your business name is available for registration in the Dubai World Trade Center free zone authority portal. There are also specific standards that the name must adhere to, including avoiding any blasphemous language or references to religious or political organizations.
After selecting the business activity and registering the trade name on the portal, the next crucial step is to apply for a license. The type of license depends on the business activity. To apply, fill out the application form and gather the required documents as specified in the form. You can also submit a visa application during this process.
You must pay the fees for registration and licensing to the DWTC authority. Once the payment is made, the process will be initiated, and the license will be approved within a few weeks.
Complete the process by opening your corporate bank account for your Dubai Business with Smart Zones® UAE. This final step paves the way for the successful opening of your Business.
Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's business setup landscape is highly recommended.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Documents Required to Start a .. Business in Dubai, UAE
- DWTCA Application Form
- Business Plan or Brief Project Summary
- Passport Copies of the Shareholders, Directors, and General Manager
- Emirates ID Copies of the Shareholders, Directors, and General Manager (only for UAE residents)
- Shareholders’ Profile (for individual shareholders)
- Board Resolution Calling for the Establishment of the Entity
- Letter from the Bank Confirming Deposit of Share Capital
- Other Routine Documentation viz. Application Forms, Specimen Signatures, etc.
- A Notarized Power of Attorney (Attested by the Appropriate Authority)
- Certified True Copy for a Certificate of Incorporation of Parent/Certificate of Registration (Attested by the Appropriate Authority)
- Board/Shareholder Resolution for Establishing FZE in DWTCA and Appointing a Manager (Attested by the Appropriate Authority)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) of the Parent Company (Attested by the Appropriate Authority), in Case of a Branch Office
- Good Standing Certificate, if Applicable
Submitting incorrect documents can lead to immediate rejection. Our consultants at Smart Zones® UAE ensure you have the right documents, avoiding any complications in the process.
Cost of a Business Setup in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) Free Zone
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone is known for its cost-effectiveness, offering three distinct packages. Contact Smart Zones® UAE for more details.
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone is strategically located in the heart of Dubai's commercial hub, offering affordable free zones ideal for startups and SMEs. It provides a prestigious business address, diverse office spaces, and abundant networking opportunities due to frequent exhibitions held in the area.
DWTC Free Zone accommodates businesses engaged in trading, services, and consultancy. The unique feature is the allowance of multiple activities under a single license, up to 10 or more, within the same category.
Some key benefits include full business ownership and capital repatriation, business operating permits for relocating existing businesses, a strategic location with proximity to major exhibitions, one-stop-shop assistance for government services, company registration, and visa support, and a prestigious business environment.
DWTC Free Zone offers commercial licenses (with and without general trading activity), professional licenses, events management licenses, and e-commerce licenses to cater to various business needs.
DWTC Free Zone provides access to conventional offices, executive offices, and flexible workspace solutions. Flexible workspaces, also known as 'flexi-desks,' are available but are subject to high demand.
The process involves partnering with Smart Zones® UAE, selecting a business activity, choosing a company name, collecting required documents, applying for a license, paying fees, and opening a corporate bank account.
Documents include DWTCA Application Form, Business Plan, Passport and Emirates ID Copies of Shareholders, Directors, and General Manager, Board Resolution, Letter from the Bank Confirming Deposit, Notarized Power of Attorney, Certified True Copy for Certificate of Incorporation, and other routine documentation.
DWTC Free Zone offers three distinct packages known for their cost-effectiveness. For detailed information, it is recommended to contact Smart Zones® UAE.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
