DWTC Free Zone
- Strategic location in central Dubai
- Recognised as a premium brand
- Renowned exhibition and convention centers
- Premium pricing but high credibility
The support team is always
available 24/7
19th Floor, Dubai World Trade Centre -
Sheikh Zayed Rd Trade Centre
+971 4 516 2100
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Business Setup in DWTC Free Zone
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Dubai is the economic capital of the UAE, and is a globally recognised business hub. It is home to special economic free zones that help facilitate global trade. One such among them is the Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone (DWTC). Established in 2015 in the heart of Dubai’s financial center, DWTC is a premium free zone that hosts over 2000+ companies across 40+ sectors.
What makes DWTC stand out is its strategic location and world class exhibition centers. It hosts some of the leading business conventions of the world, including GITEX, an annual tech trade fair that sees a footfall of over 1 million persons from across the globe. DWTC free zone license is an ideal choice for UAE free zone company formation for startups, SMEs as well as large MNCs.
100% Expat Ownership | 0% Personal Tax | 0% Corporate Tax
DWTC free zone companies refer to those business entities that are registered with the Dubai World Trade Center Authority (DWTCS). Like other free zones in Dubai, it offers 100% ownership without local sponsor, 100% profit repatriation, and UAE corporate tax exemption for qualifying persons.
DWTC is located in Dubai’s central business district and just minutes away from Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai Downtown, Business Bay and Bur Dubai. This makes it one of the most well connected free zones in the entirety of Dubai, and thus, a popular choice for entrepreneurs and companies wanting to enter the Middle East market.
A DWTC Free zone company is ideal for:
Startups in the tech and innovation sector
Events and Exhibitions Management Companies
Financial services, fintech, and blockchain businesses
General Trading & Commerce
Professional Consultancies
Digital Marketing and Media
Businesses can choose between different options based on their activities:
From setup and structure to scaling and strategy, Dart provides practical and holistic support across your business journey.
Commercial License
DWTC Commercial License includes activities like:
Ideal for International trade and supply chains
Professional License
DWTC Professional License includes:
The DWTC free zone company formation process is highly regulated and streamlined. The average time to get your license issued is anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks for basic structures. This makes it easy for enterprises new to the country to navigate through the steps easily. Here’s how you can do so:
Choose you business activity from over 1200 approved and offered within DWTC
Outline the legal structure and company type
Select a unique trade name for your business
Submit all your license application documents and passport copies
Lease your workspace per your requirements
Apply for initial approval, post which your DWTC free zone license is issued
Get your Emirates ID, visas and establishment card
Open corporate bank account and start operating your business
The license fees for DWTC company formation ranges on an average between AED 15,000 to AED 25,000* annually. This cost is for basic licenses and structures. Other factors which affect and influence the business setup cost include license type, activities chosen, visa requirements, office space rentals, and renewal and compliance.
Dart offers customised company formation packages that are designed as per the specific business needs. This allows clients to get a clear and transparent understanding of the pricing, a clear licensing structure and no hidden charges.
DWTC offers flexible office and work space options that help support startups to established enterprises. Depending on the business activity, number of employees and legal structure, there are different office options available:
These refer to shared office spaces comprising basic facilities. Just enough to obtain the trade license and visas. Flexi desks in DWTC free zone are perfect for startups, solo entrepreneurs, and micro-consulting firms.
Co-Working Space
These are larger spaces that share a common infrastructure and promote a collaborative environment. Co-working spaces are like a fitted office shared between multiple entities with perks such as business lounges and networking opportunities.
They are registered business addresses of companies in DWTC free zone without needing to rent a physical office space. Additionally, they also provide mail handling and forwarding services as well as meeting room access.
Dart offers premium workspace solutions right in the iconic Sheikh Rashid Tower of the DWTC.
There are several factors that help Dubai World Trade Center stand apart from other free zones in Dubai
DWTC free zone companies are subject to UAE Corporate Tax and VAT under certain conditions. Tax compliance is necessary to operate your business efficiently in the UAE. Even though free zones like DWTC enjoy tax exemptions, registration is mandatory for all business entities located within the DWTC free zone.
DWTC Corporate Tax:
Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) within the DWTC can benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income if they:
Comply with transfer pricing
Maintain adequate substance
Regularly audit their finances
Non-qualifying income can be subject to 9% corporate tax
Corporate Tax registration is mandatory for all free zone entities regardless of their exempt status
DWTC VAT Registration:
VAT (Value Added Tax) registration is mandatory for companies if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 annually.
Companies are required to file returns every quarter and maintain accurate financial records.
The Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone (DWTC) is popular for UAE company formation for many reasons, as listed above. It is thus important to have a trusted partner to guide you through the setup process efficiently and with minimal drag. Dart, located in the very heart of DWTC, specialises in the licensing structure and regulatory requirements of the DWTC free zone.
Our company formation experts in the DWTC free zone help connect clients to the DWTC ecosystem and diverse business community. Our DWTC free zone business setup process is not only transparent but also defined by clear communication and no hidden costs. Dart offers end-to-end business support from applying for the trade license to get your company tax and banking compliant.
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