One of Dubai’s key business platforms is the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a free economic zone. Local companies can take advantage of unique opportunities to do business in the region.
The DWTC, situated in the territory of the well-known exhibition and congress center, is a nice combination of modern working space, a strategically advantageous location, and flexible conditions for doing business. Our professional services include helping you with company registration in the DWTC with comprehensive support at each stage.
Advantages of the DWTC Free Zone
Where is this free economic zone located? The DWTC is situated in the heart of Dubai, not far from the main transport hub, including the metro and the Sheikh Zayed Road. This ensures easy access for interaction with partners and customers.
Here are some more benefits of the DWTC:
- Simplified conditions for doing business. In the DWTC, foreign investors can fully own a company. If you comply with economic substance requirements, you will not be liable for income profit tax. The free capital movement ensures financial flexibility.
- A wide choice of activities. A company registered in DWTC can engage in commercial activities, provide consulting services, work in the sphere of innovations and technologies, or deal with event and exhibition business.
- Support of small and medium-sized businesses. In the free zone, you will find business incubators, offices, and co-working spaces for representatives of small and medium-sized businesses and startups.
- Well-developed infrastructure. The DWTC includes ultramodern exhibition and congress centers, hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. This makes the free zone ideal for business events and attracting investors.
This free zone plays a substantial role in Dubai’s economy and is a catalyst for innovations, investment, and international trade. It offers favorable conditions for businesses that attract investors from across the globe who work in different spheres, from IT to logistics. It stimulates economic diversification and strengthens the UAE’s position on the world stage.
Types of Companies You Can Register in DWTC
| Company Type | Free Zone Establishment (FZE) | Free Zone Company (FZC) | Branch of a Foreign Company |
| Number of founders | 1 (an individual or a legal entity) | No less than two and no more than 50 | No |
| Is it a legal entity? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Requirements for minimal authorized capital | The size is determined depending on the sphere of activity. | The size is determined depending on the sphere of activity. | No requirements. |
| Characteristic features | Independent structure; easy to establish; optimal for small and medium-sized businesses. | The structure is optimal for partnerships thanks to its flexibility; both individuals and legal entities can be members. | The branch acts on behalf of the parent company. |
| Who can benefit? | Sole proprietors, small and medium-sized businesses. | Business with several investors and partnerships. | It is suitable for foreign companies that want to expand their presence. |
Kinds of Licenses in DWTC
| Kind of license | Commercial | Unified | Event Management | Professional | E-Commerce |
| Description | Import, export, distribution and storage of goods | Suitable for companies that wish to combine several activities in one license. | Required to organize exhibitions, conferences, and other business events. | To provide professional, consultancy, and other services. | For companies that engage in online trade and e-commerce. |
| Activities it is suitable for | Trade; import and export; distribution. | Any combinations of event, trade, and service operations. | Event support services; exhibitions; conferences; seminars. | Consultancy; IT services; financial consulting; marketing and PR; educational services. | E-commerce |
| Features | You can engage in trade operations within and outside the zone. | Its flexibility makes it suitable for many companies; an agreement with the DWTC administration is required. | It is suitable for companies that operate in the MICE sphere (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). | Requires a clear description of services provided. | Requires companies to operate on digital trade platforms and sell goods or services online. |
Process of Company Registration in DWTC
You will need to take the following steps to register a company in Dubai’s DWTC:
Select a suitable company type.
Suggest at least three company names.
Think of the company’s corporate structure (the number of directors, shareholders, etc.)
Prepare the required package of documents, including a copy of the shareholder’s passport, a copy of the resident visa, a CV, a photo, personal information, and so on.
Submit the documents via the DWTC portal.
Register the company.
Once the registration procedures are over, the registrar will issue the following documents to you:
- A Registration Certificate
- A Shareholder Certificate
- A license required to conduct business activities in the niche occupied
- A Memorandum of Association
- A one-year office rental contract.
The services of company registration in the DWTC free zone include obtaining a license, access to a hot desk, an immigration card, one visa quote, scanned registration documents, and two company seals.
Offices and Infrastructure
Companies can rent the office spaces below in the Dubai World Trade Centre:
- Co-workings: suitable for startups and small businesses
- Small offices: premises with a small area that are fully equipped for business needs
- Medium and large offices: spacious premises that will suit companies with a large number of employees
- Offices at the exhibition: temporary premises for companies that participate in exhibitions and events organized by the DWTC.
Infrastructure:
- Conference halls
- Free car park
- High-speed Internet
- Telephone lines
- IT support
- Rest and food zones.
The minimal rental term starts from 1 month for co-workings and temporary offices and up to 1 year and more for standard offices. The rent depends on the office type and area and ranges between AED 1,000 a month for a co-working and AED 150,000 a month for large offices.
Taxation and Reporting
Favorable taxation is one of the main advantages that attracts entrepreneurs who register their companies in the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Here are some tax details:
- Corporate tax — 0%
- VAT – 5% if the company’s annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
- No customs duties.
Customs duties are only applicable if you export products to the mainland UAE (5% for most goods). Companies are required to keep accounting and submit quarterly VAT returns. You are required to conduct the main operational activities within the DWTC to have the right to tax benefits. An annual auditor’s report is a must.
Cost of Company Registration in DWTC
The cost of our comprehensive support in company registration in Dubai’s free economic zone starts at Service not found.
The package includes:
- Company registration
- Obtaining a license
- A hot desk
- Obtaining a migration card
- Obtaining one visa quota
- Receiving scanned registration documents
- Two company seals.
Why Cooperate with Us?
Want to register a business DWTC? Get in touch with our experts!
Why cooperate with us? Here is what we offer:
- Full support at all registration stages
- Legal support
- Search for optimal solutions for your business
- Full protection of the customer
- Help with the preparation of documents
- Post-registration support.
Company registration in the Dubai World Trade Centre opens up new opportunities for its owner, including entering the regional market, tax optimization, and improving the image. Entrust all the processes to us and start incorporation in the Dubai World Trade Centre today!
