DWTC Free Zone Business Setup

The cost of setting up a business in a DWTC free zone will depend on how the business is set up and what it does. Furthermore, understanding these factors can significantly impact the initial investment required. Additionally, for setting up a DWTC company, government fees start at USD $5,500. However, this comprehensive fee includes the company license, registration, establishment card, flexi desk space, and eligibility for 1 visa.

Within the Sheikh Saeed Tower and the Exhibition Center, DWTC has its own business facilities. Through One Central, DWTC also has traditional office space. The DWTC free zone works with other business centre operators like Regus, WeWork, and The Executive Centre (TEC).

For a DWTC company to be set up, the Initial Approval for the licence activity takes between 5 and 7 working days. After that, it takes an extra 10 working days to get a licence from DWTC (including the signing of lease and witnessing of the shareholder documents). Also, getting the company establishment card takes an estimated 3 business days. After the company gets its establishment card, it can start applying for a UAE residency visa.

• Once the DWTC free zone company is set up, the DWTC company must apply for a company establishment card, which is also called an immigration computer card. Subsequently, with this company establishment card, the company is registered with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This makes it possible for the company to hire workers from other countries and apply for visas for both foreign workers and employees.
• After the company gets its establishment card, it can apply for UAE residence visas for its employees. Subsequently, the size of the office determines how many visas the company can get. Initially, to begin the process for a new employee visa or an investor/shareholder visa, the first step is to fill out the visa application and apply for an employment permit.
• When the employment permit is issued, the new visa applicant can travel to the UAE (for visa applicants outside of the UAE) or apply to change status (applies for visa applicants inside the country – UAE). Additionally, the person applying for a visa must fill out a UAE medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID biometrics. Once everything is done, the visa applicant’s papers are sent back to the DWTC free zone to get the visa. The applicant’s original passport must be given to the authorities so that the visa can be stamped on it. After 5-7 business days, the Emirates ID card is ready.

The license types DWTC free zone issues include:

• Commercial Licenses (including trading businesses)
• Professional Licenses
• Event Management Licenses
• E-Commerce Licenses
• General Trading Licenses
• Branch Office
• Representative Office

In the DWTC free zone, you can use the Convention Center in Dubai; moreover, this is where some of the biggest trade shows, like Arab Health and Gulfood, take place.

Both public and private transportation provide access to the DWTC, situated in the middle of the city. Also, the DWTC free zone is close to hotels, restaurants, shops, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) free zone, which is a financial hub for the Middle East and South Asia.

In the DWTC free zone, businesses can engage in numerous activities. Moreover, the Dubai mainland Department of Economic Development (DED) utilizes its complete list of business activities to approve and grant DWTC business activities. In order to get a licence to do business in the DWTC free zone, all regulated business activities must get approval from the relevant government agency in the country.

Additionally, DWTC issues and regulates licenses for virtual assets, including Crypto Currencies. Moreover, Single-Family Offices (SFO) and Multi-Family Offices (MFO) can obtain a license from the DWTC free zone (MFO).

The amount of money needed to renew a DWTC free zone company will depend on its structure, type of business, office space, etc. Moreover, the government charges around US$5,000 to renew a DWTC license. Additionally, this includes the renewal of the license, the company establishment card, and a flexi desk space in the DWTC free zone.

DWTC free zone gives people who want to change their business options. Changes to DWTC free zone companies are possible, but they must be approved by the authorities. However, changes in company ownership, management structure, and business activities are all feasible adjustments. Additionally, another aspect to manage is the relocation of a company into a DWTC free zone.

If you want to close your DWTC free zone company officially, you can call Creation Business Consultants for a free consultation. Furthermore, they provide expert guidance on the official closure procedures and necessary steps. During this consultation, you can discuss how to liquidate the company and explore the necessary steps for a smooth process.

For voluntary DWTC liquidation, the requirements start from:

• Resolution to dissolve the company
• Appointment of liquidator
• Appointment of auditor
• Liquidation report
• Audited financial statements
• Newspaper advertisement
• DWTC liquidation approval

UAE residency visa fee will vary depending on the applicant. The cost of residency visa application in DWTC free zone starts from:

• USD $1,500 (inside country applicant with medical test and Emirates ID)
• USD $1,000 (outside country applicant with medical test and Emirates ID)

Note that you will have to pay extra insurance and service fees to finish the full DWTC free zone visa application.

No, a company in the DWTC free zone can only do business in the DWTC free zone and internationally. However, if you have a DWTC free zone and want to do business in mainland Dubai or the UAE, you will need a separate license or to use a third-party provider.

No, DWTC is a Dubai free zone that has its own rules and follows UAE law.