DWTC Free Zone, Dubai  

Name and Website 

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

https://www.dwtc.com/en/

General Information

The Dubai World Trade Centre is a relatively new, yet widely recognized, multi-purpose free zone in Dubai. Established in 2015, it is located within the business complex of the same name, which has been operating for over 45 years. Today, DWTC brings together more than 2,000 companies across over 40 industries.

The DWTC Free Zone can be an appealing and advantageous option for company formation in Dubai. Beyond offering a favorable environment for start-ups and small, medium, and large enterprises, DWTC is also a regional leader in hosting prestigious international events, exhibitions, and conferences.

Specialisation

The DWTC Free Zone is designed for versatility, offering access to over 1,200 licensable business activities. 

Regulator

Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA)

Company Regulations 

DWTCA Company Regulations 2015; DWTCA Rules and Regulations.

Types of Licenses

• Commercial:wholesale and retail trade in specified goods;
• General trading: trade in a wide range of products and commodities;
• Professional: includes consultancy and other professional services;
• E-commerce: online sale of goods and services;
• Virtual assets: dealing with cryptocurrencies and other digital assets;
• Family offices: includes asset management, investment advice, and tax planning; 
• Event management: organization of events, exhibitions, conferences, and seminars in Dubai’s free zones.

Forms of Companies

You can register a business in the Free Zone in the form of:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE) with a single shareholder;
• Free Zone Company (FZCO) with up to 10 shareholders; 
• Branch of a UAE company;
• Branch of a foreign company.

Share Capital

A company (FZCO or FZE) in DWTC must issue a minimum of 1 share, the value of which must be at least 1,000 AED.

The Free Zone Authority may set different minimum issued capital amounts for each type of company.

Foreign shareholders may own 100 percent of the company’s shares.

Director, Manager and Secretary

A company must appoint officers: a Director, General Manager, and Secretary. 

• FZE must have at least one Director (who can also be a General Manager).
• FZCO must have at least two Directors (one of whom may also be a General Manager).

A Secretary can concurrently hold the positions of Director and General Manager of the company.

Physical Office 

A company must at all times have a registered office within the Free Zone. DWTC offers a wide selection of optimized workspaces—from co-working centers to commercial offices—tailored to the needs of various businesses.

Financial Statements and Audit

Companies must prepare annual audited financial statements for submission to the general meeting.

The Registrar has the right at any time to request from the company a copy of its financial statements and any other documents demonstrating the state of the company’s affairs. The deadline for submitting a copy of the statements and documents is within 60 days from the date of the request. 

Taxation of Profits

DWTC Free Zone companies, like any UAE companies, must register for corporate tax and submit annual tax returns. The tax rate is 9% or 0% (on income not exceeding 375,000 AED).

Companies that meet all the requirements for “Qualifying Free Zone Persons” (QFZP) can benefit from a zero tax in the UAE regarding their “Qualifying” income. 

Annual Renewal

Annual expenses for the renewal of a free zone company include:

• business license renewal;
• office lease renewal;
• preparation and audit of financial statements;
• renewal of the establishment card and residence visas (as they expire);
• payment for corporate service provider fees.

Redomiciliation

Inward redomiciliation of foreign companies to the Free Zone is permitted. Companies incorporated outside the UAE may continue in the DWTC Free Zone through redomiciliation.

Companies from other Dubai free zones may also transfer to the DWTC, as well as from the DWTC to other Dubai free zones.