Set Up Your Company with
Dubai World Trade Centre

Advantages of Setting Up Your Business in Dubai World Trade Center
DWTC offers entrepreneurs in the UAE a host of incentives and benefits. Positioned in Dubai’s commercial core, it provides strategic advantages, networking opportunities, and tailored incentives, all fostering growth and success in the dynamic business landscape of the UAE.
Strategic Location
- DWTC is located just 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport, giving easy access to different locations in Dubai.
- It is in proximity to Burj Khalifa, the Emirates Towers, and the Dubai International Financial Center.
Globally Recognized District
- DWTC is a leading venue for some of the world’s most prestigious events. It hosts more than 500 international trade fairs, exhibitions, and conventions, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually.
Flexible Office Leasing Options
- Holders of DWTC Authority licenses and business operating permits are allowed to sub-lease premises to other Free Zone members.
Favorable Legal Framework
- 100% foreign company ownership
- No restrictions on capital repatriation
- No currency restrictions
- No personal income tax
- Flexible commercial lease terms
- Only 9% corporate income tax (if applicable)
- Low tariffs
Dual Licensing
- For mainland companies who want to expand their operation within DWTC’s free zone jurisdiction, business operating permits are issued to them. However, companies granted this permit can only carry out activities aligned with their DED license.
Types of Licenses Offered by DWTC

General Trading License
Permits companies to engage in commercial activities in a wide range of business activities, including exporting, importing, and distributing goods.

Commercial License
Allows companies to carry out activities specified in the license to export, import, distribute, sell and store items permissible under the license.

Professional License
This license permits businesses to carry out services such as general or advisory consulting, onsite repair, training, and HR and software implementation services.

Event management License
Permits companies to organize business or leisure events, conferences, incentives, meetings, exhibitions, and conferences within the jurisdiction.

E-commerce License
This license is intended for businesses with an online platform, allowing them to trade goods and services online.

Single Family Office
Intended for offices established by family members to manage and service the wealth of a single family.
Business Structures Types in DWTC
Limited Liability Company
(covers all Limited Liability Companies in the UAE) – a legal entity wherein the liability of its shareholders is limited to the value of the share capital they hold in the company.
Branch of a Foreign Company
This type of structure can register a branch in DWTC free zone without any capital investment. The branch must register with the same activities as the parent company.
Free Zone Company (FZC)
This type of entity has a minimum of 2 or more shareholders (can be an individual or a corporate shareholder).
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
This entity has one single shareholder (can be an individual or a corporate shareholder), holding 100% of the company shares.
Steps in Setting Up Your Business in DWTC
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Choose a Business Activity and Apply for a License
The first step in setting up a business in Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) is to choose a business activity and apply for a license. Depending on the activity type, various government bodies, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED), issue licenses for companies.
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Register with the DWTC
Once the license is granted, the next step is registering your business with the DWTC by submitting the essential documents required for your company. This can be done either by visiting the DWTC offices or online.
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Rent or Purchase Office Space
The next step is to rent or purchase office space in the DWTC. Several options are available, including office spaces, furnished offices, and flexi offices.
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Process UAE Residency and Apply for a Business Bank Account
Once you have collected your trade license and signed a lease, it is now time to arrange your residency visa and open a corporate bank where your company’s financial transactions will be done.
Creative Zone will help you throughout this stage to ensure that all laws in Dubai are followed for a faster, inexpensive, and seamless company incorporation.