Getting a Free Zone License

At DWTC Authority, we offer a highly-competitive, single point of contact for corporations, affording them a unique and flexible offering.

A Free zone license is the foundational document required to do business within our free zone.

Free zone licenses entitle companies of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to large multinationals, to enjoy a number of benefits to operate in Dubai. They also enable companies with prior presence nationally or internationally to establish a new branch with us or move operations entirely.

In order to obtain a free zone license, you must first select the type of company you wish to form. Once the company has been formed, you will be eligible to seek the license that best fits your business pursuits.

A Free zone license is the foundational document required to do business within our free zone.

Free zone licenses entitle companies of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to large multinationals, to enjoy a number of benefits to operate in Dubai. They also enable companies with prior presence nationally or internationally to establish a new branch with us or move operations entirely.

In order to obtain a free zone license, you must first select the type of company you wish to form. Once the company has been formed, you will be eligible to seek the license that best fits your business pursuits.

Key benefits of our licensing:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 100% repatriation of all capital and profits
  • Zero income and corporate tax for 50 years (renewable)
  • No restriction on currency and repatriation of funds
  • No restriction on hiring foreign employees
  • No restraints over capital nationality
  • Freedom to initiate multiple options for legal operating structures. Stable and clear regulation.
  • Dual licensing opportunities

Types of companies formed under DWTC Authority

The Free Zone offers a highly competitive, single-point of contact operation for corporations, affording them a unique and flexible offering to operate seamlessly, including as an onshore registered business, under an independent free-zone license or as a dual licensed entity from within the same zone.

Our attractive packages for startups and SMEs allow entrepreneurs to convert their business ideas into reality.

Free Zone Company (FZCO)

  • Certain required documents must be attested (see guide for details).
  • A non-individual Shareholder requires additional paperwork (see guide for details).
  • All types of businesses requiring only a commercial office for operation can be established as a FZCO.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

  • Certain required documents must be attested (see guide for details).
  • A non-individual Shareholder requires additional paperwork (see guide for details).
  • All types of businesses requiring only a commercial office for operation can be established as a FZE.

Foreign Branch

  • The branch must be 100% owned by the Parent company.
  • Certain required documents must be attested (see guide for details).
  • All types of businesses requiring only a commercial office for operation can be established as a Foreign Branch.

UAE Branch

  • A valid registration from a UAE license authority is required to open a branch.
  • Certain required documents must be attested (see guide for details).
  • All types of businesses requiring only a commercial office for operation can be established as a UAE Branch.

License Options

Once you have formed your company, you will be eligible to apply for a free zone license. Our personalised approach to licensing and related procedures, coupled with a superior location and unmatched operational standards, makes setting up with us seamless, straightforward and flexible.

+ Commercial License

For carrying out specified commercial activities

+ General Trading License

For carrying out unrestricted commercial activities

+ Professional License

For carrying out specified professional services

+ Event Management License

For the organising of business and leisure events

+ e-Commerce

For platforms trading goods and services online in the UAE

+ Single Family Office

Offices founded by family members to manage and service the wealth of a single family

+ Multi Family Office

Offices founded by consultants for the provision of wealth management services to multiple families

Join our growing business community

OUR FREE ZONE IS A DYNAMIC, FLEXIBLE ENVIRONMENT TO LAUNCH OR RELOCATE YOUR BUSINESS.