Expo City
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 18,540Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~10 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Sustainability and innovation companies, Firms wanting a landmark address
View packages →
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)
DubaiEst. 2015Updated Oct 2026
Setup time
~10 working days
Visa quota
Up to 6
Activities
Up to 5 per licence
Office
Flexi-desk, Shared office, Private office
Renewal from
AED 18,025
DWTC overview
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC) is a free zone in Dubai. Companies set up here can be 100% foreign-owned and are licensed for the activities listed on their trade licence.
It is usually chosen by events and exhibition companies, virtual asset businesses, firms wanting a sheikh zayed road address. Packages start from an estimated AED 18,500, with setup typically taking around 10 working days once your documents are complete.
Best for
- Events and exhibition companies
- Virtual asset businesses
- Firms wanting a Sheikh Zayed Road address
DWTC packages & prices
Buy online and upload your passport straight away, or request a tailored quote.
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Typically included
- Trade licence (1 year)
- Flexi-desk facility
- Certificate of formation & Memorandum of Association
- Freezone King setup & document handling
- Establishment card
- 2 visa allocations
Not included
- Visa medical test & Emirates ID fees (per person)
- Bank account opening (optional add-on)
- Corporate tax registration (optional add-on)
Licence types & activities
Commercial / Trading Licence
Buy, sell, import and export goods.
Service / Professional Licence
Sell your skills and services.
Holding Company / SPV
Hold shares, assets and IP.
Crypto & Virtual Assets Licence
Blockchain, Web3 and virtual asset services.
Activity categories available
Not sure your exact activity is allowed? Search 50+ activities or ask an advisor.
Visa & office options
DWTC companies can sponsor up to 6 residence visas, depending on the office you choose. In most free zones, a flexi-desk supports a small number of visas, and larger quotas need a shared or private office. The investor (owner) visa usually counts towards the quota.
Available office options in DWTC: flexi-desk, shared office, private office. If you expect to hire, choose a package with room to grow — upgrading later is possible but often costs more than starting with the right setup.
Minimum share capital: no fixed minimum for most activities.
Documents required
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Proof of residential address (some zones)
- Short business profile or CV (some activities)
You can upload these securely after checkout.
Setup steps & timeline
- Day 0Choose your package & pay online
- Day 0–1Upload passport & photo; we reserve your company name
- Day 1–10Initial approval, licence & incorporation documents issued
- +3–5 daysEstablishment card & visa entry permit
- +5–10 daysMedical test, Emirates ID & visa stamping
- Anytime afterBank account opening & corporate tax registration
Location
DWTC FAQs
How much does a DWTC licence cost?
DWTC packages start from an estimated AED 19,055 for a licence without visas. Visa packages cost more. Annual renewal is estimated from AED 18,025. Confirm the latest fees with our advisor before you pay.
How long does DWTC company setup take?
Around 10 working days for the licence once your documents are complete. Residence visas usually take 1–3 more weeks.
How many visas can a DWTC company get?
Up to 6 visas, depending on the package and office type you choose.
Can foreigners own 100% of a DWTC company?
Yes. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Does DWTC allow crypto activities?
Yes, DWTC licenses some crypto and Web3 activities. Regulated virtual asset services may also need a regulator licence.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in DWTC?
Usually not for the licence — it can be done online. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Compare DWTC with other zones
Related free zones
CommerCity
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 18,025Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~7 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: E-commerce brands, Marketplaces
View packages →
TECOM
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 18,025Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~10 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Media and publishing companies, Tech and software firms
View packages →
DSP
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 18,025Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~14 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Pharma and life sciences, Lab and medical equipment traders
View packages →