DWC Company Formation

The Emirate of Dubai is located on the Arabian Peninsula, in the south of the Persian Gulf. Among the seven emirates that make up the UAE, it is the most populated one and second largest after Abu Dhabi. Dubai has more than 20 free zones.

Dubai South Free Zone offers the possibility of registering onshore (free zone) companies in the Emirate of Dubai, which can operate both within and outside the UAE. Such companies are granted a licence (special authorization from the Emirate’s Authority) according to the type of activity that they will be engaged in. Establishing a free zone company implies the possibility of obtaining residence visas for shareholders / employees, as well as their families, which is an indisputable advantage.

Key Specifics of Business Setup in Dubai South

• quick company registration in DWC;
• mandatory audit;
• lots of options for offices and warehouses;
• only UAE residents accepts as company’s managers;
• high ranking of the zone among the banks;
• minimum capital is AED 300.000;
• no requirement to prove the payment of authorized capital to register a company.

Procedure for formation a company in Dubai South Free Zone

1. Choose a company name to be checked for availability (at least 2 names)
2. Define a company structure (director, shareholders, and manager)
3. Define the company’s license type aligning with its activities
4. Choose your office type: Flexi desk и E-Office, Executive office
5. Providing documents for directors / shareholders / attorneys (either originals or notarized copies)
6. Pay all the necessary fees
7. Sign the corporate documents
8. Get the originals and the company seal

Types of Office in FZ Dubai South

Upon registration the company and the Free Zone authority sign an office lease agreement; the address of such office is considered the official registered office address of the company.

Dubai South Free Zone offers various office packages depending on the needs of clients in terms of type and number of licences, number of visas, the need for substance and placement in the Free Zone: from smart desk and smart office (a separate room or workstation in first-class business centres) to warehouses and land plots.

DWC Free Zone Company Registration Period

14 days

Types of Licenses Issued in the DWC Free Zone

• Service license – allows the holder to provide the type of services specified in the licence.
• Commercial licence – allows the holder to import, export, sell, distribute and store goods specified in the licence.
• Industrial license – allows the holder to import raw materials for production, processing and / or assembly of specified products. Finished products can be exported outside the UAE.
• Educational license – allows the holder to provide educational services, organize / conduct trainings.

To register a company in DWC:

The director can be an individual (min – 1, max – 7).

The manager can be an individual (min – 1), UAE resident, can be the same person as the director.

Both individuals and legal entities can be shareholders (min – 1, max – 6).

No requirements as to the residence of director, manager or shareholder(s).

The company’s name should be unique.

Registration is executed in the English language.