DUQE company formation process
Company registration in DUQE Free Zone is a quick process. The license will be issued within 1-3 business days, and the whole process takes from 1 to 2 weeks, as you need to go through the initial approval, business plan review, and other initial procedures.
Determine the business activities of your future company and the corresponding license type. This aspect is vital for a successful business setup, as choosing the wrong activity and license can cause errors during company registration, leading to problems with opening a bank account or obtaining residency visas for yourself and your employees.
Define your company’s legal status. DUQE Free Zone offers several company types for establishing a business, depending on the preferred number of shareholders and business activities:
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment) – an LLC with a single shareholder who can be either an individual or a non-individual (company).
- FZC (Free Zone Company) – a free zone LLC formed by multiple shareholders, which may include both individuals and non-individuals (companies).
- Branch of a local company
- Branch of a foreign company
Prepare and submit the necessary documents together with the application form. DUQE requires a minimal documentation package.
For individuals:
- Passport copy
- Entry stamp/cancellation paper/UID number
- Personal details
For branch/subsidiary:
- Board resolution
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Valid business license of the parent company
- Share certificate
- Certificate of incumbency or good standing
After all the documents have been compiled and the necessary paperwork has been drafted, you will be required to pay the necessary fees for the registration process to proceed with the application.
Collect the license and registration documents for the company, including:
- Certificate of incorporation
- License
- Lease agreement
- MoA and Articles of Association
Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
Apply for an entry permit. If you’re outside of the UAE during the processing of the entry permit, you will need to come to the country when the document is issued within 60 days to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. If you’re in the UAE when the entry permit is issued, a status change will be made from your previous UAE tourist/residency visa to the new one.
Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa and an Emirates ID. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company. Once you have the results of your medical test, you can submit all the details for visa approval. Your electronic visa will be sent to you by email. You can also find it in the UAE ICP app.
Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. The approval may take a few weeks. Once you receive your account details, you are free to start running your business.
With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.
- IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- KIZAD — Khalifa Free Zone Abu Dhabi
- UAQ — Umm Al Quwain Free Zone
- SAIF — Sharjah Airport Free Zone
- RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
- DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
- MFZ — Meydan Free Zone
- DAFZ — Dubai Airport Free Zone
- SHAMS — Sharjah Media City Free Zone
- DIC — Dubai Internet City
- JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone
- DWTC — Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone
- Hamriyah Free Zone
- RAK DAO — RAK Digital Assets Oasis
- DAZ - Dubai Auto Zone
- DSO — Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
- TECOM — Technology Electronic Commerce and Media Group
- SPC — Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
- DTEC — Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Center Free Zone
- DMC — Dubai Media City Free Zone
- Dubai South — Dubai South Free Zone
- Expo City — Expo City Dubai Free Zone
- AMC — Ajman Media City Free Zone
- AFZA — Ajman Free Zone
- FCC — Fujairah Creative City Free Zone
- FFZA - Fujairah Free Zone Authority
DUQE license costs
At DUQE Free Zone, company registration fees start at 12,500 AED for a zero-visa license with a virtual office.
The list of available packages, depending on the cost and visa quotas, includes:
| COST | VISA QUOTAS | ITEMS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| 12,500 AED | 0 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 14,250 AED | 1 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 16,000 AED | 2 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 17,750 AED | 3 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 19,500 AED | 4 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 21,250 AED | 5 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
| 23,000 AED | 6 | Trade license with 3 business activities + lease agreement |
Additional value-adding services at DUQE
At DUQE Free Zone, entrepreneurs gain access to an extensive range of value-added services designed to support their business journey at every stage. These tailored solutions are crafted to empower investors, streamline administrative processes, and create an environment where businesses can focus on growth rather than bureaucracy.
Among the key services offered are:
- Professional accounting support
- VAT registration assistance
- Guidance for bank account opening
- Medical testing and Emirates ID processing
- Comprehensive health insurance solutions
- Fully equipped Business Center facilities
Elena O.
We'll find the ideal free zone for your business
DUQE Company Formation
CEO, Emirabiz
Andrey Ovchinnikov
Discuss your unique case with our expert right now
Emirabiz is an authorized partner
Is DUQE suitable for your business?
Yes
- If your business is related to sectors such as trade, e-commerce, professional services, and light manufacturing.
- If you prefer a free zone in Dubai with premium infrastructure and tailored administrative support. DUQE Free Zone is located aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) ship docked at Port Rashid, Dubai, providing excellent connectivity with the city and access to international trade facilities.
- If you are looking for an affordable way to establish a company in the UAE. DUQE offers a range of cost-effective setup packages along with unique additional value-added services, making it one of Dubai’s most affordable free zones.
- If you are a freelancer, a digital nomad, a professional consultant, or you want to launch a startup or an e-commerce business, as DUQE provides all the necessary conditions and amenities for such setup types.
- If you prefer remote company formation, as most setup processes in DUQE, including application, document submission, and payment, can be handled online.
No
- If you want to set up your business in other emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. In this case, have a look at such free zones as RAKEZ, SAIF, or other UAE free zones.
- If your business is related to heavy industry or manufacturing and requires large storage and logistical facilities. In such cases, you may consider such free zones as JAFZA or KIZAD.
DUQE licenses and business activities
DUQE Free Zone offers three license types:
Professional License in Dubai
Manufacturing License in Dubai
Even the most basic package allows you to have up to 3 business activities without additional fees. The list of activities at DUQE Free Zone is quite vast and includes such categories as:
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Foodstuff trading
- Tourism
- General trading
- Advertising and marketing
- Education
- Lifestyle coaching
- Broadcasting and communications
- IT
- Consultancy
- Legal services
- Transport, shipping, and storage
- Packaging
- And many others
Elena O.
We'll find activities for your business
DUQE facilities
The following facilities can be leased from DUQE:
Flexi desk
Virtual office
In addition, the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship, now permanently docked in Dubai, offers a sophisticated environment featuring world-class dining venues, elegant conference halls, and luxurious five-star accommodation, serving a as a dynamic space for business engagement and premium hospitality.
DUQE residence visas
Establishing a business in DUQE Free Zone makes you entitled to residence visas for you and your personnel. The number of available visa quotas depends on the chosen package and company type, from 0 to 6. The residence visas are valid for 2 years.
DUQE company license renewal
The renewal of a company license in DUQE Free Zone is easy and straightforward. The renewal process will be completed when all required payments are made, documents are submitted, and the application is reviewed by the free zone authority.
DUQE company amendments
Company amendments in DUQE Free Zone generally include:
- Change of director
- Change of manager
- Shares transfer
- Change of business activity
DUQE company liquidation
If you decide to close your company in DUQE Free Zone, you will have to return the original documents and pay the liquidation fee. The liquidation procedure consists of the following steps:
- Provide the mandatory documentation, including all original corporate documents, such as:
- Attested Board Resolution signed by the shareholders and stating the reason for the company liquidation
- Deregistration documentation
- Business license and all other company incorporation documents
- Bank account clearance and closure letter
- Do the final company audit.
- Pay cancellation fees and settle other payments. Once this is done, the liquidation process is initiated.
- All residence visas and other immigration-related documents issued under the company need to be canceled as well.
- Once the liquidation is complete, you will be notified and receive the corresponding documents.
With us, you can navigate the liquidation process for your UAE company quickly and effortlessly, ensuring a smooth closure while saving valuable time and resources.
About DUQE Free Zone
DUQE Free Zone is a modern business hub located on board the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship, permanently docked at Port Rashid in Dubai. Designed for ambitious entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs, DUQE combines the prestige of a historic venue with the functionality of a fully equipped free zone. Its unique location offers an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and business development.
Companies registered in DUQE benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax, and simplified company formation processes. The free zone also provides a wide range of value-added services, including assistance with accounting, VAT registration, bank account opening, and Emirates ID processing. These support services are tailored to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their operations with ease.
What sets DUQE apart is its vibrant business community and access to premium facilities — from co-working spaces and private offices to meeting rooms and five-star hospitality services. Whether you're a freelancer, consultant, or business owner, DUQE offers a flexible and future-ready environment for growth.
FAQ
No, a personal visit to the UAE is required as per the regulations of the UAE Central Bank. Local banks require this visit to verify the client's identity.
In most cases, you can obtain a debit card for your newly opened company, especially if there is only one shareholder. However, a credit card is usually issued against a fixed deposit. As for loans, banks may consider your eligibility based on your company's operations and profits. It is recommended to apply for a loan after at least one year of company operations.
Officially, the office of a free zone company should be located within the free zone where it is registered. However, if you need an office in Dubai, you have the option to rent space in a Business Center and use it on a flexible basis. It is important to note that the minimum required space (flexi desk) in the free zone cannot be canceled.
A flexi desk is a mandatory requirement for any company eligible for resident visas. It serves as the minimum physical office space that a company with individuals under its visa must have. Additionally, a flexi desk can facilitate bank account opening as banks require evidence of a company having some form of office or physical presence.
VAT obligations depend not only on the place of registration but also on where the business activities take place. VAT becomes applicable when the taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000. If a free zone company's trading activities take place abroad, the turnover is not considered taxable as long as the transactions occur outside the UAE. However, if goods are imported to the UAE, VAT at a rate of 5% must be added to invoices and paid.
The UAE is free from personal income tax. However, there is a 5% import tax on goods brought into the country and a 5% VAT on trading or service transactions that occur within the UAE.On June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced 9% corporate tax, however, companies registered in UAE free zones may be granted corporate tax exemption if they meet the criteria for qualifying activities.
The suitability of a free zone company versus an offshore or mainland entity depends on your business model and requirements. However, a free zone setup offers advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, eligibility for resident visas, the ability to conduct business both within and outside the UAE, and greater favorability with banks compared to offshore companies. Additionally, free zones often offer a flexi desk option instead of executive offices, making it a cost-effective way to start a business without unnecessary obligations.
While we strive to make the account opening process as smooth as possible, we cannot guarantee the approval as it ultimately depends on the bank. Each case goes through several bank departments for approval, and the bank may contact you directly for clarifications. Providing a clear picture of your business to the bank increases the chances of successful account opening. We do our best to prepare you and your company for a smooth and fast account opening process.
Your company should be renewed annually, and the cost is typically lower than the initial setup cost. The renewal fees depend on your company package, and you can obtain the price by downloading the Estimate from our website. Company renewal does not require the personal presence of the owner and can be done by your agent. After renewal, the new license must be presented to the bank to extend the bank account, which is included in our renewal service.
You have multiple options for fee payment. You can make payments via bank transfer, cash, or online using a card.
Elena O.
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