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.
- Choose your business activities and license type. 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.
- Determine the legal entity of your business.
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 file the required documentation.
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.
Collect the license and registration documents for the company,
including:
- Certificate of incorporation
- License
- Lease agreement
- MoA and Articles of Association
- Secure your Establishment Card. Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
- Apply for an entry permit. 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.
- Complete the biometrics procedure, take a medical test, and submit visa documents. 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.
- Collect your Emirates ID. Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card.
- Open a bank account. 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.
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
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:
Commercial Trade License in Dubai
A Commercial License will allow you to open a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, with access to local and global markets.
Professional License in Dubai
With a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.
Manufacturing License in Dubai
Set up your own production facility in the UAE and benefit from advanced infrastructure and global market access.
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
DUQE facilities
The following facilities can be leased from DUQE:
Flexi desk
A shared working space available for a certain number of hours. It provides minimal facility requirements for company registration.
Virtual office
Provides a business address and mail handling services without the need for a physical space.
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.
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.