Setting up your business in the DTEC free zone is a fantastic opportunity for foreign investors. One of the most significant advantages is that you can have 100% ownership of your company without needing a local sponsor or shareholder. This makes starting your business in DTEC a smooth process and opens up new corridors to expand your operations in the UAE and tap into the broader Middle Eastern market.
Dubai, the land of opportunities, is a hub for businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. With its progressive infrastructure, favorable business policies, and dynamic economy, Dubai has attracted several investors and businesses in recent years. Dubai’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) continues to increase rapidly, promising future opportunities for residents, students, employees, start-ups, SMBs, and enterprise-scale organizations.
DTEC (Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus) is known for catering to the diverse requirements of entrepreneurs and start-ups. In this blog, we’ll discuss the step-by-step process of setting up a business in Dubai, covering everything from choosing business activities to securing a trade license. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of starting a successful business in the DTEC freezone.
How to Setup a Business in DTEC Free Zone?
To begin operating in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, businesses have to register with the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority before. Dubai Silicon Oasis authority is introduced to support emerging technology-based businesses in Dubai. Foreign investors or entrepreneurs can apply for a service license to register their business with Dubai Silicon Oasis for Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZCO).
The steps of company formation in the DTEC include:
Step 1 – Define Business Scope
Carefully review and select business activities that align with your vision and model, as this will impact legal form, approvals, and license type. It is recommended to check the list of allowed business activities in the DTEC freezone to free from any hassle. You can merge up to 5 business activities under the same trade license and name.
Step 2 – Secure a Unique Trade Name
Check name availability with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (Dubai DED) and reserve a name that complies with the UAE’s religious, ethical, and moral values. You can check for the availability of desired trade name at the official site of Dubai DED and reserve your tradename after registering your account with DED.
Step 3 – Obtain Free Zone Trade License
To obtain a trade license from Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority that regulates the DTEC, you must submit different documents and approvals based on your business activity. It is recommended to seek help from a professional business formation service provider who can assist with accurate and prompt application submission. You must choose your company’s legal structure from FZE or FZCO to register your business and get your trade license from Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Step 4 – Open Free Zone Bank Account
Dubai’s banking system is one of the world’s most advanced and secure banking networks. A bank account is necessary for secure transactions and may require the physical presence of owners/shareholders. Consult a professional service provider to simplify the process and understand available options and required documents.
Read more about how to open a Free Zone company bank account to understand the entire account opening process, available options, and the required documents.
Step 5 – Finalize Business Setup
After obtaining the trade license from DTEC, you can officially start your business activities and take advantage of its unique benefits and opportunities. For further information, refer to mandatory approvals and required documents for company formation in DTEC.
DTEC Free Zone Company Formation Requirements
To create a business setup in the DTEC freezone, you must complete the following documents and approvals from relevant public entities.
- Initiate a business registration application with Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Provide your business’s memorandum of association
- Getting Business License
- Submitting an application for an establishment card to the Ministry of Labor (issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The documents required with the application include the following:
- Original Emirates ID
- Passport of UAE sponsor/shareholder (in case of shared partnership in Mainland – Shared partnership is not Obligatory after 2020)
- Old Immigration card
- A valid Trade License
- Copy of Passport with valid visa page of all partners for Freezone Company
- Your employees must be registered with the Ministry of Labor, with the documents required as under:
- UAE’s Residence Visa/Work Visa
- Copy of Passport with valid visa page
- Employment Agreement
- Labor card
- Emirates ID
You can read our comprehensive blog post on how to get a UAE residence visa.
Benefits of Setting up a Business in DTEC Dubai
By company formation in Dubai Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, you can expect the following benefits and privileges throughout your business lifecycle.
- Foreign businesses and start-ups can leverage 0% percent corporate & personal tax and 0% customs duties by creating a business setup in DTEC.
- Foreign investors can enjoy 100% ownership of their free zone business without getting into any partnership or sponsorship.
- The most prominent factor of DTEC is its flexible workspace. Whether a hot desk, a dedicated desk, or a private office, DTEC freezone offers the perfect environment for business setup in DTEC.
- DTEC accelerates innovators and encourages entrepreneurs. Along with its coalition partners, DTEC offers industry-centric programs to assist committed startups throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
- You can find well-established investors in DTEC freezone to alleviate your business in its starting stages.
License Options & Cost in DTEC Dubai
The Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC) offers three license categories to suit various needs and budget-friendly license costs in DTEC. For instance, you can opt for the following:
- The Flexi Desk package, starting at an annual fee of AED 18,000, includes a service license, use of a shared workspace, and eligibility for two visas.
- Fixed desks, with eligibility for three visas, at an annual fee of AED 24,200.
- For those seeking a more premium experience, furnished private offices, including two visas per desk, are available for an annual fee of AED 47,820.
Cost to Setup Business in DTEC Dubai
The cost of setting up a business in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus may vary from 18,000 to 50,000 AED depending upon the type of license category and the number of employee visas you apply for.
Facilities Available for Businesses in DTEC Freezone
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus provides various facilities for businesses, including:
- Co-working spaces – It offers flexible and well-equipped co-working spaces for entrepreneurs and startups.
- Meeting rooms – It provides modern and well-equipped meeting rooms for businesses to host meetings and sessions.
- Virtual office services – It offers virtual office services, including email and call handling, to assist businesses in establishing a professional presence in Dubai.
- Incubation and acceleration programs – It offers incubation and acceleration programs for entrepreneurs to help them grow their businesses.
- Networking opportunities – By setting up your business in DTEC Freezone, you can leverage various networking opportunities and connect professionals from diverse communities.
- Mentorship and support – DTEC freezone offers mentorship to help startups address challenges at the beginning of their journey.
Best Businesses to Start in DTEC Freezone
Businesses in the IT and service industry can have significant growth opportunities in DTEC. Some of the most profitable business ideas in the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus include:
- CyberSecurity Services
- Data Consultancy
- Design and Graphics
- Commercial brokers
- Software services
- Cloud services
- IT Network services
- Internet Provider
- Digital Marketing
You can also check the list of allowed business activities in the DTEC to choose the best niche for your start-up journey.
Alternative DTEC Freezones
- Dubai Media City Free Zone
- JlT free zone
- Dubai Internet City free zone
- Dubai South free zone
- Dubai Airport Free Zone
- Dubai Logistics City Free Zone
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone
- Dubai Science Park free zone
- Dubai Knowledge Park Free Zone
- Dubai Production City Free Zone
- Dubai CommerCity Free Zone
Business Activities Allowed & Restricted in DTEC Dubai
Apart from some restricted business activities like trading or selling alcoholic beverages, gambling services, illegal drugs, and sales of firearms, DTEC’s list of approved activities offers several business activities for company formation in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus. The most profitable business activities in DTEC dubai include:
- CyberSecurity Services
- Data Consultancy
- Design and Graphics
- Commercial brokers
- Software services
- Cloud services
- IT Network services
- Internet Provider
- Digital Marketing
FAQs about Company Formation in DTEC Dubai
Do I need a Local Partner to Start My Company in DTEC?
How many days would it take to get my license for my business in DTEC?
The Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) is the regulatory body for the DTEC free zone. Upon receiving your application, DSOA will conduct a review and issue the trade license within a quick turnaround time of 1 week. After the trade license issuance, you can immediately commence your business operations in the UAE without any obstacles. This streamlined process allows you to swiftly establish your presence in the dynamic business environment of the DTEC free zone.
What is Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC Free Zone)
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campur, or DTEC, is a holistic entrepreneurial hub that provides all the required facilities to set up a start-up in Dubai. A great coworking space, hassle-free business registration in DTEC free zone, a business-friendly ecosystem, and a tax-free regime are some remarkable privileges you can expect for company formation in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus.
DTEC introduced Dubai Smart City Accelerator in 2017 to showcase its inclination toward supporting entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. The program was offered by Startupbootcamp and in coalition with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, & Rochester Institute of Technology.
How can Airzone help you set up Business in DTEC Free Zone?
If you are gearing up to take the leap and launch your business at Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC) In that case, there is no need to get confused with the complex process of securing approvals and licenses that hinders you from reaching your goals. Airzone understands the challenges of starting a business and offers assistance at each stage of company formation at Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus.
With our team of experienced and professional business formation experts by your side, you’ll have a smooth and seamless journey to realizing your business vision. We’ll guide you through every step, including:
- Selecting the suitable business activities
- Tradename registration
- Trade license issuance
- Free Zone bank account opening process
- Emirates ID and Establishment Card issuance
- Residence or work visa issuance for your employees
Our network of trusted partners has a proven track record of setting up businesses in DTEC Dubai, other Dubai free zones, and mainland jurisdictions in the UAE. Airzone can connect you with the right business formation service provider to meet your specific needs and budget. We’ll make it easy for you, so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business. Contact Airzone today for a smooth onboarding.
Airzone will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you make the most of the benefits the UAE offers.