DUQE Free Zone Company Setup
Start your business at DUQE Free Zone, the world’s only maritime-based free zone located at Mina Rashid. Leverage streamlined setup, licenses, visas, and flexible office spaces for your business growth. Get in touch with Gulf Corporate Services today to begin your setup journey!
✓ 100% Foreign Ownership
✓ Fast Company Setup
✓ Bank Account Assistance
✓ Zero Income and Withholding Taxes
About DUQE Free Zone
DUQE Free Zone, located aboard the legendary Queen Elizabeth II at Mina Rashid, offers a unique business environment like no other. As the world’s only ship-based free zone, it provides businesses with a distinct atmosphere and a competitive edge.
Strategically located just 18 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 15 minutes from iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, DUQE Free Zone offers easy access to key transportation hubs, making it a prime location for international business operations.
With its central position in the heart of Dubai, DUQE is an excellent choice for companies looking for a prestigious business address in a thriving, multicultural environment. The free zone also offers students and entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn, innovate, and grow within a dynamic business ecosystem.
Take advantage of DUQE’s strategic location, innovative setting, and fast business setup process to establish your business in Dubai’s most distinctive free zone.
Why Choose DUQE Free Zone for Your Business?
A Unique Maritime Business Environment
DUQE Free Zone is the world’s only free zone based on a ship, offering businesses a unique and prestigious address. Located at Mina Rashid, it offers a one-of-a-kind setting for businesses looking to stand out in Dubai’s competitive market.
Strategic Location for Global Connectivity
Located just 18 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 15 minutes from iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, DUQE Free Zone provides seamless access to global markets, making it ideal for international trade and commerce.
A World-Class Business Address
Being based in Dubai, an international business hub, DUQE Free Zone offers unmatched prestige. Its proximity to top-tier commercial facilities, transportation links, and Dubai’s dynamic business environment makes it a top choice for global businesses.
Tax Benefits and Full Ownership
Benefit from 100% foreign ownership and enjoy a tax-free environment with no corporate or personal income tax. DUQE offers the perfect environment for businesses looking to thrive without worrying about local taxes.
Cost of Setting Up in DUQE Free Zone
Setting up your business in DUQE is a straightforward and cost-effective process. Here are the key cost details:
License Fee Range
DUQE Free Zone offers different licenses depending on your business activity. Typical licenses start at AED 15,000 per year. However, costs may vary based on the type of business and its scope of activities.
Office / Desk Cost Range
Office costs range from AED 12,000 annually for shared co-working spaces to AED 35,000 for private office spaces, depending on the size and location within the free zone.
Visa Cost Range
Visa costs range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per person, depending on the number of employees and the visa requirements for your business.
Why DUQE is Priced This Way
The pricing at DUQE Free Zone is competitive considering the unique maritime setting and strategic location. The costs reflect the value provided by its premium facilities, business-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets.
Types of Licenses Available in DUQE Free Zone
DUQE Free Zone offers several types of licenses based on your business activity:
Commercial Trading License
This license is ideal for businesses involved in trade, import/export, or distribution activities. DUQE Free Zone provides a strategic location to facilitate global trade operations.
Professional Service License
For businesses offering services such as consulting, IT support, or design services, the professional service license is tailored to meet the needs of service-oriented companies.
Industrial/Logistics License
If you’re involved in logistics or industrial operations, this license allows you to set up manufacturing, storage, or distribution businesses with ease
Company Formation Process in DUQE Free Zone
Setting up a business in the DUQE Free Zone is simple and efficient. Here’s how you can start:
Activity + Name Approval
Select your business activity from the approved list and submit your company name for approval by the DUQE Free Zone authorities.
Office Selection (Mandatory / Packages)
Choose between shared co-working spaces or private offices. DUQE Free Zone offers flexible office setups based on your business requirements.
License Issuance Timeline
Once your application is submitted with the required documents, you can expect to receive your business license in about 10-15 business days.
Visa Allocation + Medical + Emirates ID
DUQE Free Zone provides investor and employee visa options. The visa application process includes medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and biometric data collection.
Bank Account Setup
Set up your corporate bank account with one of the UAE’s reliable banking institutions. Gulf Corporate Services can assist you with the process to ensure smooth operations.
Office Space Requirement in DUQE Free Zone
Flexi Desk vs Private Office
DUQE Free Zone offers both flexible desk spaces and private offices. Depending on your business size and needs, you can choose from cost-effective co-working spaces or opt for private office spaces with more personalized requirements.
How Office Space Affects Visas
The office size determines the number of visas your company is allocated. Larger offices allow for a higher number of visas, enabling you to hire more staff as your business grows.
Visa Options in DUQE Free Zone
DUQE Free Zone offers multiple visa options to accommodate your business needs:
Investor Visa
For business owners and partners who wish to control their company, the investor visa allows full ownership and operational autonomy.
Employee Visa
For employees working within your company, the employee visa can be issued based on the office size and business activity.
Dependent Visa
Business owners can sponsor their family members (spouse and children) for dependent visas, allowing them to live and work in the UAE.
Typical Visa Allocation Rules
The number of visas allocated depends on the chosen office space. A larger office generally allows for more employees, with the allocation rule based on the office square footage.
DUQE Free Zone vs Other Dubai Free Zones
DUQE vs Dubai Internet City
DUQE Free Zone offers a unique maritime business setting, whereas Dubai Internet City focuses on technology and IT services. DUQE’s advantages lie in its global trade accessibility, while Dubai Internet City thrives on its tech ecosystem.
DUQE vs Dubai Silicon Oasis
While Dubai Silicon Oasis specializes in technology and innovation, DUQE’s location and maritime setting make it the ideal free zone for businesses engaged in trade, logistics, and event-based services.
DUQE vs JAFZA
JAFZA offers a broader range of industries, while DUQE provides a distinctive maritime environment focused on business services and logistics, making it ideal for international traders and consultants.
Ready to Start Your Business in DUQE Free Zone?
Contact Gulf Corporate Services today to explore how we can assist you in setting up your business in the world’s only maritime free zone. We handle the paperwork, licenses, visas, and everything in between to ensure a smooth and efficient setup process.