The prime business location in Dubai exists at Expo City Dubai for companies looking for business setup in Expo City and establish physical operations. The “city of the future” development concept underpins this location through its state-of-the-art infrastructure with sustainable buildings reachable within a 15-minute walking distance.
Expo City contains an assortment of restaurants, cafes, gyms, and entertainment complexes throughout its region. Companies eyeing to generate visibility while building partnerships will find Expo City to provide superior networking benefits. The previous EXPO-2020 exhibition buildings have transformed into active administrative office zones.
The main advantage of Expo City lies in its transportation accessibility because it stands at the intersection of four major highways and possesses its dedicated metro station. The region enjoys exceptional logistics assistance from Al Maktoum International Airport and its geographic closeness to Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The location of Expo City falls short when heavy manufacturing companies demand particular licenses and space requirements for warehouses.
Benefits of Setting up a Business in Expo City Free Zone
100% Foreign Ownership:
Expo City Dubai free zone includes the possibility of full foreign ownership of businesses. This opportunity enables entrepreneurs to control their businesses without requiring a local partner.
Tax Incentives:
The expo city free zone provides tax incentives that offer businesses exempt corporate tax status with no requirement to pay personal income tax. A beneficial economic atmosphere supports start-ups and existing enterprises within the same area.
Simplified Business Setup Process:
business setup in Expo City follows a procedure that provides both efficiency and ease of use. The streamlined procedures with reduced paperwork and accelerated approval system enable entrepreneurs to concentrate on their operations since they do not face bureaucratic hurdles.
Modern Infrastructure:
The modern urban centre of Expo City provides its occupants access to contemporary infrastructure that combines fast network connections, sophisticated telecommunication systems and outstanding facilities.
Strategic Location:
Households based in Expo City benefit from Dubai's key transport junctions at international seaports and airports that enable smooth market access domestically and globally. Business organizations find the strategic position highly advantageous for market expansion.
Expo City Dubai Business Activities
Commercial Activities
Through the commercial license, traders can exchange spare parts, building materials, technology items, food, and jewellery products.
Professional Activities
Freelance permits enable individuals to practice professions as writers, web developers, designers, trainers, influencers, photographers, PR specialists, musicians, analysts, journalists, and interior designers.
Industrial Activities
The industrial license provides manufacturers with the opportunity to establish production lines in sectors, including military operations, oil, gas, telecom, motor vehicle, clothing industries, and more.
Expo City Dubai Facilities
Shared desks in sustainable buildings enable freelancers and start-ups to connect socially through networking opportunities. Each desk allows two employee allocations.
Office Space: Located in sustainable buildings with cafes, retail stores, and views of Expo City landmarks. Employee allocation is 1 per 9 sqm.
Food and Beverage and Retail: Requires government approval. Employee allocation is 1 per 15 sqm.
Expo City Dubai Visa Costs
| Employment visa outside UAE (1 year) | AED 2,500 |
| Employment visa outside UAE (2 years) | AED 3,000 |
| Employment visa inside UAE (1 year) | AED 3,100 |
| Employment visa inside UAE (2 years) | AED 3,500 |
Expo City Dubai Company License Renewal
Expo City Dubai Company Amendments
Transfer of shares
Change of company name
Amendment to business activity
Change of company manager
Expo City Dubai Company Liquidation
The liquidation process has a standard fee of AED 2,000 while maintaining a duration of one month. Basic procedures for liquidation encompass the cancellation of visa establishment cards with license elimination. A final audit report with the original documents must be provided during the process. Each corporate bank account should undergo closure, while the necessary proof must be acquired before liquidation occurs. The deregistration document will arrive after the process terminates.
Steps for Business Setup in Expo City
Multiple steps exist to establish a business operation at Expo City. The following guidelines will assist your journey toward starting a business in Expo City.
1. Determine Your Business Activity
Your first step must identify the particular business operation you want to pursue. Knowing your business activity will help you learn about the regulations connected to this activity.
2. Choose a Legal Structure
You must determine which legal organization your business will use as its foundation. A business owner can opt for operating through a sole proprietorship, or limited liability company with a branch office.
3. Reserve a Trade Name
The next step demands securing a trade name for your business establishment. The chosen business name must meet all requirements established by the Expo City authority representing your company activities.
4. Apply for a Trade License
A Trade license application can be submitted after your trade name receives reservation status. Submit necessary documentation, like the business plan, proof of identity, documentation matching your business operations when applying for this process.
5. Lease Office Space
A lessee must acquire leased office space inside the Expo City free zone. Watch your options to select the best spot that matches your business vision and financial capabilities. The free zone at Expo City provides corporate space solutions that include shared work areas and independent office spaces.
6. Open a Bank Account
Opening a corporate banking account becomes necessary after you obtain your business license. Such steps help you handle company finances while enabling business transactions.
7. Obtain Visas and Permits
A business structure with its activities determines whether you or your employees need to obtain visas and permits. Research shows Expo City authority staff can help you determine essential documentation requirements.
8. Start Operations
Your business operation start date becomes possible in Expo City upon completion of the specified steps. Make the most of the supportive environment with networking possibilities that exist in the free zone area.
A&A Associate Will Help You Set Up Your Business in Expo City Free Zone
If you are planning for business setup in Expo City Free Zone, A&A Associate is here to assist you with expert guidance and end-to-end support. Call us at: +971 50 483 6190 or Email us: info@aaconsultancy.ae
Frequently Asked Questions
The ECDA provides more than 180 diverse services, including business setup assistance, short-term operation permissions from 1 day up to 12 months, professional freelance permits and permits for commercial food service businesses, employment visas, business visit visa processing services, and documentation assistance.
A leased space serves as a mandatory requirement for ECD licenses, but Freelance Permits allow optional space leased.
The needed capital investment depends on which type of licence the client chooses to create. Contact info@aaconsultancy.ae by email to fetch additional information.
An ECD license continuation enables authorized companies to switch between free zones while conserving their initial business chronology and establishment year.
