DUCAMZ Free Zone: Everything you need to know

car in Ducamz free zone

The DUCAMZ Free Zone is the ideal environment for automotive-related businesses. If you want to start an automotive company in DUCAMZ Free Zone, this article is your perfect starting point.

The following sections share everything you need to know about DUCAMZ, covering the following topics:

  • Importance of Free Zones in the UAE and their role in boosting business
  • When and why was DUCAMZ Free Zone established?
  • Benefits of setting up a business in DUCAMZ Free Zone
  • Steps to establish a business in DUCAMZ Free Zone
  • Why businesses should consider DUCAMZ as a potential location for their startup.
  • Why work with Trade License Zone?

Importance of Free Zones in the UAE and their role in boosting business


Free Zones are pivotal to the United Arab Emirates’ economic growth and diversification strategy. Established as special economic regions, they offer businesses myriad benefits that have proven instrumental in attracting foreign investment. Companies operating within these Free Zones can enjoy 100% foreign ownership and significant tax benefits, such as complete exemptions from certain duties and taxes.

The UAE’s investment in world-class infrastructure within the Free Zones ensures businesses have everything they need, from state-of-the-art logistics to modern office spaces. This favourable environment doesn’t just attract foreign enterprises but also generates substantial employment opportunities, contributing to the UAE’s socio-economic development.

The focused nature of the UAE’s Free Zones – for example, the DUCAMZ Free Zone’s emphasis on the automotive sector – fosters innovation and competition, ensuring businesses remain at the pinnacle of their industries.

When and why was DUCAMZ Free Zone established?


Launched in 2000, the DUCAMZ Free Zone was created to augment Dubai’s role as a central player in global trade, specifically in the automotive sector.

The world witnessed a booming automotive demand during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The appetite for vehicles and related services was escalating, especially in the Middle East. DUCAMZ was initiated to cater to this burgeoning demand, providing the requisite infrastructure and incentives to attract investment.

With its prime geographical position, Dubai is a gateway between East and West. DUCAMZ leverages this advantage, making Dubai the epicentre of automotive re-export, particularly to Asian and African markets.

Beyond mere trade, DUCAMZ was visualised as an innovation crucible where businesses could explore new automotive trends, collaborate, and pioneer groundbreaking ideas. The specialised nature of DUCAMZ led to numerous employment opportunities, further stimulating Dubai’s economic growth.

With a track record of simplifying the registration process, from name selection to obtaining the right trade license, our team ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. Partnering with Trade License Zone not only fast-tracks your DUCAMZ Free Zone entry but also ensures your business is built on a solid foundation.

Steps to establish a business in DUCAMZ Free Zone


To open an automotive-related business in DUCAMZ Free Zone in Dubai, you must apply for a trade license and comply with the UAE’s strict business regulations. These are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone


Your first step is to partner with a company setup specialist such as Trade License Zone. We’ll ensure you apply for the correct trade license, comply with the government’s business processes, and other steps to speedily open your business in DUCAMZ.

Step 2: Choose a company name

The UAE’s Registry Office is responsible for the naming of businesses. Due to the stringent rules, company names must steer clear of any language that could be deemed offensive or blasphemous and should not allude to Islam or Allah. If you decide to use your name, ensure it’s in its complete form without abbreviations. Additionally, you’ll need to provide three top choices for your company name, which the Registry Office will check for availability. Trade License Zone is here to guide you in complying with these naming rules during the registration process.

Step 3: Select your business activities

Trade licenses define the range of services a company is authorised to offer and play a pivotal role in industry oversight. In the UAE, having a valid trade license is mandatory for every business. Various trade licenses cater to distinct business activities and sectors.

The business activities you select are the only activities you may carry out in the UAE. Conducting business without the correct business activities and trade license can result in severe penalties from Dubai’s authorities.

There are over 2,000 business activities to choose from, and you need to select the right ones for your sector and business services and functions. For any help with this crucial step, contact Trade License Zone’s experienced staff to help you navigate this somewhat tricky process.

Step 4: Choosing a business location

DUCAMZ boasts incredible facilities and infrastructures. You must rent an office space, workshop, or other site appropriate to your business needs. Your tenancy agreement will form part of the supporting documentation for your trade license application.

Step 5: Apply for initial approval

To proceed with your trade license application, you must first apply for initial approval for your business activities with the DUCAMZ Free Zone. This step involves submitting the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa, and business plan to the DUCAMZ for approval. The Free Zone will issue your initial approval, which you must add to your supporting documents for your trade license application.

Step 6: Apply for your trade license

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you can submit your business documents, relevant trade license application, and supporting documents as required by the application form.

Once your trade license application has been granted, you must pay for the license. You can then start operating your automotive business in the DUCAMZ Free Zone.

Why businesses should consider DUCAMZ as a potential location for their startup.

DUCAMZ offers an array of tailored advantages for startups in the automotive sector. Here are three main reasons why DUCAMZ should be on the radar of every automotive entrepreneur:

1. Industry specialisation: DUCAMZ’s exclusive focus on the automotive world means businesses can access facilities and services specifically crafted for them.
2. Prime location: The Free Zone boasts strategic connectivity to vital roads, ports, and airports, ensuring streamlined logistics and transportation.
3. Incentives for growth: DUCAMZ ensures businesses thrive with perks such as 100% foreign ownership, total profit repatriation, tax breaks, and a hassle-free licensing procedure.

Why work with Trade License Zone?

DUCAMZ plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s economy and has special prominence in global vehicle trading. Navigating the complexities of setting up a business in this Free Zone becomes significantly easier with the right partner by your side.

Since its opening in 2000, DUCAMZ has emerged as the cornerstone for automotive businesses, offering unparalleled benefits like tailored facilities, strategic positioning, financial incentives, and a streamlined setup process. Ensuring your startup maximizes these benefits requires in-depth knowledge and expertise. This is where Trade License Zone comes into the picture.

With a track record of simplifying the registration process, from name selection to obtaining the right trade license, our team ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. Partnering with Trade License Zone not only fast-tracks your DUCAMZ Free Zone entry but also ensures your business is built on a solid foundation.

Contact us to get a personalized quotation based on your business activity

TALK TO US