Dubai · Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation · Est. 2022
Headquartered aboard the QE2 at Mina Rashid, DUQE is a Dubai-based free zone offering streamlined digital setup and fast-track licensing. Packages start from AED 12,500, supporting up to 6 visa allocations with moderate corporate banking accessibility. DUQE provides bundled lease agreements and flexi-desk options designed for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises requiring a Dubai business address.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 12,500
Year 1 (estimated)
Quick facts
0 Visa Quota Package
AED 12,500
— · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 12,500
Estimated
1 Visa Quota Package
AED 20,200
— · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 18,600
Estimated
2 Visa Quota Package
AED 26,150
— · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 23,650
Estimated
3 Visa Quota Package
AED 32,100
— · Flexi Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 30,750
Estimated
6 Visa Quota Package
AED 49,950
— · Flexi Desk · 6 visas
Renews at AED 47,000
Estimated
Packages explicitly bundle a lease agreement, so a workspace/lease component is included even at entry tiers. Visa renewal cost (AED 3,000) recurs every 2 years.
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
Medium
Audit risk
Standard
Forensic ease
6/10
Port-Adjacent Generalist; Flexible but Less-Tested.
DUQE, operated by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at Mina Rashid, offers general-purpose licensing for startups, consultants, and SMEs with port-adjacent logistics access. Its statutory positioning mirrors other PCFC-family zones, but it carries less market-tested precedent than JAFZA for large-scale trading operations. Entities should treat its QFZP qualifying-income analysis the same as any general-purpose free zone, with no special carve-outs.
Operates under the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); general commercial and consultancy activities are expected to qualify as Qualifying Income under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 Article 18, subject to standard substance requirements.
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Tax and compliance
DUQE tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in DUQE?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Free Zone at Mina Rashid (DUQE) is 0 Visa Quota Package at AED 12,500 for Year 1, renewing at AED 12,500. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DUQE setup take?
Typical processing time is 1–10 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DUQE licence?
Banking difficulty for DUQE is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq.
How many visas can I get with a DUQE licence, and what do they cost?
Published packages include up to 6 visas (6 Visa Quota Package, AED 49,950 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 2,500. Visa renewal cost (AED 3,000) recurs every 2 years.
Do I need a physical office in DUQE?
Packages explicitly bundle a lease agreement, so a workspace/lease component is included even at entry tiers.
Can a DUQE company trade on the UAE mainland?
Yes, DUQE offers a route to trade on the mainland. Check the conditions for your activity before you rely on it.