Set Up in Dubai’s Re-Export Hub for Cars and Vehicles – DUCAMZ (Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone)

Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

Table of Contents

DUCAMZ is a specialized Free Zone in Al Aweer focusing exclusively on used car trading and re-export to markets across Africa, CIS, and South Asia. It provides large yards, high-volume storage, and vehicle inspection infrastructure tailored to bulk automotive operations. 

With 100% foreign ownership and no import/export duties within the zone, DUCAMZ simplifies cross-border vehicle trade. It’s designed for dealers, exporters, fleet operators, and auction houses seeking efficient re-export solutions.

Why Set Up in DUCAMZ? 

✅  Located in Al Aweer — Dubai’s largest used car trading cluster

✅  Designed specifically for used vehicle import, export, and re-export

✅  100% foreign ownership and no import/export duties within the zone

✅  Wide access to global markets across Africa, CIS, and South Asia

✅  High-volume yards, storage, and vehicle inspection infrastructure

✅  Trusted by dealers, exporters, and logistics businesses

✅  Full support for license, visa, and banking setup

We handle it all – so you don’t have to.

DUCAMZ Business Activities 

DUCAMZ offers diverse automotive business opportunities within its specialized free zone infrastructure, supporting various commercial activities from vehicle distribution to comprehensive logistics solutions.

  1. Pre-Owned Vehicle Commerce:Purchase and sale of previously owned automobiles. DUCAMZ serves as a marketplace for dealers to import, store, display, and distribute vehicles locally and internationally.

  2. International Vehicle Distribution: Importing automobiles for subsequent distribution to foreign markets, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location for efficient vehicle transfers to Asia and Africa.

  3. Automotive Bulk Distribution: Large-volume supply of vehicles to businesses like dealerships and fleet operators, benefiting from streamlined customs and tax advantages.

  4. Vehicle Auction Platforms: Competitive bidding environments for buying and selling automobiles, facilitating efficient inventory turnover and market-driven pricing.

  5. Automotive Transportation and Supply Chain Management: Movement, storage, and handling of vehicles, including shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation services.

  6. Vehicle Leasing and Rental Services: Providing automobiles on short-term or long-term basis to individuals and businesses, serving local and international clients.

  7. Pre-Transaction Inspection and Quality Assurance Services: Technical inspections of vehicles before sale or export, including condition reports and compliance verification for destination markets.

DUCAMZ’s comprehensive infrastructure and favorable regulatory framework position it as a premier automotive hub in the region. 

The zone’s strategic advantages, combined with streamlined operations and international connectivity, create an optimal environment for automotive enterprises to thrive while serving both domestic and global markets efficiently.

Steps to Start a Business in DUCAMZ (Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone)

1. Choose Your Business Activity

Identify the specific automotive-related activity you wish to conduct, such as vehicle trading, leasing, modification, logistics, or vehicle services.
Important: Trading in spare parts is strictly prohibited in DUCAMZ.

Choose the legal structure that suits your business model. Options include:

  • Free Zone Company (FZCO)
  • Free Zone Entity (FZE)
  • Branch of a local or foreign company
  • Subsidiary
  • Joint Venture

Pick a unique and compliant trade name that aligns with UAE naming guidelines, and register it with the appropriate authority.

Gather and organize the necessary documents, which typically include:

  • Certificate of trade name reservation
  • Completed business registration application
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
  • Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
  • Passport copies of shareholders, directors, and managers
  • UAE residency proof (if applicable)
  • Bank reference letter or recent bank statement
  • Signed lease agreement for office/showroom/warehouse in DUCAMZ
  • Detailed business plan
  • Proof of capital investment (if applicable; minimum capital: AED 100,000)

Submit your full application with supporting documents to the DUCAMZ Free Zone Authority (administered by JAFZA).
Once reviewed and approved, you will receive initial clearance to proceed with the setup process.

Secure the required physical space within DUCAMZ. Options include offices, warehouses, showrooms, or workshops, depending on your license type and business activity.

Pay the necessary license fees (starting around AED 14,000) and any applicable setup or facility charges. 

After payment and final review, DUCAMZ will issue your official business license, allowing you to begin operations. You can then apply for residency visas for yourself, shareholders, and employees, based on your license package and facility size.

DUCAMZ Licenses 

DUCAMZ provides three distinct license categories to accommodate various automotive business models, enabling companies to operate within specialized regulatory frameworks tailored to their operational requirements.

In the Dubai Cars and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ), businesses can obtain the following types of licenses:

Trading License

This license enables the import, export, and re-export of vehicles, including pre-owned automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and related automotive products. It also encompasses the commerce of auto spare parts and accessories.

Service License

This license accommodates businesses providing automotive-related services such as vehicle repair and maintenance, customization, modification, and consulting services.

 

Industrial License

This license facilitates light manufacturing activities related to the automotive sector, such as assembling vehicle components or producing automotive parts.

DUCAMZ operates under the management of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), which supervises the licensing and administrative procedures within the zone.

To establish a business in DUCAMZ, companies can select from the following legal structures:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Appropriate for single shareholders
  • Free Zone Company (FZCO): Accommodates 2 to 5 shareholders
  • Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: Suitable for existing companies seeking to expand into DUCAMZ


The minimum capital requirement for establishing a Free Zone Company in DUCAMZ is AED 100,000.

DUCAMZ provides several advantages to businesses, including 100% foreign ownership, complete repatriation of profits and capital, exemption from import/export duties, and no corporate taxes for 50 years.

DUCAMZ’s comprehensive licensing framework and flexible business structures create an attractive environment for automotive enterprises. The zone’s competitive advantages, combined with JAFZA’s administrative support and favorable economic policies, position businesses for sustainable growth while accessing regional and international markets effectively.

DUCAMZ License Costs and Packages 

License Type

Approximate Cost (AED)

Notes

Trading/Service License

14,000

Standard starting fee for most activities

Company Setup Package

62,940

Includes additional setup and registration

What’s Included in the Packages? 

  • License Issuance
  • Company Registration
  • Lease Agreement for Facility (office, warehouse, or showroom)
  • Establishment Card
  • Visa Allocation (varies by package)
  • Assistance with Bank Account Opening


Note:
The exact inclusions depend on the specific business requirements.

 

Additional Costs 

  • Facility Lease: Office, showroom, or warehouse rental is a separate cost and varies based on size and location within DUCAMZ.
  • Visa Fees: Charges for investor and employee visas are additional and depend on the number of visas required.
  • Renewal Fees: Annual renewal of the license is required, typically at the same rate as the initial license fee (around AED 14,000).
  • Share Capital Requirement: The minimum capital requirement is usually AED 100,000 for company formation.

     

Renewal and Maintenance 

Annual Renewal: Straightforward process, can be completed remotely through an agent. Requires payment of renewal fee and submission of a signed lease agreement.

Audit Report: From the second year onward, an audit report may be required at the time of renewal.

DUCAMZ’s transparent pricing structure and comprehensive packages provide businesses with clear financial planning capabilities. 

The zone’s competitive costs, combined with significant tax advantages and operational flexibility, deliver exceptional value for automotive enterprises seeking to establish operations in Dubai’s strategic marketplace.

DUCAMZ Residency and Visas 

DUCAMZ provides business owners and investors with residency visas connected to their company establishment. Visa allocation depends on company type and facility size, with streamlined processes supporting entrepreneurs and employees in the automotive sector.

  1. Investor/Partner Visa: Provides complete business ownership rights, family sponsorship capabilities, and residential privileges directly connected to company shareholding status within the free zone.
  2. Employment Visa (Work Visa): Enables companies to recruit and sponsor international employees without nationality restrictions, facilitating workforce diversity and professional mobility within automotive sector operations.
  3. Dependent (Family) Visa: Facilitates family reunification by allowing relatives to reside in Dubai under the sponsorship of the main visa holder’s residential status.
  4. Golden Visa: Provides long-term stability with self-sponsorship privileges, comprehensive family sponsorship rights, and enhanced business investment opportunities without local sponsor requirements.
  5. Green Visa: Offers self-employment flexibility without traditional employer sponsorship requirements, ideal for independent professionals and investors seeking autonomous business operations.
  6. Short-Term Business Visit Visa: Facilitates temporary business activities, due diligence processes, and exploratory meetings before formal company establishment or investment commitment decisions.

     

Additional Notes

  • Visa allocation depends on the type of license, company structure, and size of leased facility within DUCAMZ.
  • Health insurance is mandatory for all residency visas.
  • Visa processing is streamlined and can often be managed remotely through agents.
  • All visas allow holders to apply for Emirates ID, open bank accounts, and access other resident services in the UAE.

     

These visa categories make DUCAMZ a flexible hub for automotive entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals seeking residency and business opportunities in Dubai’s specialized free zone environment.

Visa Type

Approximate Cost (AED)

Key Requirements

Notes

Investor/Partner Visa

3,500 – 4,200 (2-year with insurance)

Valid trade license, company ownership, medical test, health insurance

Enables business owners to reside and sponsor family; typically 2-year duration

Employment Visa

1,500 – 3,000 (including medical, Emirates ID)

Valid job offer, employer sponsorship, medical test, Emirates ID

2-year validity; employer manages application; includes work permit and residency

Dependent Visa

3,000 – 4,000 (per dependent with insurance)

Sponsored by resident, relationship proof, salary criteria

Permits family members to reside in UAE; health insurance required

Golden Visa

10,000 – 15,000+ (application and processing)

Significant investment/business criteria, medical test, potential interview

Long-term visa (5-10 years); self-sponsored; enhanced residency and business privileges

Green Visa

3,000 – 5,000 (varies)

Skilled professional or investor status, medical test, health insurance

5-year self-sponsored visa; appropriate for freelancers and investors

Short-Term Business Visa

350 – 1,700 (30-90 days)

Valid passport, business purpose, confirmed return ticket

Temporary business visits; non-renewable; multiple-entry options available

Additional Common Costs and Requirements: 

  • Medical Tests: AED 200 – 800 depending on visa type and clinic selection.
  • Emirates ID: AED 300 – 570, required for all residency visas.
  • Health Insurance: AED 500 – 1,000 annually, compulsory for residency visas.
  • Security Deposit: AED 1,000 refundable deposit may be required in certain cases.
  • Visa Processing Time: Typically 5–10 working days.
  • Cancellation Fee: AED 110 per visa cancellation request.

This summary provides a clear guide to the visa types, associated costs, and requirements relevant to businesses and individuals operating within DUCAMZ. For precise fees and application assistance, consulting a DUCAMZ business setup or visa specialist is recommended.

Why Choose MenaHerald for Your DUCAMZ Company Formation?

Let MenaHerald manage the complexities of your automotive business establishment in Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone. We deliver expert guidance, comprehensive documentation support, and streamlined DUCAMZ registration — from license selection to facility arrangements and visa processing.

Why Choose MenaHerald?

✓ Transparent Pricing Structure 

✓ End-to-End Service Delivery 

✓ Streamlined Process Management 

✓ Continuous Client Support 

✓ Fast-Track Processing

Get Started Today — Speak to a DUCAMZ Specialist Now!

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