DUQE Company Setup
The startup-flavoured free zone aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2.
- Ownership
- 100% foreign
- Setup time
- 3 to 7 working days
- Licence cost
- from AED 12,500
- Visas
- Bundled packages up to 5+
DUQE operates from the Queen Elizabeth 2 at Port Rashid Mina Rashid and has positioned itself squarely at founders and digital entrepreneurs: fast digital incorporation, bundled visa packages, a co-working deck on the ship and a tone that is deliberately lighter than the corporate zones.
Beneath the branding it is a genuine Dubai free zone licence with 100% ownership and the standard tax treatment. For solo founders and small teams who want to move quickly and keep costs contained, DUQE competes directly with IFZA and Meydan, and its packages sometimes undercut both.
Who DUQE suits
- Startups and solo founders
- Digital and creative businesses
- Remote-first companies
- Founders who value speed over prestige addresses
Why choose DUQE
- Fast, fully digital setup
- Founder-friendly bundled pricing
- Co-working aboard the QE2 included in some packages
- Multiple activities per licence
- 0% corporate tax available as a qualifying free zone person
DUQE frequently asked questions
Is DUQE a real free zone?
Yes. DUQE is a licensed Dubai free zone authority; the QE2 headquarters is a branding choice, not a legal quirk. Licences carry the same 100% foreign ownership and free zone tax treatment as the established zones.
How much does a DUQE licence cost?
Packages start around AED 12,500 for a zero-visa licence, with visa-inclusive bundles in the AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 range. Promotions run frequently, and we check current package pricing when quoting.
Who should choose DUQE over IFZA or Meydan?
The three compete closely on price and speed. DUQE suits founders who will actually use the community and co-working angle; IFZA wins on raw cost flexibility; Meydan wins on address prestige and e-commerce tooling. We compare live quotes across all three.
Can DUQE companies sponsor family visas?
Yes. Once you hold a DUQE residence visa with a qualifying salary shown, you can sponsor your spouse and children exactly as with any UAE residence visa. We process dependant visas as part of the same engagement.