DMCC Free Zone License
Price Starting from
AED 32,360*
- Business License
- Prime Location
- Business-Friendly Tax Environment
- Access to Global Markets
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
Business Setup in DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
About DMCC Free Zone
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is a leading Free Zone and enterprise hub for commodities trade in the United Arab Emirates.
Established in 2002, DMCC is home to a large community of companies from around the world. DMCC lists more than 1,000 approved activities across 20 sectors, including commodities, financial services, and technology.
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DMCC provides a business-friendly environment, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure, comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and a robust network of industry professionals.
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Benefits of DMCC Free Zone License
Here are the advantages of setting up a company in the DMCC Free Zone.
100% Business Ownership
Prime Location
Business-Friendly Tax Environment
0% Personal Income Tax
Access to Global Markets
Installment Payment Option
Easy Business Setup Process
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Legal Company Structure Options
DMCC Business Structures
When setting up your company in DMCC, you have several legal structures to choose from, each tailored to different business needs and goals. Below, we’ll walk you through the various options available, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your business objectives.
Common choice for small to medium-sized enterprises, allowing for multiple shareholders
Suitable for single shareholders while offering flexibility for individual enterprises.
Allows both international companies to establish a presence in Dubai while retaining their original legal structure and existing UAE domestic companies to expand their operations into DMCC.
Choosing the Right Business License
DMCC Free Zone License Types
Almost every type of business activity is permitted within the DMCC Free Zone, making it an ideal location for a wide range of industries. Whether you're in trading, services, or manufacturing, the DMCC provides a flexible environment to suit your business needs
Allows for import and export businesses with buying and selling of goods from, to and within the UAE.
Beneficial for trading of goods and services, suitable for individuals in the retail and wholesale industries.
Issues to businesses providing professional services like IT, and consultancy.
For companies engaged in manufacturing of products or industrial activities.
Permits a wide range of trading activities and is beneficial for businesses with diverse products including electronics, textiles, and household appliances.
Required Documents
Requirements for DMCC Business License
Necessary criteria and documentation are needed to obtain a business license in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).
Required Documents
Individual Shareholder
- Passport Copy
- Visa Copy
- Latest UAE entry stamp
- Emirates ID Copy (Front and Back)
- Passport Size Photos
- 3 Proposed Company Names (If Applicable)
Required Documents
Corporate Shareholder
- Company Hierarchy Diagram
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Certificate of Incumbency / Good standing
- Share Certificate / Share Registry Certificate
- Passports of the Directors and Shareholders
- Business Plan
- Memorandum of Association and/or Articles of Association
- Board Resolution
How to Start a Business in DMCC
Steps for Setting Up a Company in DMCC Free Zone
DMCC says setup typically takes around 10 working days once documents and approvals are complete. Allow longer for the bank account and visas. The exact timeline can vary based on the specific nature of your business activity. Each step, from document submission to final approval, is carefully managed to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, allowing your business to start operations smoothly and efficiently within the DMCC Free Zone.
Submission of DMCC License Application and All Other Required Documents
Documents Submission to DMCC
Security Approval
Verification through Video Conferencing
Signing of the Lease Agreement
Issuance of the Trade License and Other Incorporation Documents
Enhanced Follow-Up
What You Actually Pay, and What You Can License
DMCC Cost & Activities
DMCC sits toward the premium end of UAE free zones. Figures below are indicative bands; confirm a live quote before budgeting.
| Cost Component | Frequency | What Drives It |
|---|---|---|
| Trade license fee | Annual | Activity type; commodity trading licenses generally cost more than services |
| Registration and incorporation | One-off | Legal structure and shareholder count |
| Office space | Annual | DMCC offers flexi-desk packages as well as offices. A standard flexi desk is limited to three visas and a special flexi desk to one, according to DMCC’s package terms |
| Establishment card | Per issue and renewal | Required before any visa can be sponsored |
| Per-visa cost | Per visa, per cycle | Entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, stamping |
Build a figure specific to your activity with the EZONE cost calculator.
DMCC Activity List
DMCC is best known for commodities and trading activities, alongside a broad professional and financial services list:
- Precious metals and stones trading, including gold and diamonds
- Energy and commodities trading
- General trading
- Financial and professional consultancy services
- Technology, media and e-commerce activities
- Holding company and corporate structuring
DMCC is a common jurisdiction for founders in the gold trading business, and for holding structures set up as a special purpose vehicle. Confirm your exact activity against DMCC’s current published list before applying.
DMCC and Corporate Tax
DMCC companies are subject to UAE Corporate Tax like any other taxable person. A company that meets the conditions of a qualifying free zone person can pay 0% on qualifying income, and other income is taxed at 9%.
The conditions include adequate substance in the free zone, transfer pricing compliance, audited financial statements and non-qualifying revenue within the de minimis limit of the lower of 5% of revenue or AED 5 million. Read our guides to audit requirements for free zone companies and to filing a Corporate Tax return.
Where DMCC Sits
DMCC’s registered address is Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. DMCC says the Client Registration Centre on Level 1 can be visited in person.
Opening a bank account or applying for a residence visa may still need a visit to the UAE. For a wider look at the zone, see our complete DMCC Dubai guide.
Common Questions
DMCC FAQs
DMCC sits toward the premium end of UAE free zones, largely because of its location, its reputation and the cost of its office space, although DMCC also offers flexi-desk packages. Budget for the license fee, office space, establishment card and per-visa costs, and confirm current pricing with a live quote.
DMCC is best known for commodities trading, particularly gold and diamonds, and carries strong recognition with banks and international counterparties. That reputation is part of why it costs more than many other free zones.
Yes. DMCC is a common jurisdiction for holding structures and special purpose vehicles, particularly where founders want a recognised jurisdiction for shareholding or asset holding rather than day-to-day trading.
Not always. DMCC offers flexi-desk packages for companies with minimal space needs, and offices for companies that need more room. Confirm which package fits your activity and visa plan.
DMCC says about 10 working days once documents and approvals are complete. Bank account opening and residence visas add time.
It can pay 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income if it is a qualifying free zone person. Other income is taxed at 9%, and the company must file a return and keep audited statements.
According to DMCC’s package terms, a standard flexi desk is limited to three visas and a special flexi desk to one. Confirm the current terms before you choose.