Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone
Setup from
5,555 AED
Registration from
5 DAYS
Bank Account
GUARANTEED
Residence Visas for
2 YEARS
Table of Contents
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), established in 2002, is a premier global business hub and free zone located in Dubai, UAE. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade, particularly in commodities such as gold, diamonds, energy, metals, and agricultural products like tea and cotton.
DMCC supports over 25,000 businesses, ranging from startups to multinational corporations, offering world-class infrastructure, services, and a vibrant community within its Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown Dubai districts.
The center is recognized as the top global free zone by the Financial Times and offers specialized commodity trading platforms, including the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange and Dubai Diamond Exchange. DMCC also fosters economic growth by attracting foreign investment, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainability, contributing significantly to Dubai’s global trade standing.
Why Set Up in DMCC?
✅ Located in central Dubai – JLT district with top infrastructure
✅ Voted Global Free Zone of the Year 9x by the Financial Times
✅ 100% foreign ownership (0% on qualifying income, 9% on others)
✅ Over 900+ approved business activities
✅ Modern office spaces, flexi-desks, and coworking options
✅ Residency visa eligibility for you and your team
✅ Access to global markets via Dubai Ports & Airports
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
What Business Activities Can You Do in DMCC?
- Consulting: DMCC offers a hub for consultants across various sectors such as management, IT, legal, and HR. Businesses can provide expert advice and solutions to clients both locally and globally, benefiting from DMCC’s global network and access to a range of professional services.
- Crypto & Blockchain: As a leading business district, DMCC supports businesses operating in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. Companies in this industry can develop, trade, and invest in digital currencies and technologies, benefiting from DMCC’s secure infrastructure and regulatory support for digital assets.
- Import/Export: DMCC provides a thriving environment for importers and exporters, especially in sectors like gold, diamonds, commodities, and other goods. With access to Dubai’s international trade routes, businesses can import or export products seamlessly, capitalizing on Dubai’s strategic location as a global trade hub.
- Financial Services: The DMCC Free Zone is home to a wide range of financial services businesses, including banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and fintech startups. The supportive regulatory environment and access to both regional and international markets make it an ideal location for financial institutions.
- Trading (Gold, Diamonds, Commodities): Known as the “global commodities hub,” DMCC is a hotspot for trading in gold, diamonds, and other precious commodities. With access to specialized infrastructure, such as the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX), traders can engage in wholesale, retail, and online trading.
- Digital & Tech Services: DMCC caters to the growing demand for digital and tech services, offering businesses a platform for software development, cloud computing, and IT solutions. This sector benefits from the region’s tech-focused infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale, innovate, and reach global markets.
- Software Development: Software development businesses in DMCC can focus on creating custom software solutions for businesses across various industries. DMCC provides a supportive environment for tech startups and established software companies to operate, offering access to a robust network of developers, investors, and tech professionals.
- Media & Communications: DMCC serves as a center for media and communications businesses, including PR firms, advertising agencies, content creators, and media production companies. This sector benefits from a well-connected ecosystem, which facilitates collaboration and access to global media markets.
Steps to Start a Business in DMCC UAE
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Identify the business activity you want to undertake. DMCC offers licenses for trading, service, and industrial activities. Selecting the correct activity is crucial as it determines the type of license and regulatory requirements.
2. Select a Company Name
Choose a company name that reflects your business activity and complies with DMCC’s naming conventions (no offensive or political terms). You must submit three name options for approval. The reserved name is valid for 90 days.
3. Submit Your Application for Initial Approval
Complete and submit the online application through the DMCC portal. Required documents typically include:
- Copies of shareholders’ passports
- Proof of residential address
- Business plan (if applicable)
- Passport-size photos
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if applicable
Pay the application fee (around AED 1,015).
DMCC reviews the application and issues provisional approval if all requirements are met.
4. Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Prepare additional documents such as:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA/AoA)
- Shareholder and director details
- Office lease agreement or proof of office space within DMCC
Submit these along with the payment for the license and registration fees.
5. Rent Office Space
It is mandatory to have a physical office address in DMCC. Options include serviced offices in Uptown Dubai or Almas Towers in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
6. Obtain Your Business License and Registration Certificate
After document verification and fee payment, DMCC issues the business license, registration certificate, and related company documents, including the company stamp.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
With the business license and registration documents, open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Many local and international banks operate in Dubai.
8. Apply for Visas and Other Regulatory Approvals
Apply for UAE employment visas for yourself and your employees.
Register with relevant authorities such as immigration and obtain establishment cards for visa processing.
DMCC Licenses
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) offers several types of business licenses tailored to different business activities, primarily categorized into three main types: trading license, industrial license, and service license. The choice of license depends on the nature of your business activities within DMCC.
Trading License
Required for businesses involved in the trade of goods, including import, export, and re-export, ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
Service License
Needed for businesses offering professional services like consultancy or IT, ensuring legitimacy and adherence to industry regulations.
Industrial License
Mandatory for manufacturing or assembly businesses, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
Other licenses
DMCC License Costs and Packages
DMCC offers various business setup packages that include the company license along with additional benefits such as UAE residency visas and office options:
Package Type | Price (AED) | Description |
Jump Start Package | 43,780 | Suitable for startups and SMEs; includes license and flexi-desk options |
Basic Biz Package | 35,484 | Entry-level package for small businesses, includes license and flexi-desk |
Prime Plus Package | 40,145 | For medium to large businesses |
JLR Resident Package | 29,205 | For residents and owners in Jumeirah Lakes Towers |
Uptown Homeowners Package | Free | For Uptown Dubai homeowner |
Ecosystem Packages | Starting at 1,925 | For sectors like gaming, AI, e-commerce |
The basic DMCC license package typically starts around AED 34,484, covering up to 3 business activities from the same group and includes flexi-desk facilities.
Additional Fees and Renewal Costs
Fee Type | Cost (AED) | Notes |
Annual License Renewal | 20,265 | Applies to trading and service licenses; industrial/special licenses may vary |
Adding Activities (Same Category) | 10,000 (annually) | For activities within the same business category |
Adding Activities (Different Category) | 20,265 (annually) | Requires a new license |
Additional License (Different Location) | 20,265 (annually) | Per additional location |
Company Reinstatement | From 30,280 | Minimum fee |
Amalgamation | 15,015 | |
Document Attestation | 215 | |
Other Fees | Varies | Depending on service |
Office Space Requirement
A physical office or flexi-desk arrangement is mandatory for obtaining the license. Lease agreements must cover the license period.
License Validity and Renewal
- Licenses are valid for 12 months from issuance and must be renewed annually.
- Renewal requires submission of audited financial reports, payment of renewal fees, and a valid lease agreement.
- Renewal should be done at least 30 days before expiration to avoid penalties or license termination.
Obtaining a DMCC license involves selecting the appropriate license type based on business activity, choosing a suitable package (starting around AED 34,484 for startups), securing office space, and paying the relevant fees. Annual renewal fees are around AED 20,265, with additional fees for amendments or extra activities. The DMCC license provides access to a premier business hub with comprehensive support and regulatory frameworks.
DMCC Residency and Visas
DMCC residency and visas provide various options for individuals linked to DMCC-licensed companies or educational institutions, facilitating legal residence in Dubai with multiple visa types tailored to different needs.
All visa applications are processed online through DMCC portals, with specific document requirements depending on the visa type and applicant location (inside or outside the UAE).
Visa Type | Cost / Requirement | Notes |
Partner/Investor Visa | No deposit required | Based on shareholding (min. 50 shares, AED 50,000 capital) |
Business Visit Visa | Not specified (non-refundable if rejected) | Limited to 3 per company |
Student Visa | AED 450 (outside UAE), AED 1,230 (inside UAE) | Application fee varies based on location |
UAE Residency Visa | AED 3,500 (without insurance), AED 4,200 (with insurance) | For a 2 -year visa; excludes Golden Visa |
Golden Visa | Varies | 5- or 10-year options for investors and high-net-worth individuals |
Additional Information:
- Visa validity ranges from 1 month (business visit) to 3 years (investor/partner).
- Medical fitness tests and Emirates ID registration are mandatory for residence visas.
- Renewals and extensions depend on visa type; partner/investor visas typically require renewal every three years.
- DMCC companies can sponsor employees and investors, facilitating the visa process.
- The UAE has updated visa rules in 2025, including extended stay options, new visit visa durations, and streamlined application procedures.
In summary, DMCC offers multiple visa types to support business owners, employees, students, and visitors connected to its ecosystem, with costs varying by visa type and duration, and streamlined processes to facilitate residency in Dubai.
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your DMCC Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your company setup.
We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your DMCC registration — from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a DMCC Specialist Now!
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