Dubai Multi Commodities Centre - DMCC Free Zone Company Formation

Company setup from 35,484 AED 

Registration from 2 weeks

Bank account Guaranteed

Residence visas for 2 years

Emirabiz experts’ opinion

Is DMCC suitable for your business?

• Yes, if you have a promising start-up and look for flexible workspace solutions and favorable conditions for a smooth launch.
  • If you are a mid-sized company planning long-term development, DMCC offers the flexibility to rent additional premises as your business grows. There are no restrictions on leased space, allowing your company to expand as needed.
  • If you own a large or a multinational corporation and need extensive working spaces, DMCC offers executive and multi-story offices.
  • If you conduct international trade business or provide professional services. 
  • If you want to open a shop or restaurant—business activities typically available to mainland companies—you can do so in DMCC, as this free zone offers a dual license that provides access to the UAE mainland market.
  • If you opt for a premium location in the heart of Dubai, DMCC is ideal. Across Sheikh Zayed Road, which borders DMCC, are some of Dubai's most popular districts—Dubai Marina, Bluewaters, and Palm Jumeirah—where many expats and the European community reside.
  • If you value your time and comfort and prefer to work and live in the same place. DMCC is located in the Jumeirah Lake Towers which offers both office and residential buildings. With two metro stations and access to Dubai's highways, getting around the city is easy.
• No, if you are involved in manufacturing or engage in logistics and need warehouses, transport hubs and large production spaces. For these business activities we recommend RAKEZ or JAFZA free zones.

DMCC company formation process

To launch a company in the DMCC, you need to prepare a set of documents, pay fees, obtain permits, and sign a series of legal documents. 

You don’t even have to arrive in Dubai—part of the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.

Step 1. Determine which type of license offered by the DMCC suits you. It is crucial to approach this question carefully, as choosing the wrong activity, registration authority, or location can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or even making such opening impossible. 

Step 2. Collect and submit the documents required by the free zone authority together with a filled-out application, and pay the fees. 

Step 3. Conclude the lease contract for your premises within the free zone and make the payments. 

Step 4. Receive the license and registration documents for the company.

Step 5. Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company. Note that when applying for the residence visa a medical insurance is mandatory for the owner of the company and for the employees.

Step 6. When the visa is issued, receive your Emirates ID card. 

Step 7. Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. In some cases, the bank’s approval may take a month.

Step 8. Receive the account details and start running your business in the UAE.

DMCC license costs

The basic (and the cheapest) package for a business setup in the DMCC costs 35,484 AED. It includes the following services:

• Company registration
• Articles of Association
• License
• Establishment card
• Special flexi-desk (for 1 visa)
• Company stamp and a commemorative certificate

This basic package provides for up to 3 business activities from the same business activity group. Note, that types of activity must qualify for the flexi-desk facility.

The overall costs of the DMCC free zone company setup may seem higher than in other free trade zones in Dubai but they are more than compensated by the advantages and prime location DMCC offers. 

If you want to know more about business setup packages in the DMCC or find a more low-cost alternative, contact our business consultants!

DMCC dual license

The DMCC dual license is a new type of license that allows companies to operate in both the DMCC free zone and the mainland UAE. This license offers a number of benefits, including:

• Access to the mainland UAE market: The DMCC dual license gives companies access to the mainland UAE market, which is a large and growing market.
• Reduced compliance requirements: Companies with a DMCC dual license are subject to reduced compliance requirements in the mainland UAE.
• Increased flexibility: The DMCC dual license gives companies more flexibility in how they operate.

The DMCC dual license is a valuable option for companies that want to access the mainland UAE market and benefit from reduced compliance requirements.

DMCC business activities

DMCC offers a diverse range of business activities, catering to various industries and sectors. From traditional trading and professional services to cutting-edge ventures like crypto commodities trading, there is ample room for innovation and growth within the free zone.

In addition to these options, entrepreneurs can also establish retail businesses such as shops, clinics, restaurants, and other retail outlets within the JLT area. This makes DMCC an attractive alternative to setting up a mainland company.

Another advantage of DMCC is the flexibility it offers in terms of business activities. Your DMCC license allows you to engage in up to 6 business activities from the same group. This is twice the average number permitted across the UAE, giving you the opportunity to diversify your operations or explore multiple avenues within your chosen industry.

Key commercial activities in DMCC Free Zone in Dubai

The DMCC is home to a wide range of companies, including:

• Commodity trading companies: These companies trade in a variety of commodities, including gold, silver, oil, and gas.

• Logistics companies: These companies provide logistics services, such as warehousing, transportation, and freight forwarding. The DMCC is a major logistics hub for the Middle East and North Africa region.

• Financial services companies: These companies provide financial services, such as banking, insurance, and asset management.

• Technology companies: These companies develop and provide technology solutions for the commodities and related sectors.

DMCC facilities

DMCC is situated in the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) area, right in the heart of Dubai, with a vast range of business and leisure facilities nearby. The renowned landmarks like Dubai Marina and The Palm Jumeirah are across the road, while Downtown Dubai is just a 30-minute drive away.

Within the JLT area, an array of amenities cater to diverse needs. Business centers, offices, clinics, schools, and sports clubs are readily available, providing a comprehensive infrastructure to support various aspects of professional and personal life.

When setting up a company in DMCC, businesses have the flexibility to choose from four types of facilities for rent, tailored to their specific requirements:

Post-licensing in DMCC Free Zone

Once a company has been granted a license in the DMCC free zone, it is required to comply with a number of post-licensing requirements. These requirements include:

• Paying annual fees to the DMCC of AED 10,000 for a service license and AED 20,000 for a trading license.
• Submitting annual reports to the DMCC authorities.
• Maintaining a physical presence in the DMCC.

The DMCC has a team of experienced professionals who can help companies with all aspects of post-licensing compliance.

Renewal of DMCC license

Renewing a DMCC company costs less compared to the initial incorporation process. There is no one-time registration fee, and you only need to pay for the license and facility fees.

This makes DMCC companies highly cost-effective in terms of maintenance.

Regardless of any commercial activity, every company within the Dubai Multi Commodities Center authority is required to provide an annual audit report.

To facilitate the renewal procedure, business setup consultants in DMCC can handle the process on your behalf, eliminating the need for your personal presence.

DMCC company amendments 

Minor amendments in DMCC can generally be handled remotely. However, in the case of shares transfer, a personal visit by the owner or a Power of Attorney is required.

The average cost for any amendment is around 4,000 AED.

During the license renewal process, certain amendments can be made free of charge. For example, you can add or remove business activities when renewing your company.

Other common amendments may include changing the company name, location, or adding/removing a company manager.

DMCC company liquidation

Liquidating a company in the DMCC authority involves a substantial process that requires several steps:

1. Final audit
2. Newspaper advertising of the company closure
3. Closure of the bank account
4. Termination of lease
5. Cancellation of visas
6. Cancellation of the license

The time-frame for company liquidation can vary from 2 to 5 months in some cases. The government fees for liquidation are approximately 10,000 AED. Business setup consultants in DMCC can typically handle the liquidation process as well

About DMCC

DMCC is the largest free zone in the world and is ideally positioned as a global hub for trading commodities and related products. It hosts over 24,000 companies, ranging from start-ups to large multinational corporations, offering unique opportunities for business connections and networking.

Strategically located in the heart of Dubai, with developed infrastructure nearby, DMCC offers a blend of commercial and residential towers, creating a self-contained city within the city. It boasts the convenience of two metro stations and easy access to the main highways.

Thanks to its abundant amenities and favorable business environment, DMCC stands out as the preferred choice for foreign investors and businesspeople looking to start a business in Dubai and build their own entrepreneurial experience.

A standard package for a company setup in the DMCC includes one residence visa and a  flexi-desk or co-working space as facilities. The cost starts from 35,484 dirhams. Packages ranging from 1 to 3 years are available.

One of the advantages of the DMCC company formation is that you may perform up to six activities under one license. 

Registration of a free zone company may take from 2 to 4 weeks.

You can also consider other free zones for establishing a company and choose a more cost-effective option with conditions that suit your needs.

DMCC residence visas

Visa validity for both company owners and employees in DMCC is 2 years. Unlike other zones, company owners are not eligible for an Investor visa designation but can hold any top managerial position within the company.

Employees seeking a managerial position for their visa must provide attested educational certificates.

DMCC visa costs (AED)

When applying for residence visas in DMCC, it is important to note that you must obtain health insurance first. It is worth mentioning that the insurance processing may lengthen the visa procedure.

To simplify the process, you can rely on the DMCC approved business setup consultants in Dubai to handle both the visa and insurance requirements on your behalf.

Streamlined and quick company registration in DMCC

For 11 years, Emirabiz has been helping clients establish businesses in the Emirates and address all needs related to relocating to this country, offering comprehensive business services from company formation to obtaining residence visas and servicing your business after the setup.

Our team consists of professional and experienced business consultants, accountants, lawyers, realtors, and tax experts who:

• Are well-versed in all the details of UAE legislation.
• Have strong contacts with representatives of local institutions.
• Possess a wealth of case studies on company formation for foreign investors.
• Know the country inside out.
• Will tailor solutions to meet the client's needs and financial capabilities.