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The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the world’s most connected free zone, home to over 26,000 registered companies from 170+ countries. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), DMCC has earned the Global Free Zone of the Year award from the Financial Times fDi Magazine for a record nine consecutive years. Whether you are launching a commodity trading firm, a tech startup, or a professional consultancy, DMCC company formation gives you access to one of Dubai’s most dynamic business ecosystems with 2,000+ licensed business activities.
DMCC consistently attracts entrepreneurs and multinational corporations because it combines regulatory efficiency with genuine business advantages. Unlike many free zones that cater to a narrow industry, DMCC operates as a multi-sector hub spanning precious metals, energy, agriculture, technology, and professional services.
100% Foreign Ownership
Full business control with no local sponsor or partner required
0% Tax for 50 Years
Guaranteed zero personal and corporate income tax on qualifying income
Full Profit Repatriation
Transfer 100% of capital and profits outside the UAE freely
Dual Licensing Access
DMCC companies can now operate in Dubai mainland under the dual license scheme
No Currency Restrictions
Transact in any currency without exchange controls
Golden Visa Eligibility
Qualifying business owners can apply for a 10-year UAE residence visa
DMCC also offers world-class infrastructure including the iconic Almas Tower and AU Tower, along with flexible office solutions, single-window government services, and a vibrant community of professionals across 20+ business sectors.
DMCC offers several license categories depending on your business activity. In 2026, DMCC expanded its licensing options to include specialized categories for emerging industries.
| License Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Trading License | Import, export, and distribution of goods and commodities |
| Service / Professional License | Consultancy, IT, marketing, legal, and advisory services |
| Industrial License | Manufacturing, processing, and assembly operations |
| E-Commerce License | Online retail and digital commerce businesses |
| Crypto / AI / Gaming License | Blockchain, artificial intelligence, and gaming ventures |
| Freelance License | Independent professionals and sole practitioners (new in 2026) |
| Dual License | Enables DMCC companies to operate in Dubai mainland |
Each license category covers multiple business activities. Adding activities from a different license type requires a separate license at an annual fee of AED 20,265. For guidance on selecting the right trade license for your Dubai business, our team can help match your activities to the correct category.
DMCC allows three primary company structures for formation. As of January 2025, all new companies are registered with the FZCO suffix, and existing companies must update their name endings by June 30, 2026.
Formerly FZE / FZ-LLC. Suitable for single or multiple shareholders. Minimum share capital of AED 50,000.
Minimum 1 shareholder and 1 director required.
Ideal for international companies expanding into Dubai. No separate share capital requirement.
Parent company documents and board resolution required.
For existing mainland companies or other free zone entities that want a DMCC presence.
Existing trade license and parent company approval needed.
DMCC also introduced Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) in its 2024 regulatory update, expanding options for non-profit organizations, holding structures, and family offices.
Setting up a company in DMCC follows a streamlined digital process. The entire registration is handled through the DMCC online portal, and with complete documentation, licensing typically takes 3 to 5 business days. End-to-end onboarding including visas and banking takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Select from 2,000+ business activities and identify the correct license category. Our business consultants help you pick the optimal structure for your operations.
Submit your preferred company name through the DMCC portal. The approved name reservation is valid for 60 days. All new companies are registered with the FZCO suffix.
Upload all required documents including passport copies, proof of address, business plan, and shareholder details. Share capital can now be deposited directly through the DMCC portal.
Complete fee payment, sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and execute the lease agreement for your chosen office solution.
Once approved, you receive your DMCC e-license. From here, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account, apply for residence visas, and begin operations.
DMCC offers a range of business setup packages tailored to different company sizes and needs. Here is a breakdown of the official DMCC packages and their costs for 2026.
| Package | Cost (AED) | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Biz | 35,484 / year | DMCC license, flexi desk, 1 visa eligible |
| Prime Plus | 40,145 / year | Fast-track setup, 20% off activities, price freeze on renewal, free bank account opening |
| Jump Start (1 Year) | 43,780 | License, co-working or flexi desk, 1 UAE residency visa, 24% discount on setup fees |
| Jump Start (3 Year) | Up to 120,000 | All Jump Start benefits with extended duration and up to 3 visa allocations |
| Crypto / AI / Gaming Centre | 31,000 | DMCC license, co-working, networking events, 50% second-year renewal discount |
| CLG (New Company) | 34,185 | Digital setup, suitable for commercial and non-profit activities |
Additional costs to factor in: Visa processing fees, Emirates ID and medical fitness costs, office lease deposits, and VAT registration and accounting setup. Total first-year investment typically ranges from AED 50,000 to AED 85,000 depending on your license, visa requirements, and office choice. For a detailed cost estimate, see our Dubai business setup cost guide.
DMCC provides visa services for company owners, investors, and employees. The number of visas you can apply for depends on your office space size and license type.
Flexi Desk / Co-Working
3-4 Visas
Physical Office
1 Visa per 10-12 sqm
All DMCC visas are valid for 2 years and are renewable. Qualifying business owners and investors may also apply for the UAE Golden Visa, which grants a 10-year renewable residence permit. For more details on visa and labour regulations in Dubai, our team can walk you through the latest requirements.
DMCC has digitized its document submission process. All documents are uploaded through the online portal during registration. Here is what you need to prepare:
Valid passport copies for all shareholders and directors
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
Passport-size photographs
Proposed company name and business activities
Business plan outlining operations
No Objection Certificate (if currently UAE-sponsored)
Parent company documents (for branches)
Board resolution authorizing establishment
UBO declaration (mandatory for all companies)
Share capital deposit confirmation via DMCC portal
Our PRO services team handles all document preparation, attestation, and submission, ensuring your application moves through DMCC without delays.
DMCC supports a broad range of industries, making it one of the most versatile Dubai free zone options for company formation. Key sectors include:
Not sure if your business activity is covered? DMCC’s catalogue includes over 2,000 activity codes. If your activity falls outside the standard list, DMCC may still approve it on a case-by-case basis.
Choosing between free zones depends on your industry, budget, and operational needs. Here is how DMCC compares to other popular options.
| Feature | DMCC | JAFZA | DSO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Multi-sector, commodities, trading | Logistics, manufacturing, warehousing | Technology, R&D, innovation |
| Location | JLT (central Dubai) | Jebel Ali port area | Silicon Oasis (eastern Dubai) |
| Starting Cost | From AED 31,000 | From AED 25,000 | From AED 18,000 |
| Dual Licensing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Registered Companies | 26,000+ | 10,000+ | 5,000+ |
DMCC’s central JLT location, lifestyle amenities, and massive business community make it particularly attractive for service firms, trading companies, and entrepreneurs who value networking opportunities. If you are still deciding, explore our guide to Dubai free zones for a broader comparison.
While DMCC offers significant tax advantages, companies must remain compliant with UAE federal regulations that apply across all free zones.
Corporate Tax: UAE federal corporate tax of 9% on net profits exceeding AED 375,000 applies. The first AED 375,000 of taxable income is taxed at 0%. DMCC free zone companies may qualify for the 0% free zone tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet substance and compliance requirements.
VAT: 5% VAT applies on taxable supplies. Registration is mandatory once annual turnover reaches AED 375,000. Updated 2026 VAT rules include simplified paperwork and a 5-year refund claim window.
E-Invoicing: Mandatory phased rollout begins July 2026 for businesses with AED 50M+ revenue. SMEs follow in later phases from July 2027.
Ongoing Compliance: Annual license renewal, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) reporting, Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declarations, and AML/KYC procedures are mandatory for all DMCC companies.
Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai requires comprehensive documentation in 2026, including a detailed business plan and compliance documents. Our team works with multiple UAE banks to streamline the process for DMCC companies.
DMCC company formation starts from AED 31,000 for specialized packages (Crypto/AI/Gaming) and AED 35,484 for the Basic Biz package. Total first-year costs, including visas, Emirates ID, and office space, typically range from AED 50,000 to AED 85,000 depending on your license type and number of visas needed.
License issuance takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete. The full setup process, including visa processing and bank account opening, takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes. DMCC grants 100% foreign ownership for all company types. No local sponsor or partner is required. You retain full control over your business operations and profits.
Flexi desk and co-working packages typically support 3 to 4 visa allocations. Physical office spaces allow approximately 1 visa per 10 to 12 square meters. All DMCC visas are valid for 2 years and renewable.
The minimum share capital is AED 50,000 per company and AED 10,000 per shareholder. Share capital can now be deposited directly through the DMCC portal during the incorporation process.
Yes. Under Dubai’s dual licensing scheme, DMCC free zone companies can now obtain a mainland permit to directly engage with the Dubai mainland market without needing a separate mainland company. This is a significant regulatory change that expands market access for DMCC businesses.
At Setup Dubai Business, we handle every step of your DMCC company formation, from selecting the right license and preparing your documents to securing your visa and opening your bank account. With direct experience navigating DMCC’s regulations and processes, we ensure your company is operational in the shortest possible time.
Call us at +971 55 378 8000 or use the form below to get started.
Disclaimer: The information on this page reflects DMCC regulations and UAE federal laws as of early 2026. Government fees, regulations, and processing times are subject to change. Specific costs may vary based on your business activity, company structure, and individual circumstances. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Contact our team for personalized guidance tailored to your situation.
for more details call +971 55 378 8000 or e-mail us in info@ebsuae.com
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