Company Formation in DMCC Free Zone – Dubai’s Global Business Hub
Launch Your Business in DMCC – The World's Leading Free Zone for Commodities Trade
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is one of the most prestigious and fastest-growing free zones in the UAE. Recognized multiple times as the “Global Free Zone of the Year” by the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine, DMCC is home to over 25,000 registered companies from 180+ countries.
Located in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), DMCC provides unparalleled access to Dubai’s business districts, global markets, and modern infrastructure making it a prime destination for company formation, business registration, and incorporation in Dubai.
Whether you are a startup, SME, or multinational, setting up a company in DMCC Free Zone gives you 100% ownership, zero personal and corporate income tax, and complete profit repatriation. It’s your gateway to global business opportunities in one of the most connected trade ecosystems in the world.
Types of Business Licenses in DMCC
DMCC offers a range of licenses to accommodate diverse business activities.
- Trading License: For companies engaged in import, export, and distribution of goods.
- Service License: For consulting, IT, marketing, legal, and professional services.
- Industrial License: For light manufacturing, processing, and packaging activities.
- E-Commerce License: For online trading, digital platforms, and electronic services.
- Crypto Commodities License: For blockchain and digital asset trading companies.
- General Trading License: For businesses trading multiple product categories.
- Dual License: Operates in both DMCC Free Zone and mainland Dubai.
Each license allows multiple related activities under one umbrella, making DMCC highly flexible for investors.
Fast Page Navigation
- Types of Business Licenses in DMCC
- Why Choose DMCC for Company Setup in Dubai?
- Types of Legal Structures in DMCC
- Process for Company Formation in DMCC
- Documents Required for DMCC Business Registration
- Timeline for DMCC Company Formation
- Cost of Business Setup in DMCC Free Zone
- Office Space Options in DMCC
- Bank Account Opening in DMCC
- Tax & Regulatory Benefits in DMCC
- Common Challenges During Company Formation
- Our DMCC Company Formation Services Include:
- Why Choose Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose DMCC for Company Setup in Dubai?
Choosing DMCC Free Zone means positioning your business in the world’s top-performing trade and innovation hub. Here’s why thousands of entrepreneurs and corporations choose DMCC for their business setup in Dubai:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor required — you maintain full control of your company.
- 0% Corporate & Personal Income Tax: Enjoy a 50-year renewable tax exemption.
- Full Profit & Capital Repatriation: Move profits and capital freely without restrictions.
- Strategic Location: Operate in JLT, minutes away from Dubai’s airports, ports, and business districts.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Premium offices, co-working spaces, and logistics facilities.
- Industry Clusters: Specialized hubs for commodities, crypto, technology, and professional services.
- Networking & Reputation: Be part of a trusted global business community with strong investor confidence.
- Dual Licensing Option: Operate in both DMCC and Dubai mainland through DED partnership.
DMCC is the ideal environment for business setup, company registration, or incorporation in Dubai, offering flexibility, credibility, and global recognition.
Types of Legal Structures in DMCC
You can choose from several legal entity types depending on your ownership and expansion needs:
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): One or more shareholders; independent legal entity.
- Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: Extension of an existing company, no minimum capital required.
- Holding Company: To hold shares in other entities, ideal for corporate structures.
Step-by-Step Process for Company Formation in DMCC
The DMCC company setup process is efficient, digital, and transparent. Most businesses can be registered in 7–10 working days.
- Choose Business Activity & Legal Structure
Select the suitable license type and entity structure (FZ-LLC or Branch). - Reserve Trade Name & Get Initial Approval
Submit your application through the DMCC online portal with basic documents and pay the initial approval fee. - Submit Incorporation Documents
Provide required documents such as shareholder passports, proof of address, and corporate papers (for corporate shareholders). - Lease Office Space
Secure a workspace from a flexi-desk or serviced office to a private floor and upload your lease agreement. - Pay Fees & Complete Registration
Settle company registration and license fees to finalize your incorporation. - Receive Business License & MOA
DMCC issues your business license, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Certificate of Incorporation. - Apply for Establishment Card & Visas
Apply for your establishment card and UAE residence visas for investors, employees, and dependents. - Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your DMCC license, open a corporate bank account with one of DMCC’s partnered UAE banks.
Documents Required for DMCC Business Registration
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution approving DMCC company formation
- Certificate of Good Standing (if applicable)
- Passport copies of directors and signatories
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copies with valid visa (if in UAE)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- No Objection Certificate (if employed in UAE)
Timeline for DMCC Company Formation
The average timeline for DMCC company formation is 7 to 10 working days, depending on business activity and document readiness.
In some cases (regulated sectors or external approvals), the process may extend up to 3–4 weeks.
Cost of Business Setup in DMCC Free Zone
The DMCC company formation cost varies depending on your business type, number of visas, and office requirements.
Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
License Fee | From 15,000 per year |
Registration Fee | One-time 9,000 |
Office Space (Flexi Desk / Office) | 15,000 – 50,000 |
Establishment Card | 1,800 |
Visa (per person) | 3,500 – 5,000 |
Share Capital | 50,000 (refundable) |
Total estimated setup cost: AED 45,000 – 60,000 for most standard businesses.
DMCC also offers bundled setup packages that include license, office, and visa options.
Office Space Options in DMCC
DMCC provides premium, scalable office solutions:
- Co-working & Flexi-Desks: Ideal for startups and small teams.
- Serviced Offices: Ready-to-use spaces with shared amenities.
- Private Offices & Full Floors: Perfect for medium to large companies.
- Virtual Offices: For businesses that operate remotely but need a registered Dubai address.
All spaces include internet, meeting rooms, reception, and business center access within JLT towers.
Bank Account Opening in DMCC
Once your company is registered, you can open a UAE corporate bank account. DMCC has partnerships with top banks like Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADCB to simplify onboarding.
Required documents typically include:
- DMCC trade license and MOA
- Passport & Emirates ID copies of shareholders
- Company profile & business plan
- Proof of address and bank reference letter
Bank account approval generally takes 2–4 weeks.
Tax & Regulatory Benefits in DMCC
- Corporate Tax: 0% on qualifying free zone income; 9% on non-qualifying (mainland-linked) income.
- Personal Income Tax: 0% for all individuals.
- VAT: 5% on taxable supplies; 0% for exports.
- Customs: 100% exemption within the free zone; no import/export duties.
- Repatriation: Full capital and profit repatriation with no currency restrictions.
DMCC companies must comply with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) requirements, and annual audit filing to maintain compliance.
Common Challenges During DMCC Company Formation
While DMCC offers one of the smoothest setup processes, new investors may face challenges such as:
- Selecting the correct business activity codes
- Delays in banking due to KYC and due diligence checks
- Document attestation or translation issues
- Managing share capital deposits and refunds
- Visa and establishment card processing delays
Our DMCC Company Formation Services Include:
Why Choose Us
At The Capital Zone, we simplify every stage of your DMCC company formation journey. Our expert team ensures a fast, compliant, and stress-free experience:
- End-to-end assistance from name reservation to visa processing.
- Liaison with DMCC Authority for faster approvals.
- Assistance with banking, documentation, and compliance.
- Tax and audit advisory to maintain ESR & FTA compliance.
- Customized office and licensing solutions.
- Post-setup support renewals, accounting, and liquidation if required.
With The Capital Zone, you get a trusted partner who ensures your business setup in DMCC Dubai is done right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I set up my company in DMCC?
DMCC is the world’s leading free zone for commodities trade and offers access to a global trading network. It also provides benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate taxes, and a range of business facilities designed for growth.
What types of businesses are suitable for DMCC?
DMCC is ideal for businesses involved in commodities trading, precious metals, diamonds, energy, logistics, and professional services. We help you choose the right license to suit your business needs.
How long does it take to set up a company in DMCC?
The company formation process in DMCC typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and documentation requirements.
Can I trade internationally with a DMCC company?
Yes, companies set up in DMCC can trade internationally and benefit from the free zone’s extensive global network. DMCC is designed to facilitate international trade, particularly in commodities.
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