DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is a Government of Dubai Authority, set up in 2002, that runs a free zone across Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown Dubai. It licenses trading, service and industrial companies, with a strong base in commodities such as gold, diamonds, tea and coffee, and in newer sectors such as crypto and AI. DMCC suits traders, consultants, technology firms, family offices and holding structures that want a Dubai address in a busy business district. We help you choose the right licence, company structure and office solution, prepare your documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown Dubai
- Authority: DMCC, a Government of Dubai Authority (established 2002)
- Company structures: company owned by individuals, subsidiary of a company, branch; also family offices, SPVs, holding companies and DMCC Foundations
- Shareholders: minimum of one, who can be an individual or a company
- Share capital: typically AED 50,000, depending on the business activity
- Licence types: trading, service and industrial
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership and capital repatriation
- Space: flexi-desks, co-working, serviced offices, fitted offices and shell and core space
Who DMCC Suits
- Commodity traders, including gold, precious metals, diamonds, tea and coffee
- General traders and import and export companies
- Consulting, IT and professional service firms
- Crypto, gaming and AI businesses that want an industry ecosystem
- Families setting up a family office, and groups that need an SPV or holding company
- Founders who want a 100% digital setup they can start from outside the UAE
DMCC also runs industry centres that give member companies a ready community and facilities. These include the Dubai Diamond Exchange, the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, the DMCC Tea Centre and Coffee Centre, the DMCC Crypto Centre and the DMCC AI Centre. If your business fits one of these, we check if a sector package suits you better than a standard setup.
Licence Types in DMCC
Each DMCC licence is one of three types. Activities you add later must come from the same licence type; if not, you apply for an additional licence. Multi-year licences are available for many activities.
Trading licence
For importing, exporting, distributing and selling goods. A general trading licence, covering many product categories under one licence, is also offered.
Service licence
For professional, consultancy, advisory, IT and other service activities.
Industrial licence
For manufacturing, including turning raw materials into finished goods, such as in gold and precious metals.
Some activities are regulated or need approval from another authority. A few, such as gambling and activities harmful to health or the environment, are not permitted.
Company Types in DMCC
DMCC company owned by individuals
A limited liability free zone company with one or more individual shareholders. You must appoint a director and a company secretary; one person can hold both roles.
DMCC subsidiary
The same company form, owned by an existing company as the shareholder.
Branch
An extension of an existing company, so the parent company stays fully liable. It suits foreign companies that want a Dubai presence without forming a new company.
SPVs and holding companies
Special purpose vehicles to hold specific assets, such as property or intellectual property, and holding companies to control several businesses. They can be set up as an LLC or a Company Limited by Guarantee, through a licensed registered agent, and no physical office is required.
Family offices and DMCC Foundations
DMCC also has set-up routes for family offices and for DMCC Foundations, used for family wealth and succession planning. We explain which structure fits your goals.
Office and Flexi-Desk Space
Every DMCC company needs a registered address in the free zone. Options range from flexi-desks and co-working to serviced offices, fitted offices and shell and core space across more than 80 high-rise towers in JLT, as well as Uptown Dubai. The number of visas you can apply for depends on your office size and licence type. For example, DMCC's Jump Start package lists up to three visas on a flexi-desk or co-working option. SPVs and holding companies do not need an office. We match the space to your visa plan before you commit, and our PRO services team handles visas and Emirates IDs.
How to Set Up a Company in DMCC
- Free consultation: we confirm your business activity, licence type and company structure.
- Activity check: some activities are regulated or need another authority's approval; we tell you up front.
- Submit the online pre-approval application through the DMCC portal.
- Pay the fees and sign the company documents online.
- Choose your office solution, from a flexi-desk to a full office.
- Receive your e-licence. DMCC says the full process typically takes around 10 working days, depending on documents and approvals.
- Apply for visas and Emirates IDs, open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders, directors and signatories: passport copy, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID if you have them, and proof of residential address in your home country, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
For a subsidiary or a branch: the parent company's ownership and constitutional documents, including its memorandum and articles of association and a board resolution, usually attested.
For all companies: proposed company name, business activities, office lease details, a bank reference or capital deposit confirmation, and Ultimate Beneficial Owner details for anyone with 25% or more ownership or control. We send you the exact checklist for your activity.
DMCC Setup Costs
DMCC publishes a range of setup packages on its website, from start-up flexi-desk packages to multi-year and industry packages. Prices and offers change often, so we check them on the day you apply. Your real cost depends on the package, licence type, office choice, licence term and number of visas. Tell us your activity and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote that compares the packages that fit you. DMCC also lists 0% instalment options through a banking partner, subject to the bank's terms.
Corporate Tax for DMCC Companies
DMCC states that it is a qualified free zone for UAE corporate tax purposes. Every DMCC company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, whether or not it qualifies for the free zone rate. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on its qualifying income if it meets the conditions, such as having adequate substance in the free zone and earning income from qualifying activities. Income that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. A free zone company that does not qualify is taxed like any other UAE business: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Our group's tax agency can check if you qualify and handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in DMCC With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
DMCC Company Setup FAQs
What is the minimum share capital for a DMCC company?
DMCC states that the minimum share capital is typically AED 50,000, depending on your business activity. We confirm the figure for your activity before you apply.
How many shareholders does a DMCC company need?
At least one. The shareholder can be an individual or a company, and you also need a director and a company secretary, which can be the same person.
Can I set up a DMCC company without being in Dubai?
Yes. The process is digital, from pre-approval to signing and payment. You need to visit the UAE only if you apply for a residence visa, for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Do I need an office in DMCC?
Yes, every DMCC company needs a registered address in the free zone, but a flexi-desk is enough for many start-ups. SPVs and holding companies set up through a registered agent do not need an office.
How many visas can I get with a DMCC flexi-desk?
It depends on the package and licence. DMCC's Jump Start package lists up to three visas on a flexi-desk or co-working option. A larger office allows more visas.
How long does DMCC company registration take?
DMCC says it typically takes around 10 working days, depending on your documents and any approvals.
Is DMCC in JLT or Uptown Dubai?
Both. DMCC runs the free zone across Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown Dubai.
Do DMCC companies pay corporate tax?
Every DMCC company must register for corporate tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions; other income is taxed at 9%.