DMCC Company Formation in Dubai: License, Process and Costs
Set up your business in DMCC with Avyanco. We help investors, entrepreneurs, and established companies with activity selection, residence visa requirements, company registration, license applications, and workspace arrangements. DMCC is located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and supports commodities, trading, professional services, technology, and approved business activities.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET licence #909402
- 45+ free zones covered
Why Founders Choose DMCC, and When Another Zone Fits Better
Avyanco helps you assess whether this zone fits your commercial goals, budget, and operating requirements
Why Founders Choose DMCC
- JLT Business Address: It supports DMCC company formation in the recognized commercial district in Dubai.
- Trading and Commodities: DMCC provides you with access to the business ecosystem serving international trading and commodities companies.
- Broad activity selection: It also allows you to apply for approved activities across consulting, trading, technology, and other sectors.
- Industry Networks: By setting up a business in DMCC, you can explore the specialist communities for technology, commodities, and eligible crypto businesses.
- International Operations: Setting up a business in DMCC zones builds a strong base for regional management and cross-border commercial activities.
When Another Zone Fits Better
- If you prefer the entry-level package for your business, then we also help you by comparing IFZA and Meydan Free Zone.IFZA →Meydan →
- To set up a company in DMCC, we can evaluate your business activity, office requirements, shareholder arrangements, and visa plan before recommending the right registration route.
It makes this zone suitable for businesses that need its location, specialist infrastructure, and industry networks.
DMCC Company Setup at a Glance
Its specialist ecosystems accommodate eligible crypto and Web3 businesses. Our DMCC company formation service handles the initial planning to license issuance. We help you choose the suitable legal structure, understand the fees, and prepare the documents for application.
Foreign ownership: Up to 100%, subject to applicable requirements.
Entry-level package: AED 35,484* for one year under DMCC's Basic Biz Package.
Standard Flexi Desk Package: AED 43,780* for one year under the Jump Start Package.
Share Capital: Minimum share capital of approximately AED 50,000; higher capital may apply for certain activities, including AED 1 million for a general trading license.
Tax: 0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) that fulfills all applicable conditions.
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
DMCC License Types and Business Activities
Trading License
A trading license may be issued for export, import, distribution, and trading activities.
- Your license should cover the activities your company aims to conduct. We help you identify the right category and check whether additional approvals are required.
- Our DMCC free zone business setup service includes an activity review before submitting your application for business setup. We check your proposed operations and determine the licensing requirements that may affect your business setup.
Service License
Service license is issued for the permitted consultancy, professional, technology and service activities.
- Your license should cover the activities your company aims to conduct. We help you identify the right category and check whether additional approvals are required.
- Our DMCC free zone business setup service includes an activity review before submitting your application for business setup. We check your proposed operations and determine the licensing requirements that may affect your business setup.
Industrial License
An industrial license is issued for eligible manufacturing, processing, and industrial operations.
- Your license should cover the activities your company aims to conduct. We help you identify the right category and check whether additional approvals are required.
- Our DMCC free zone business setup service includes an activity review before submitting your application for business setup. We check your proposed operations and determine the licensing requirements that may affect your business setup.
General Trading License
A general trading license is issued for business trading in various eligible product categories, subject to DMCC requirements.
- Your license should cover the activities your company aims to conduct. We help you identify the right category and check whether additional approvals are required.
- Our DMCC free zone business setup service includes an activity review before submitting your application for business setup. We check your proposed operations and determine the licensing requirements that may affect your business setup.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Used for a company with one shareholder, subject to DMCC's current rules.
- The legal structure for your business setup in DMCC may determine how your company is owned and how responsibility is allocated across teams. Here are the legal structures available
- If you want the experts to review your proposed ownership, shareholder documentation, and legal structure before the application proceeds, then we can help you. Book your consultation session for DMCC free zone company formation service and set up your business efficiently.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Used for multiple shareholders where the proposed structure fulfills the authority's requirements.
- The legal structure for your business setup in DMCC may determine how your company is owned and how responsibility is allocated across teams. Here are the legal structures available
- If you want the experts to review your proposed ownership, shareholder documentation, and legal structure before the application proceeds, then we can help you. Book your consultation session for DMCC free zone company formation service and set up your business efficiently.
Branch of a foreign or UAE company
Extends the existing company's operations into Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. The parent stays responsible for the branch's obligations.
- The legal structure for your business setup in DMCC may determine how your company is owned and how responsibility is allocated across teams. Here are the legal structures available
- If you want the experts to review your proposed ownership, shareholder documentation, and legal structure before the application proceeds, then we can help you. Book your consultation session for DMCC free zone company formation service and set up your business efficiently.
Holding company or special-purpose structure
This legal structure is available where the proposed purpose and structure fulfill the applicable eligibility rules.
- The legal structure for your business setup in DMCC may determine how your company is owned and how responsibility is allocated across teams. Here are the legal structures available
- If you want the experts to review your proposed ownership, shareholder documentation, and legal structure before the application proceeds, then we can help you. Book your consultation session for DMCC free zone company formation service and set up your business efficiently.
Office Options and Visa Quota in JLT
Your workspace affects your DMCC residence visa quota and office facilities. We can support you to choose the right option for your team size and budget.
| Workspace option | Visa eligibility |
|---|---|
| Special Flexi Desk (Basic Biz) | Eligible for one visa. |
| Standard Flexi Desk (Jump Start) | Eligible for up to three visas. |
| Serviced office | Furnished, private workspace, eligible for 4 to 5 visas, based on office size. |
| Physical office in a JLT tower | Dedicated office space, eligible for 1 visa per 9 square metres. |
Moreover, the Visa quotas may depend on the approved space, DMCC requirements, and any additional approvals or fees. Get our DMCC company setup service, choose the right workspace, and understand visa requirements for your business setup in Dubai.
DMCC vs IFZA vs Meydan at a Glance
The right free zone between DMCC, IFZA, and Meydan depends on your business activity, visa plans, workspace needs, and budget. Avyanco allows you to look at the IFZA vs DMCC vs Meydan comparison below to choose the right route for your business setup.
| Factor | ZoneDMCC | ZoneIFZA | ZoneMeydan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai | Dubai | Meydan, Dubai |
| Year-one cost from | AED 35,484* for the published Basic Biz Package, subject to eligibility | Confirm current package and inclusions | Confirm current package and inclusions |
| Share capital | Based on the legal structure and activity, subject to the applicable requirements | Confirm current requirements for the selected business structure | Confirm current requirements for the selected business structure |
| Business fit | Trading, technology, commodities, and eligible specialist activities | Businesses that fit its approved activities and package options | Businesses and entrepreneurs that fit its approved activities and package options |
| Bank perception | Subject to the bank's independent assessment | Subject to the bank's independent assessment | Subject to the bank's independent assessment |
DMCC Company Registration: Six Steps from Application to License
Avyanco supports you at every stage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre company setup process and reduces your stress. From application submission to license issuance, we handle everything.
- 1
Activity and Structure Selection
Confirm the shareholder arrangement, permitted activities, and license category.
- 2
Company Name Reservation
Submit the name options that fulfill the DMCC's naming requirements.
- 3
Initial Approval
Submit the application details and get the necessary approval.
- 4
Document Submission
We complete the KYC checks and provide shareholder or parent-company documents.
- 5
Workspace and Payments
Finalize the workspace arrangements, payments, and documents.
- 6
License Issuance
Next, complete the registration and arrange the establishment card, eligible residence visas, and corporate bank account application when required.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco Handles DMCC Free Zone Business Setup
At Avyanco, we support both businesses and entrepreneurs with our DMCC free zone business formation services. We help you with registration, licensing, and post-setup requirements under DET license number 909402. Our support includes the
Licensing & legal
- Checking proposed activity and legal structure
- Complete the application, name reservation and document submission
Banking & residency
- Recommendations on workspace and residence visa requirements
- Complete documentation for corporate bank account application
Tax & compliance
- Coordinate the Corporate Tax registration and review the potential QFZP eligibility
Documents for DMCC Company Setup
Below are the essential documents for Dubai Multi Commodities Centre company set up as per shareholder structure
- Passport copy, generally valid for at least six months
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of residential address
- CV or bank reference, if requested
- Additional KYC declarations, if required
- Certificate of incorporation and corporate records
- Memorandum and Articles of Association, where applicable
- Board resolution authorizing the setup
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner details
- ID documents for relevant individuals
DMCC Company Setup Cost: Year-One Packages and Fees
The DMCC company setup cost may depend on your registration fees, workspace, license, and visa requirements. The table below shows the main charges associated with the business setup and allows you to budget efficiently.
Example: One shareholder, one visa and a flexi desk
As per the above figures, the estimated first-year setup cost is AED 65,140 to 71,140*, including the registration, application, license, flexi desk, one visa, and establishment card. This estimate excludes the VAT charges, share capital, and additional charges. The actual costs may depend on the company structure and business activity. *Indicative, subject to change
A DMCC license does not exempt your business from UAE Corporate Tax. Avyanco understands the rules that apply to your company and plans the registrations and filings. The standard rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000.
QFZP rules explained →VAT registration is mandatory for business setup in Dubai if the taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000.
Voluntary registration may be available for amounts above AED 187,500Main charges for DMCC company setup
| Cost item | One-time / Annual | From (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | One-time | 1,035* |
| Registration fee (standard trading or service company) | One-time | 9,020* |
| Registration fee (general trading, business centre or hotel license) | One-time | 29,000* |
| Trading or service license | Annual | 20,285* |
| General trading license | Annual | 50,265* |
| Establishment card | Annual | 1,825* |
| One-year Jump Start package with a Standard Flexi Desk | Annual | 43,780* |
| Share capital | Capital requirement, not a fee | 50,000 per company, with 10,000 per shareholder |
From 2nd year, budget for the license and workspace renewals, visa renewals, establishment card and ongoing compliance costs. We give you the detailed estimate on the basis of your proposed business activity, visa requirements, and ownership structure. Check our full DMCC cost breakdown for complete pricing details, or compare our company formation packages to evaluate the options for your business.
Corporate Tax, VAT and QFZP for DMCC Companies
Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP): The eligible companies may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income if they fulfill the applicable conditions. QFZP conditions include:
- Maintaining adequate UAE substance
- Earning qualifying income
- Fulfilling the de minimis test
- Complying with the transfer pricing rules
- Preparing audited financial statements
De minimis Test: Non-qualifying revenue should remain within the lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million. Loss of QFZP Status: Failing to meet the condition can lead to losing the status for the relevant tax period and the next four tax periods. Still, corporate tax registration is required where applicable, even if your organisation expects to benefit from the 0% QFZP rate. Our Corporate Tax registration and QFZP review helps you assess your obligations before starting a business setup.
Questions Founders ask about DMCC
Can I set up a company in DMCC from outside the UAE?+
Yes, you can set up the company in DMCC even from outside the UAE. Remote applications are supported, subject to eligibility and document requirements. ID verification, immigration procedures, or banking may require additional steps.
What is the minimum share capital for a DMCC company?+
The minimum share capital for DMCC company setup is AED 50,000 per company and AED 10,000 per shareholder. There is a higher requirement of AED 1 million for general trading. You must confirm the rules first for your business activity and structure.
How many visas does a flexi desk allow?+
Visa eligibility may depend on the workspace package. DMCC's Special Flexi Desk may be eligible for one visa, and a standard flexi desk may support up to 3, subject to current requirements.
How long does DMCC company registration take?+
A simple company set up application may take a few weeks, and timings may vary according to the approvals, document readiness, activity requirements, and workspace arrangements.
Can a DMCC company sell to the UAE mainland?+
It depends on the activity, services or goods involved and applicable licensing and customs rules. Eligible companies may have additional routes to conduct the approved mainland activities under Dubai's permit framework.
Does DMCC suit crypto and Web3 businesses?+
Yes, it has specialist ecosystems for eligible crypto and Web3 businesses. The allowed business activity and additional approvals may depend on the services offered and applicable UAE regulatory requirements.
What does the DMCC company set up cost from year two?+
The DMCC free zone company formation pricing from year two comes under the renewal category and depends on the package, license, and workspace selected. There are various renewal options available, so we suggest you confirm the current renewal amount and inclusions before finalizing your year-two budget.
Is DMCC worth the higher cost compared with IFZA?+
DMCC company formation may fit businesses that value the JLT location, commodities network, or specialist ecosystem. If your requirements are simple, then you should compare the activity coverage, IFZA's current packages, workspace, and visa provisions before making a decision.
Guides to help you decide
Start your DMCC application.
Ready for the DMCC company formation? Avyanco will review your business activity, ownership structure, and visa requirements and explain your further application steps and applicable charges. Fill out the contact form with your name, phone number, email, proposed business activity, and number of visas required. Our team will respond to you and discuss the next steps.
- Your name, phone number and email
- Your proposed business activity
- The number of visas required
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · DMCC (dmcc.ae) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of DMCC and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. DMCC rules, fees, package inclusions, visa quotas and QFZP eligibility are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with DMCC and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.