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Cost of DMCC License in 2026
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre offers 03 types of licenses in basic. Although we are stating the DMCC free zone license cost 2026 here, there could be variations depending on business activities, the type of office space leased, visa quota, and so on. The price indicated includes license fee, company setup charges, flexi-desk/ co-working space office, VAT, and basic charges.
| Package Type | Visa Allocation | Starting Price (AED) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Biz Package | 1 | 35,480 | Basic business package that can be chosen by start-up firms, individuals starting a new business, and modest business ventures looking to establish a business in DMCC on a minimal budget. |
| Jump Start Package | 01-03 | 43,750 | SMEs and businesses require more visas and flexible operations. |
| Prime Plus Package | Based on Business Activities | 40,150 | Companies need more visibility and physical presence. Medium to large business setups can opt for this package. |
How to Set Up a DMCC Freezone Company
The Dubai Multi-Commodity Centre has laid down a well-defined and simple company formation procedure. The initial process involves choosing the business activities, preparing the documents, and reserving the trade name. Subsequently, submit the application along with documents, conclude the agreement for leasing office space, and pay the fee. The DMCC Authority will scrutinise the documents and issue the license in the minimal possible time. Kiltons Business Setup can simplify this entire process for you, guiding you through document preparation, trade name reservation, and license submission. With Kiltons’ expertise, you can save time and avoid common hurdles, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free DMCC company formation.
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Types of Business Entities in DMCC
DMCC Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is the primary company structure permitted in DMCC. Entities located in the UAE or abroad can have their presence in this progressive free zone through branch offices.
| Entity Type | Description | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Individual or corporate shareholders can form a free zone limited liability company in DMCC. Local partners or local sponsors are not required for this company formation. | 100% |
| Branch Office of a UAE Company | A branch of a resident company operating in the UAE can have its presence in DMCC through a branch office. This would enhance the reach and credibility of the entity. | Same as the UAE-based Parent Company |
| Branch of a Foreign Company | The legal identity of the branch of a foreign company would be the same as the parent company. The branch can function after obtaining a suitable licence in DMCC. | Same as the International Parent Company. |
Documents Required for DMCC Business Setup
For an Individual Shareholder:
- Copies of Passport
- Copies of Visa (if Resident)
- Short CV
- Proof of Address
- Specimen Signatures of Directors/ Shareholders/ Designated Managers
- NOC (if Applicable)
- Business Plan (On As-Required Basis)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Certificate of Incorporation of the Parent Company
- Trade License of the Parent Company (if Applicable)
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Board Resolution
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Copies of the Passports of the Directors/ Shareholders/ Managers
- Power of Attorney for the Designated Person
Timeline Breakdown for DMCC Business Setup
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre offers multiple advantages to businesses. Setting up a company in DMCC can take up to 03 weeks. While opening a corporate bank account and completing visa formalities may take around 02 weeks.
Consider a timeframe of approximately 02 days for discussions and finalisation concerning the business activities, confirmation on eligibility, review of document availability, finalisation of business structure, and decision-making.
Submit the necessary documents to the DMCC authority for initial approval. The business name reservation can also be pursued simultaneously. Identify a name according to the naming regulations, ensure it is not taken by any other entity, and reserve it.
Find the suitable office space, flex-desk, co-working space, private office, or any other space, as per the budget and company needs. Conclude the lease agreement for the office space. Register it with the authority.
Prepare the documents for the license, examine them for accuracy and clarity, and submit them to the DMCC Authority. The DMCC will review the documents and application for a license and issue the Trade License, Certificate of Incorporation, and Memorandum of Association.
A corporate bank account can be opened subsequent to the receipt of the license. The documents required include a business license, a certificate of incorporation, a business plan, and KYC data.
Apply for an Emirates ID and UAE Visa. It may take about 07 to 14 days to complete the process and obtain a visa.
Key Advantages - DMCC
DMCC Freezone is located at a strategic position, at the heart of Dubai, making it ideal for businesses. Diverse business options, unlike most of the other free zones that focus on specific sectors, are one of the many positive aspects of DMCC.
Investor-friendly Policies
The policies and regulations followed in the DMCC are investor-friendly and straightforward.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own, administer, control, and command your business without any interference from others.
Diverse Business Activities
No need to limit your business aspirations to a specific sector. DMCC offers about 700 activities that include crypto, trading, services, and commodities.
Strategically Located Freezone
Global connectivity of the DMCC, being located at the heart of Dubai, helps in trading with international clients.
Advanced Infrastructure
Dubai has been establishing benchmarks in every sector. The Emirates thrive on income from tourism and business investments primarily. The most advanced infrastructure has been a factor that attracts investors to DMCC.
100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits
Transfer of funds is a crucial requirement in business. The 100% repatriation of funds outside the UAE, without any currency restrictions, is another benefit of setting up a company in DMCC.
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Licensing
DMCC
Need help?
1
Finalize Business Activity and Legal Structure
Determine the business activity, i.e., trading, service, consultancy, or professional support, you are planning to take up. Then decide upon the company structure. The license type and subsequent formalities will depend on these two aspects. Hiring a specialist business setup consultant in the DMCC will be beneficial. The specialist would be of utmost help and support during all the important tasks like document submission, leasing of business space, and visa processing.
2
Name the Business
Follow the DMCC business name guidelines and choose a business name. Apply for name reservation through the DMCC portal. All the subsequent documents would be issued in the business name.
3
Obtain Initial Approval
Obtain the initial approval from the DMCC by submitting all the necessary documents. The initial approval indicates that the authority has confirmed that the business is according to regulations.
4
Lease Business Space
Identify the space according to the type of business and the budget allocation. It could be a flex-desk, co-working space, virtual office, or any other suitable type.
5
Application for Trade License
Submit all the documents for the DMCC license. The DMCC Freezone authority will scrutinise the documents, confirm authenticity, and issue a license and certificate of incorporation.
6
Open a Corporate Bank Account
License, Certificate of Incorporation, and lease agreement are the most common documents sought by banks for account opening. Submit these along with other requisite documents for opening the corporate account.
7
Visa and Establishment Card
Proceed with the application for a visa and an Establishment ID.
DMCC Freezone Business Bank Account Assistance
Popular Banks
- Mashreq Bank
- Wio Bank
- Al Maryah Community Bank (MBank)
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)
Required Documents
- Trade License (Notarized, if issued abroad)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Board Resolution
- Copies of Visa (as Applicable)
- Copies of Passports
- Concluded Lease Agreement
- Share Certificate
Bank Interview
Banks in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone conduct interviews during the corporate account opening process. This is done as part of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. The interview helps the bank to understand the legitimacy of the business, the business activities planned, the expected turnover, the source of funds, etc.
Account Opening Timelines
Corporate account opening in the DMCC may take around 01-02 weeks. The account opening timelines largely depend on the bank, the business activities planned, and the examination of the documents.
Talk to an expertOffice Options Available in DMCC Freezone
The visa permitted in DMCC depends on the type of office space and business package chosen. Therefore, determine the package and business space as per the company's operation plans and the number of employees needed. Business packages with a visa quota would be necessary if you are planning to hire expatriate employees.
| Workspace Type | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi-desk/ Co-working Space | A budget-friendly option that helps in reducing expenses during the business setup. Common amenities and basic facilities. | Freelancers, small teams, and start-ups. |
| Flexi-Office/ Shared Office | It is different from a flexi desk. A semi-private workspace in a shared environment is facilitated with a meeting room, reception, and services. | Small companies, professional consultancies, and start-ups are eyeing quick growth. |
| Serviced Office | Equipped office space with suitable furnishing. Serviced offices are operated by providers approved by the DMCC. | Middle to large level entities, SMEs, etc. |
| Executive Office | Customizable executive office spaces that reflect class and elegance. This type of space can be leased from DMCC or approved providers. | Well-established entities, global firms, large companies. |
| Showrooms/ Retail Centre | Retail trading centre/ showroom that offers space for display, customer interaction, and sales. | Retail trading firms, professional service providers, and luxury product agencies. |
| Storage Centre/ Warehouse | Suitable for the storage and supply of products. | Logistic companies, transportation firms |
DMCC License Types & Sample Business Activities
DMCC provides normal licenses, like trading and service licenses, to dual licenses. The license options for virtual assets are also available.
Trading License
Wholesale, retail, export, import, distribution, and other trading activities can be performed with this license
Sample Activities :
- General Trading
- Precious Metal sales
- Electronic Goods Business
- Import of Products
Service License
Professional consultancy service firms require a Service License to operate in the DMCC Freezone.
Sample Activities :
- Marketing and Advertising
- Graphic Designers
- Accounting and Auditing
Industrial License
Companies involved in the manufacturing and assembly of products. It is necessary to have a light manufacturing unit and storage space.
Sample Activities :
- Light Equipment Production
- Jewellery Manufacturing
- Perfume Production
E-commerce License
Storage and sales of products through digital media and online platforms.
Sample Activities :
- Digital Product Trading
- Online Sales
- Dropshipping
Crypto/ Web 3 License
License for virtual asset companies operating in blockchain, crypto, Web 3, and digital assets.
Sample Activities :
- Crypto Trading
- Web3 Development
- Blockchain Operations
Dual License
A dual license means that the company has both a Mainland and a DMCC license. It can operate in both jurisdictions.
Sample Activities :
Activities approved by the DMCC and the DET.
DMCC Company Renewal
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre license has a validity of one year and must be renewed annually. The DMCC company renewal can be pursued through the DMCC client portal. The renewed license is issued on the same day or the next if all the documents are correct.
- Check and confirm the validity and authenticity of all the documents.
- Log in to the DMCC client portal with the credentials you have.
- Click on DMCC company renewal and submit the requisite documents, including the lease agreement, license, and certificate of incorporation.
- Pay the license renewal fee.
- Receive the renewed license and update related documents as necessary.
License Cancellation
Exit Process, Visa Cancellation, Final audit (if applicable)
DMCC Freezone Company Amendments
Company amendment is also undertaken through the DMCC membership portal. Business activities, change in shareholders, change in business name, etc., can be amended. The fee and the documents required will depend on the amendment. The amendment may take about 5-7 business days.
- Log in to the DMCC Member portal.
- Click on “Company Amendment” and furnish the details.
- Upload the documents.
- Pay the amendment fee.
- DMCC Authority will review the application and approve the amendment in about a week.
DMCC Company Cancellation
The company liquidation and license cancellation process has to be complied with when a company decides to terminate its business in the DMCC. The DMCC Company cancellation process can be completed in about 30-40 days.
- Board resolution regarding the cancellation of the DMCC Freezone company.
- Appointment of a liquidator, approved by the DMCC, for pursuing the process.
- Obtain initial approval for the company's liquidation.
- Publish the notice regarding the company cancellation in at least one English and one Arabic newspaper.
- Final liquidation report submission.
- Cancellation of visas and Establishment Card associated with the business.
- Approval from the DMCC for the company cancellation.
Hidden Cost to be Aware of
Every investor calculates and forecasts the company formation expenses in advance. Nonetheless, there are a few fees that may be missed during the calculation.
- Lease agreement fee
- Name registration charge
- Expenses associated with the visa process
- Account opening charges
- Fee for additional approvals (if any)
- Auditing expenses
Is DMCC The Right Choice For You
DMCC is Ideal For
Flexi-desks, cost-effective business setup options, and optimal growth prospects make DMCC suitable for start-ups.
Being a global hub, with exceptional consumer footfall, trading firms from jewellery, electronics, foodstuff, etc., can choose DMCC.
A strategically connected business location, the DMCC is ideal for companies looking to connect with clients around the globe.
Consulting and professional services, including digital marketing, IT, HR, advertising, marketing, auditing, and accounting services, can choose DMCC and grow.
DMCC May Not Be Ideal For
Financial services, banks, insurance, medical services, etc., may not consider DMCC for business setup. As such, businesses will need additional approvals from outside the DMCC; it may not be advisable to set up a company here.
Although light manufacturing units can function efficiently, this jurisdiction is not suitable for large-scale industries.
An annual audit is mandatory for a DMCC company. The companies not desirable to pursue this may avoid the DMCC Freezone.
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