DMCC Company Formation
in Dubai
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is one of the most flexible and business-friendly free zones in the Dubai, offering a wide variety of company types and activities.
Why Choose DMCC?
Especially popular among international entrepreneurs due to its strategic location in Dubai, 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal tax (with certain exceptions post-2023), and a strong regulatory framework.
Key Benefits of DMCC
- Prime location in Dubai’s Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district
- 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits
- Access to world-class office, warehouse, and trading infrastructure
- Wide range of license options (trading, service, industrial, commodities)
- Fast and efficient company incorporation process
“Awarded Global Free Zone of the Year 9 times consecutively”
Types of Licenses Available
Trading License
- Import/export, distribution, and storage of goods
- Includes general trading and specialized trading (e.g., foodstuffs, electronics, machinery, gold, diamonds, etc.)
Service License
- Management consultancy, Marketing, media, and advertising
- IT services and software development
- Legal, accounting firms, and Financial advisory (non-regulated)
- Education and training providers
Industrial License
- Light manufacturing or packaging
- Available only for specific low-impact industrial activities (subject to case-by-case approval)
Good to know
The Most Popular Types of Activities at DMCC
DMCC has developed strong, thriving industry clusters. Some of the most popular sectors include:
Commodities Trading
Gold, diamonds, precious metals, tea, coffee, oil & gas. Home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange and Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX).
Crypto & Web3 set up
Blockchain, Web3, crypto trading platforms, NFT marketplaces. Regulated under UAE laws.
Highly popular among startups and global fintech firms
Consulting & Business
Legal, accounting, HR, and marketing agencies. Low overhead with flexible visa allocations.
Technology Firms
Software development, AI, cybersecurity, cloud services. Supported by competitive infrastructure.
Trading & Import/Export
Electronics, fashion, cosmetics, foodstuffs. Benefit from proximity to Jebel Ali Port.
Family Offices
Asset management, investment holding, private wealth structuring. Preferred by HNWIs.
E-Commerce
Marketplace operators, dropshipping, digital trading activities supported by digital licensing.
Logistics
Strategic positioning for global distribution chains connecting East and West.
How to Set Up a DMCC Company?
Step 1: Select Company Name & Activities
- Select activities from the DMCC activity list. Your activity determines the license type and office requirements.
- Propose three company names ranked by preference.
Step 2: Legal Entity Form Selection
FZCO / LLC
• Separate legal entity with limited liability.
• One or more shareholders.
Branch Office
• Must use same name/activities as parent. No separate AOA/MOA.
• A holding company cannot set up a branch in DMCC
Step 3: Application & Approval Timeline
- Submit application and required documents (listed below)
- Arrange an office lease (Lease an office, flexi-desk, or warehouse space depending on business activity)
- Receive Business License (12-15 working days timeline)
- After receiving your license, the next step is opening a corporate bank account. Learn more about our banking services here.
About Flexi Desk
A flexi-desk is a dedicated desk and chair located in a business center within a UAE free zone. It typically includes access to shared facilities such as internet, phone line, fax, and P.O. Box, and may also offer meeting rooms and videoconferencing equipment. Flexi-desks are usually provided for a limited number of hours per month, typically between 18 and 25 hours. The biggest advantage of a flexi-desk is its low cost. It is significantly more affordable than a full office, while still providing a physical workspace — making it the cheapest option for businesses that need a dedicated desk in a UAE free zone.
Additional Requirements
Share Capital
• Minimum: AED 50,000 (AED 1,000 × 50 shares).
• Recommended investment per shareholder: AED 10,000.
• Share Type: Ordinary Shares with Full Rights (if applicable)
Directors
• Minimum: 1 Director
• A director may also be a shareholder
•Must be a natural person (no corporate directors)
• No nationality restrictions
Managers
• Required for each company
• May also be a shareholder or director
• Responsible for daily operations and is the main signatory
• The manager's name appears on the trade license
• Must be a natural person
Required Documents
For Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy: Minimum 6 months validity. (Residents include Visa + EID)
- Proof of address: Issued within 6 months (Utility/Phone bill or Bank statement)
- 6-month bank statement: Showing financial standing
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailing relevant work experience
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Trade License
- Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good Standing
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (Legalized & Attested)
- 6-month corporate bank statement
If the company is registered outside the UAE, these documents must be legalized by the UAE Consulate in the home country and attested by MOFA UAE: Company License, Certificate of Incumbency or Good Standing, Memorandum & Articles of Association.
The Visa Process
Entry
Enter UAE with Entry Permit & Passport
SIM Card
Buy UAE SIM (Recommended: Etisalat)
Medical Exam
Blood test + X-ray (VIP service available)
Submit Biometrics
EID registration form must be printed
Issuance
Consultant collects EID after approval & issuance
- Processing Timelines
Standard Processing
10–12 Working Days
Priority Processing
5–6 Working Days
Emirates ID Delivery
+1 Week
- Post-Incorporation Steps & Annual Requirements
- Bank Account Opening
- VAT registration (if required)
- Corporate Tax registration & annual tax return
- Submission of audited financial statements
- Annual payment of office or flexi-desk fees
- Annual renewal of business license and establishment card
- Visa renewals for shareholders & employees
- List Item
Our Expertise
How Altus Citadel Supports You
- Guidance on choosing the most suitable licence
- Preparing and submitting incorporation applications
- Immigration Services & Visa Applications
- Accounting and bookkeeping services
- Preparing documentation for shareholder structure
- Guidance on office requirements (directors, shareholders, lease)
- Assisting with tax registration and ongoing compliance
- Payroll and HR support and many more
Need a Custom Quote?
Every business is unique. Contact us for a detailed breakdown of start-up costs tailored to your specific activities and scaling requirements.