DMCC Setup & Incorporation
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is one of the most flexible and business-friendly free zones in the UAE, offering a wide variety of company types and activities.
Prime Business Destination
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
“DMCC has been crowned Global Free Zone of the Year nine times, making it the premier choice for scaling global operations.”
Types of Activities Allowed
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
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 Company at DMCC?
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
- 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)
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
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
Parent Company (If Applicable)
- 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.