Why choose DMCC?

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is one of the world's largest free zones, with more than 26,000 member companies from over 180 countries and a Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) address. Beyond general trading and services, it runs specialist centres for gold, diamonds, tea and coffee, crypto, gaming and AI. A DMCC licence carries strong recognition with banks, investors and corporate clients.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership and a prestigious central Dubai address.
  • 1,000+ business activities across service, trading, commercial and industrial licences.
  • Specialist ecosystems: Crypto Centre, Gaming Centre, AI Centre and commodity hubs.
  • Fully digital setup, with an electronic licence.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

DMCC costs in 2026

  • DMCC's own estimate: a typical first year of AED 35,000 to AED 50,000, covering licence, registration and a flexi desk.
  • Core fees: application AED 1,035, registration AED 9,020, Articles of Association AED 2,020, and an annual trading or service licence of around AED 20,285. Extra activities in the same group are AED 1,500 each.
  • Packages: Basic Biz from AED 35,484 (flexi desk, eligible for 1 visa); Jump Start from AED 43,780 with a flexi desk and one 2-year visa included.
  • Visas: establishment card AED 1,825; a 2-year employment visa from AED 2,972.50 when applying from outside the UAE, plus medical and Emirates ID.
  • Share capital: usually AED 50,000 depending on activity. It can be deposited to your DMCC portal account and used for DMCC services, but it is not refundable.
  • Annual audit: every DMCC company must submit audited accounts from a DMCC-approved auditor within six months of year-end. Budget for this from year one.

With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in DMCC

  1. Choose your activity and licence: service, trading, commercial or industrial, or a specialist centre licence.
  2. Choose a package and workspace: a standard flexi desk supports up to 3 visas; offices support more.
  3. Reserve your name and submit documents: pre-approval, payment and signing are digital.
  4. Receive your licence: allow about 2 to 3 weeks for a complete application.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is DMCC best for?

Commodity traders, crypto and gaming businesses, established SMEs and any company where banking credibility and brand matter to clients or investors. It is rarely the cheapest option for a solo founder; zones such as IFZA, Meydan or SHAMS cost less if prestige is not a priority.

DMCC FAQs

How much does it cost to set up in DMCC?

DMCC estimates a typical first year at AED 35,000 to AED 50,000 for licence, registration and a flexi desk. Visas, medicals and the annual audit are extra.

Do I need an office in DMCC?

Yes. Packages include a flexi desk or coworking space, and your visa quota depends on your workspace. A standard flexi desk supports up to 3 visas.

Is the AED 50,000 share capital locked in a bank?

Not necessarily. Where capital is AED 50,000 it can be deposited to your DMCC portal account and spent on DMCC services, but it is not refunded.

Does a small DMCC company need an audit?

Yes. All DMCC companies, including branches, must submit audited accounts from a DMCC-approved auditor every year.

Can I set up a DMCC company remotely?

Yes for the licence: pre-approval, payment and signing are digital. You need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; we confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.