DMCC Business Setup in Dubai

DMCC business setup for founders who want a free zone company in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai. We help you choose the company type, activities and office, then handle the application, licence and visas.

Description

DMCC business setup means forming a company in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a free zone based in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). DMCC says it hosts more than 26,000 member companies from over 180 countries, and it licenses more than 1,000 business activities, from commodities and trading to technology, consulting and services. You can own 100% of the company, and the licence is issued as an e-licence after registration.

**Which company type.** DMCC offers three routes: a new company owned by individuals, a subsidiary owned by an existing company, or a branch of a company registered elsewhere. Every DMCC company needs at least one shareholder, an appointed director and a company secretary (one person can hold both roles), and must disclose its ultimate beneficial owners: anyone with 25% or more ownership or control.

**Choosing activities.** Your activities decide what you can legally do, which bank questions you will face and whether another authority must approve you. Trading, services and industrial activities are all available, but some, such as financial or virtual asset activities, need a second regulator. For example, a DMCC company can be formed for crypto-related activities, but regulated virtual asset services also need a licence from VARA; see our Dubai VARA crypto licence advisory.

**Office and visas.** Every DMCC company needs a registered address inside the free zone. Your office choice sets how many residence visas you can apply for: DMCC states that a flexi desk supports up to 3 visas, a serviced office 4 or 5, and dedicated physical space about 1 visa per 9 square metres. If you need help comparing options, see Dubai flexi-desk and office rental. Owners usually apply for a Dubai investor visa, and staff are sponsored through Dubai employment visa processing.

**What affects the cost.** There is no single DMCC price. Your total depends on the licence term (DMCC offers multi-year licences), the office type, the number of visas, the activities you choose and any external approvals they need. Each visa holder also needs a medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance. Ask us on WhatsApp or live chat for a written quote based on your plan.

**Timeline.** DMCC describes the process as fully digital and says it typically takes around 10 working days. Visas come after the licence and establishment card. You only need to be in the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics if you apply for residence.

**After setup.** You will need a corporate bank account in Dubai, and you must renew the licence and office lease on time. DMCC companies must keep accounts and submit audited financial statements; our Dubai free zone annual audit service covers this. DMCC is a qualifying free zone under the UAE Corporate Tax law, but the 0% rate applies only to qualifying income, so you still need to register for corporate tax and, if you pass the threshold, VAT.

What's Included

Advice on company type: new company, subsidiary or branch
Activity selection and checks for any external approval your activities need
Trade name check and reservation
Preparation and submission of the DMCC pre-approval application and KYC, including UBO details
Memorandum and Articles of Association prepared for e-signature
Help choosing an office solution to match your visa needs
Follow-up until the DMCC e-licence and company documents are issued
Establishment card and visa applications for owners and staff, if you need them
Guidance on next steps: bank account, corporate tax registration and renewals

Requirements / Prerequisites

At least one shareholder (individual or company)
A director and a company secretary (one person can hold both roles)
Disclosure of every ultimate beneficial owner with 25% or more ownership or control
Activities chosen from DMCC's approved list, plus any approval from another regulator they require
A registered business address inside DMCC (flexi desk, serviced office or physical space)
If you plan to sponsor visas, an office solution with enough visa allocation

Required Documents

Passport copy of every shareholder, director, secretary and UBO
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies, if the person lives in the UAE
Proof of residential address (recent utility bill or bank statement)
Proposed company name options and the list of activities
Short business plan or business description
For a subsidiary or branch: parent company certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and register of shareholders, legalised as DMCC requires
Any extra document DMCC asks for during review

Our Process

Consultation: we confirm your activities, company type, office and visa needs
Name check and activity selection
Pre-approval: application, shareholder documents and KYC submitted on the DMCC portal, and the pre-approval fee paid
DMCC review; it may ask for more information
Payment of licence and office fees, and e-signature of the Memorandum and Articles of Association
Office solution confirmed and lease signed
DMCC issues the e-licence and company documents
Establishment card, then visa applications, medical test and Emirates ID for each visa holder
Corporate bank account application

Pricing

Contact via WhatsApp

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does DMCC business setup take?

DMCC says its digital process typically takes around 10 working days to licence, provided your documents are complete. Applications needing approval from another authority take longer, and residence visas are processed after the licence.

Can I set up a DMCC company without visiting Dubai?

Yes, the licensing stage is digital. You need to come to the UAE only if you apply for a residence visa (for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics), and some banks ask to meet the signatory.

How many visas can a DMCC company get?

It depends on your office. DMCC states that a flexi desk supports up to 3 visas, a serviced office 4 or 5, and physical space about 1 visa per 9 square metres. DMCC can increase a quota in some cases.

What does DMCC business setup cost?

The total depends on the licence term, the office type, the number of visas, your activities and any external approvals, plus each visa holder's medical, Emirates ID and insurance. Message us on WhatsApp or live chat for a written quote based on your plan.

Who must be named on a DMCC company?

At least one shareholder, a director and a company secretary (one person can be both), plus every ultimate beneficial owner with 25% or more ownership or control.

Can a DMCC company do crypto business?

DMCC licenses crypto and Web3 related activities. If you plan regulated virtual asset services, such as exchange, brokerage or custody, you also need a licence from VARA before you start.

Can a DMCC company work with mainland Dubai clients?

Free zone companies can trade internationally and with other free zone companies. To operate on the Dubai mainland you generally need a mainland presence or, for eligible activities, Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit through the Invest in Dubai platform. Ask us which route fits your activity.

Do DMCC companies pay corporate tax?

DMCC is a qualifying free zone, so a qualifying free zone person can pay 0% on qualifying income. Other income is taxed at the standard rate, and every company must register with the Federal Tax Authority.