Set Up Your Company in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), founded in 2002, is one of Dubai’s main free zones and trade hubs, providing a suitable business climate with a variety of support services such as trade finance, market intelligence, and networking opportunities.
With over 15,000 global enterprises, DMCC is known for its pro-business policies and commitment to assisting startups, SMEs, and the commodities sector. Over time, it has grown into one of the UAE’s most lively free zones, serving as a symbol of prosperity in the region.
Advantages of Setting Up Your Business in DMCC
Starting a business in DMCC gives you the opportunity to be part of a globally known free zone center. For the eighth year in a row, DMCC has been crowned Global Free Zone of the Year by fDi Magazine.
DMCC, situated in central Dubai near airports and seaports, offers access to a diverse population, with 90% being expats. It provides efficient immigration services, including visa support.
DMCC provides comprehensive business solutions, including access to global markets, secure storage, trading services, legal and financial advice, and efficient logistics. It offers a member online portal for swift assistance.
Foreign companies enjoy full ownership rights, unrestricted capital repatriation, and currency flexibility, with no personal income tax. VAT stands at 5%, while corporate tax is a modest 9% if applicable.
Types of Licenses Offered in DMCC
Virtually all business activities are permissible within the free zone. Typically, DMCC offers three types of licenses:
Trading License
This license is for companies that buy, sell, import, and export goods from, to, and within the UAE.
Industrial License
This license is for companies that conduct light manufacturing in dedicated facilities within DMCC.
Service License
This license is for companies that provide services in the professional, legal, financial, media, technology, education, energy, and healthcare sectors.
Documents for DMCC Company Setup
- Online pre-approval application form
- Proof of residential address in country of residence (A utility bill or bank statement)
- Power of Attorney for Manager, Secretary, Director, Specimen Signature
- Third-party approvals for specific regulated business activities
- Copy of your passport (Along with your UAE residence visa and a copy of your Emirates’ ID, if applicable)
- Business plan (depends on activities)
- Details of an office address in DMCC free zone (JLT)
- Copies of parent company documents if it’s a branch company formation. (Required after the company has been registered)
- Business profile
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor if you already have a residence visa
Business Structures in DMCC
Here are the available legal company structures you can select to establish your company in DMCC:
- Individual
- Subsidiary
- Branch Company
- Limited Liability
- Joint Venture
Register your Company Based on Jurisdiction
Once a company is registered with the appropriate authority, it paves the way for a smooth entry into the Dubai or UAE market, allowing you to grow without facing operational or legal challenges. The type of business license you need depends entirely on your business plan, type of business, target market, financial goals, and initial budget. You can choose from three main types of registration.
Steps in Setting Up Your Business in DMCC
Establishing a company in DMCC typically requires 2-4 weeks, varying based on your business activity.
Incorporating your business in DMCC starts with outlining your activities to determine your trade license type.
Complete and submit your application form accurately online. DMCC will handle company name reservation, management, and compliance approval.
Upon submitting your initial application, proceed to pay the registration and license fees, and sign the legal documents.
Choose an office space to accommodate your staff. Eslam Elgendy assists in selecting the ideal and accessible location for your company.
The next vital step is to obtain DMCC visas for your team to commence operations. We're here to assist with documentation and applications.
Freezone Company Registration
There are 45+ freezones in the UAE and 8000+ companies in freezones. The UAE Freezone is a designated UAE area where expatriates can fully own and operate their business at an affordable registration fee. Dubai Freezone company registration is a potential business investment for expatriates worldwide.
- DIFC Freezone
- DMCC Freezone
- Dubai South
- Dubai Design District (D3)
Frequently Asked Questions
The UAE has special economic zones called Free Zones. These zones offer perks like full foreign ownership, no sponsorship requirement, no taxes, and simplified processes. A company registered and operating in a free zone is called a Free Zone company setup.
Yes, many Free Zones in the UAE allow a single owner with 100% control of the company. However, in some Free Zones, you must have more than one owner for business registration. If you want to set up a company with 100% ownership, you can get in touch with a business consultant, like Avyanco, for guidance.
The process of setting up a company in Dubai free zone can take from a few days to a few weeks. The overall duration depends on a number of factors, such as the specific Free Zone, licence requirements, and documentation.
No, there are no customs duties in Free Zones in the UAE, as they are exempt from paying customs taxes. Except for the restricted items, you can smoothly import or export goods without any restrictions.
Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone licence and apply for a new licence with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again.
Ajman Free Zone is recognised as the most cost-effective free zone in the UAE, with starting costs as low as AED 5,555*. The current AFZ company formation package makes it the cheapest Free zone in UAE for acquiring a free zone license (without a visa).
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is the cheapest Free Zone in Dubai, UAE.
The IFZA Freezone offers the cheapest free zone license in Dubai, UAE. It costs around AED 12,900 without a visa and AED 21,900 with one investor visa offered by IFZA Dubai.
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