Jurisdictions
DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
The UAE's largest and most recognised free zone by company count — the strongest choice for trading, commodities, crypto/blockchain businesses and family offices.
- Setup from
- AED 27,000–35,000 (0-visa, licence + registration + flexi-desk)
- Typical timing
- 2–4 weeks end-to-end including bank account
- Visa capacity
- scales with office package (virtual office ~1 visa, flexi-desk ~2, private office more)
- Office format
- virtual office, flexi-desk or private office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
Is DMCC right for you?
Yes, if
- You trade physical or digital commodities, or need the credibility of the UAE's largest free zone (26,000+ member companies) for banking and counterparties
- You're building a crypto/blockchain business — the DMCC Crypto Centre hosts 700+ companies and has a defined onboarding path
- You want to set up a Single or Multi Family Office — DMCC's Wealth Hub, launched in 2026, is purpose-built for this (see the Family Office page)
- Your business will apply for the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit to trade directly with mainland UAE clients
Not the best fit, if
- Budget is the primary driver and your activity doesn't need DMCC's specific ecosystem — IFZA or Meydan will be materially cheaper
- You need DFSA financial-services regulation — that's DIFC
Licence & activity rules
- Licence categories: Trading, Service, Industrial — fee scales with activity and category
- AED 50,000 minimum share capital is standard (usable working capital, not a locked deposit)
- Since January 2026, DMCC companies can apply for a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit to trade directly with mainland UAE clients under a 2026 Dubai Executive Council decision
Documents — standard company
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors and the UBO
- Proof of address for individual shareholders
- Attested corporate documents for any corporate shareholder (as per IFZA table above)
- Business plan / activity description
- Bank reference letter (for some activities)
- Passport-size photos
Process
1Confirm activity, licence category and share capital structure
2Reserve the trade name and submit initial application
3Pay registration (~AED 9,020 one-time) and annual licence fee (~AED 20,285 indicative, activity-dependent)
4Deposit the AED 50,000 share capital (a working account, not a locked-away sum)
5Receive the trade licence and share certificate
6Apply for the Establishment Card and visas (AED 4,000–6,000 per person indicative)
7Open the corporate bank account (typically the longest step
2–6 weeks)
Cost of services
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Registration (one-time) | from AED 9,020 |
| Annual licence | from AED 7,500 (activity-dependent) |
| Establishment Card | from AED 1,825 / year |
| Flexi-desk | from AED 15,000 / year |
| Share capital (working capital, not a fee) | AED 50,000 minimum |
| Per visa (all-in) | from AED 4,000 |
Single Family Office policy
DMCC's Wealth Hub (launched 2026) offers dedicated Single and Multi Family Office licences, SPV structures and Holding Company licences, with access to legal, tax, fiduciary and succession-planning support and integration with DMCC's Tradeflow platform for asset registration. Full detail on the dedicated Family Office page — this section links there.
Renewal
Annual renewal covers the licence fee, Establishment Card and office lease renewal. DMCC companies must maintain audited financial statements as part of ongoing compliance — A&D's Tax, Accounting & Compliance service covers this.
Final price depends on activity, structure and visa quota — request a fixed quote.
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