DMCC Free Zone Company Formation
DMCC in Jumeirah Lakes Towers is one of the largest free zones in the world and the centre of Dubai’s commodities trade. It suits trading, professional services and holding companies that want a prestigious Dubai address.
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DubaiLocation
- 25,000+Member companies
- 100%Ownership
- Annual audited accountsAudit
About DMCC
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre was set up in 2002 to build Dubai’s role in gold, diamonds, tea, coffee and other commodities. Today it hosts more than 25,000 member companies from many sectors, from crypto and gaming to shipping and consultancy, in the towers of JLT and Uptown Dubai.
DMCC costs more than budget free zones but offers a strong brand with banks and counterparties, a large range of activities and its own commodity infrastructure such as the Dubai Diamond Exchange and DMCC Tradeflow.
Authority
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Best suited to
Commodity and general trading; Professional and consultancy firms; Holding companies and regional HQs; Crypto and technology businesses (with approvals).
Benefits of DMCC
Strong reputation
Well regarded by banks and international partners.
Wide activity list
Hundreds of trading, service and industrial activities.
Commodity ecosystem
Gold, diamond, tea and coffee centres.
Community
Large business community with events and support.
Metro access
Two JLT metro stations.
Office choice
Flexi desks to full floors in JLT.
Licence types available
Commercial licence
Trading of specific goods.
Professional services licence
Consultancy and services.
Industrial licence
Light manufacturing and assembly.
General trading licence
Trade in a wide range of goods.
E-commerce licence
Online trading.
Holding company
Owning shares in other companies.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Free Zone Company (FZCO / DMCC Company), Branch of a UAE or foreign company |
| Visa allocation | Visa allocation depends on the office: a flexi desk usually allows a small number of visas and larger offices more. DMCC confirms the quota when you lease. |
| Office | Flexi desk, serviced office or leased office in JLT. Physical address required for the licence. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
DMCC packages
Starter, 0 visa
AED 14,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Growth, 1 visa
AED 18,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Premium, 2 visas
AED 24,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
DMCC questions
Does DMCC require audited accounts?
Yes. DMCC member companies must submit audited financial statements each year, which also supports Qualifying Free Zone Person status.
How long does DMCC setup take?
Usually two to four weeks from a complete application, depending on activity approvals.
Can a DMCC company work with mainland clients?
Service companies can often serve mainland clients. Goods sold into the mainland must go through customs and a mainland importer or distributor.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about DMCC
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.