Skip to content
DMCC company setup in Dubai — world's leading free zone
DMCC Company Setup

DMCC Company Setup in Dubai: World's #1 Free Zone

Establish your company in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre — consistently rated the world's top free zone. We manage the full DMCC setup process from application to banking and visa processing.

Request a consultation

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has been named the world's best free zone for nine consecutive years by the Financial Times fDi Magazine. With over 26,000 member companies spanning commodities trading, financial services, technology, professional services, and consumer goods, DMCC is more than a free zone — it is a complete business ecosystem centred in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) in Dubai. Companies registered in DMCC benefit from 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, a prestigious business address, and access to specialised trading infrastructure including the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and DMCC's network of approved vaulting, assay, and logistics service providers. With over 2,000 approved business activities, DMCC accommodates virtually every commercial sector. Probus Pleion Middle East Limited provides end-to-end DMCC company setup services, managing every step from initial application to visa processing and corporate banking. For a comparison with other free zones, see our guide to the best free zones in Dubai or our IFZA company setup guide.

DMCC Company Setup Process

1

Define Your Business Activities

We review your intended commercial operations and map them to DMCC's approved activity list. With over 2,000 activities available, we identify the precise activity codes that cover your current and planned business — avoiding scope gaps that could require future amendments.

2

Reserve Your Trade Name

We submit your preferred company name for DMCC approval, checking availability and compliance with DMCC naming conventions. Name reservation secures your chosen company identity before the full application is submitted.

3

Prepare Documentation

We compile the full documentation package required for your DMCC application — passport copies, shareholder and director details, source of funds declarations, activity descriptions, and constitutional documents including the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

4

Apply Online via DMCC Portal

We submit your complete application through the DMCC member portal, uploading all documentation and completing all required declarations on behalf of shareholders and directors.

5

KYC and Due Diligence

DMCC conducts KYC (Know Your Customer) and due diligence checks on all shareholders and beneficial owners. We guide applicants through this process, ensuring all required disclosures are made correctly and promptly to avoid delays.

6

Choose Your Office

We guide you through selecting the right workspace — Flexi Desk, hot desk, serviced office, or full office lease — based on your team size, visa allocation needs, and budget. Your office choice directly determines how many residence visas your company can sponsor.

7

Make Payments

We coordinate all DMCC fee payments including the licence fee, registration fee, workspace fee, and any other applicable charges. We provide a full cost breakdown before payments are committed.

8

Receive Licence and Establishment Card

DMCC issues your trade licence, establishment card, share certificate, and Memorandum and Articles of Association. We collect and organise all corporate documents for banking and visa applications.

9

Process Visas

We initiate investor and employee visa applications for all visa holders under your company's allocation, managing the Entry Permit, medical fitness examination, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping process.

10

Open Your Bank Account

We prepare your banking application package and introduce your DMCC company to suitable UAE banks, managing the entire due diligence and account opening process. Starting the bank application immediately after licence issuance is critical to avoid operational delays.

Indicative DMCC Costs Overview

All figures are indicative estimates based on general market conditions and may vary depending on jurisdiction, business activity, service provider, and specific requirements. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Item Cost
Trade licence (standard service/trading licence) from AED 15,000 per year
Flexi Desk workspace from AED 15,000 per year (1–2 visa allocation)
Hot Desk workspace from AED 24,000 per year (higher visa allocation)
First-year total (licence + flexi-desk + 1 visa) typically AED 30,000–60,000
Residence visa (per person) AED 3,500–5,500 including government fees
Annual audit (DMCC-approved auditor) AED 3,000–8,000+

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum share capital requirement for DMCC?
DMCC does not impose a fixed minimum share capital requirement for most standard licence types. Regulated activities such as financial services may have specific capital requirements set by the DFSA or VARA. We advise on capital planning as part of the setup process.

How many visas can a DMCC company sponsor?
The number of visas depends on your workspace arrangement. A Flexi Desk typically supports one to two visas. Co-working and serviced office packages allow for more, while a dedicated office lease provides the highest quota. We help plan workspace to match your visa needs.

Is an annual audit compulsory for all DMCC companies?
Yes. All DMCC-registered companies must submit audited financial statements annually, prepared by a DMCC-approved auditor. This applies regardless of revenue level or business activity.

Can a DMCC company trade with UAE mainland customers?
DMCC companies can engage in commodities trading and service delivery internationally. Direct retail or service sales to UAE mainland consumers may require a mainland licence or a local distributor arrangement. We advise on the optimal structure for your specific client base.

How long does DMCC company setup take?
With all documentation in order, the DMCC trade licence is typically issued within 3 to 7 working days. Visa processing takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks. Corporate bank account opening is the longest step and should be started simultaneously with the licence application.

What is DMCC Tradeflow?
DMCC Tradeflow is a commodity receipt management platform that enables electronic documentation of physical commodity ownership in DMCC-approved warehouses. It is used primarily by commodity trading companies for structured trade finance and inventory management.

Can I upgrade my DMCC workspace package after incorporation?
Yes. DMCC allows companies to upgrade their workspace arrangement during the annual renewal process or at other times by agreement. Upgrading your package increases your visa allocation quota and may be necessary as your team grows.

What are the DMCC licence types available?
DMCC offers Trading, Service, Industrial, Gold and Precious Metals Trading, E-Commerce, Crypto Commodities, and Dual Licence (in partnership with DED for mainland access). Each licence type covers different business activities, and we advise on the optimal category for your specific operations.

How many companies are registered in DMCC?
As of the most recent figures, DMCC has over 26,000 registered member companies, making it one of the largest free zones in the world by number of active members. This scale creates a dynamic business ecosystem with significant networking and partnership opportunities within the free zone.

What is the DMCC Dual Licence?
The DMCC Dual Licence is a partnership arrangement between DMCC and Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows qualifying DMCC companies to also operate commercially on the UAE mainland without needing a separate mainland entity. It is particularly useful for service businesses that want to serve both free zone and mainland UAE clients from a single entity.

What ESR obligations apply to DMCC companies?
DMCC companies that carry out relevant activities under the Economic Substance Regulations — including banking, insurance, investment fund management, shipping, intellectual property, holding company, or headquarters activities — must file an annual ESR notification with DMCC. If the company meets the substance test for its activity, it must also file a full ESR report. Failure to comply attracts penalties starting at AED 50,000.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. Regulations in the UAE may change. Please contact us or consult a licensed professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.