Free Zone Company Fo...
Free Zone Company Formation
Set up your company in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre with 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and direct access to global commodity and trade markets.
DMCC was established in 2002 by Royal Decree to position Dubai as a global hub for commodities trade. What started as a platform for gold, diamonds, and precious metals has grown into one of the most diverse and respected free zones in the world.
Today, DMCC sits at the center of Jumeirah Lake Towers in New Dubai, one of the most connected business districts in the UAE. It is flanked by two international airports, major highways, and the Dubai Metro, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
The free zone covers over 20 sectors and hosts businesses ranging from commodity traders and crypto startups to management consultants and food brands. DMCC accounts for roughly 15% of Dubai's total foreign direct investment, which shows just how much economic weight it carries.
As a DMCC member company, you get access to world-class infrastructure, sector-specific centres like the DMCC Crypto Centre, the Dubai Diamond Exchange, the DMCC Tea Centre, and the DMCC Coffee Centre, plus a community of over 100,000 people living and working in JLT.
DMCC combines global brand recognition, a world-class regulatory framework, and sector-specific infrastructure that no other UAE free zone can match.
Every DMCC company setup comes with the full suite of legal documents and rights you need to operate, bank, hire, and grow from day one.
Your official license issued by the DMCC Authority, covering all approved business activities. Valid for 12 months and renewable annually.
A premium JLT address in one of Dubai's most recognized business districts. Used for official correspondence, banking, and contracts.
The formal document that establishes your company as a legal entity within the DMCC Free Zone.
Your company's governing document, defining ownership, management structure, and operating rules. DMCC provides ready-to-use templates.
Formal proof of ownership distribution among all shareholders in your DMCC company.
An official stamp for use on legal documents, contracts, and correspondence.
The right to apply for UAE residence visas for investors, employees, and dependants, based on your office type and visa quota.
Ability to open a UAE corporate bank account. DMCC companies are well recognized by UAE and international banks.
For businesses buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods.
For professional, consultancy, and knowledge-based businesses.
For light manufacturing, processing, and production.
For businesses operating in the digital asset space.
For businesses buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods.
For professional, consultancy, and knowledge-based businesses.
For light manufacturing, processing, and production.
For businesses operating in the digital asset space.
DMCC is a premium free zone and its pricing reflects that. You are paying for global brand recognition, a strong regulatory framework, and access to one of the most active business communities in the UAE. Here is a realistic cost picture for 2025 and 2026.
AED 15,000 – 35,000
License fee varies by activity type and the number of categories selected.
AED 35,000 – 60,000
Includes license, flexi-desk, and basic visa allocation of 3 to 4 visas.
AED 60,000 – 150,000+
Includes license, dedicated office, and a higher visa quota. Cost rises with office size and staff headcount.
Regulated activities such as crypto, financial services, or food-related businesses require additional approvals and fees beyond the base license cost.
Flexi-desks start around AED 15,000 to 25,000 per year. Private offices in JLT towers range from AED 35,000 to over AED 500,000 depending on size, building, and location.
Each visa adds AED 3,500 to 6,000, covering entry permit, medical, and Emirates ID. Your visa quota depends directly on your office size and type.
DMCC allows multiple activities under one license if they are related. Adding more activity categories increases the annual license fee.
Budget 60 to 80% of your first-year setup cost for renewals. Renewal covers the trade license, office lease, and any ongoing compliance costs.
All figures are indicative and based on current market data for 2025 and 2026. Actual costs depend on your specific activities, office choice, visa needs, and DMCC Authority fee structure at the time of application. Riz & Mona provides a full, itemized quote at no charge before you commit.
DMCC has one of the most digital and streamlined setup processes among UAE free zones. Most of the registration steps can be completed online Here is what the journey looks like from start to finish.
Select from over 2,000 approved DMCC activities. Decide between an FZE, FZCO, or Branch Office based on your ownership setup and long-term plan.
Submit your preferred company name through the DMCC online portal. Names must be unique, follow DMCC naming rules, and include the correct legal suffix. FZCOs registered from January 2025 must include FZCO in the name.
Upload shareholder passports, proof of address, Articles of Association, and any corporate documents if a company is a shareholder. Pay the initial application fee of approximately AED 1,035 at this stage.
DMCC reviews your application and issues a provisional approval. You then pay the full license and registration fees to proceed.
Sign the legal documents, finalize your office lease, and receive your DMCC trade license and full company kit including share certificates and company seal.
Apply for UAE residence visas for investors, employees, and dependants. This includes the establishment card, entry permits, medical testing, biometrics, and Emirates ID issuance.
Prepare your banking documents and get introduced to suitable UAE banks. DMCC companies are generally well received by major UAE and international banks, though approval timelines vary.
Having the right documents ready speeds up your registration. Requirements vary slightly based on whether you are applying as an individual or through a corporate shareholder.
Documents from outside the UAE typically require notarization, apostille, or attestation by the relevant authority in your home country, followed by the UAE Embassy and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Requirements vary by nationality and corporate structure. Riz & Mona confirms the exact list for your situation before you start.
A valid DMCC trade license and office lease give your company the right to sponsor UAE residence visas. The number of visas you can apply for depends on your office type and size.
A flexi-desk typically allows 3 to 4 visas. Larger offices unlock higher quotas based on floor area.
Riz & Mona handles the full visa journey, from setting up your establishment card through to Emirates ID collection. We manage every government interaction and keep you informed at each step.
Riz & Mona provides full visa application support. All decisions rest with UAE immigration authorities. Visa eligibility, duration, and requirements are subject to change under UAE regulations.
Opening a business bank account in the UAE is a critical step after your DMCC license is issued. Banks have strict KYC and compliance requirements, and the process can be slower than expected for new entities, especially for non-resident applicants. DMCC companies are generally viewed positively by UAE banks because of the free zone's strong reputation and regulatory framework. However, each bank makes its own decision. Industries like commodities, crypto, and financial services tend to face additional scrutiny.
DMCC is a global diamond trading hub and is Chair of the Kimberley Process. The Dubai Diamond Exchange hosts trading sessions and connects buyers and sellers from the world's top diamond markets. The Dubai Pearl Exchange brings together pearls and pearl products in one regulated marketplace.
Dubai handles around 25% of global gold trade, and DMCC plays a central role in that. The Dubai Good Delivery Standard sets the quality benchmark. Member companies trade gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals through a trusted, regulated network.
DMCC has made Dubai one of the leading global hubs for tea and coffee trade. The Tea Centre and Coffee Centre offer dedicated infrastructure, storage, and market access for agricultural commodity businesses. In 2024, DMCC expanded the Coffee Centre with a new Mezzanine level to support growing demand.
With over 700 active companies including Bitcoin.com and Animoca Brands, the Crypto Centre is the UAE's most active hub for Web3, blockchain, and digital asset businesses. A dedicated Crypto Tower is currently under construction in JLT, featuring blockchain incubators, an AI innovation floor, and gold vault facilities. Crypto businesses in DMCC operate under DMCC licensing with VARA oversight for regulated activities.
The AI Centre, launched in September 2024, already hosts over 110 companies. The Gaming Centre has grown to over 140 member companies. Together with the Crypto Centre, these three tech hubs represent close to 1,000 firms and make DMCC a genuine global Web3 and emerging tech ecosystem.
Our Advantage
We review your activities, ownership structure, visa needs, and budget before recommending anything. You get a plan built around your goals, not a generic package.
From trade license and AOA documentation to annual audit guidance, we manage every administrative and regulatory step with the DMCC Authority on your behalf.
We handle the full visa journey from establishment card to Emirates ID, prepare your banking file, and introduce you to the right UAE bank for your activity — whether commodity trading, crypto, or professional services.
We provide a fully itemised cost breakdown covering the license, office, visas, and professional fees before you commit. What we quote is what you pay.
We stay with you after launch — license renewals, VAT, corporate tax, accounting, and expansion support. Our Business Bay office serves clients from over 80 countries.
DMCC | IFZA | DAFZA |
|---|---|---|
Full Name Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Full Name International Free Zone Authority | Full Name Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority |
Setup Cost AED 35,000 to 80,000+ | Setup Cost AED 12,500 to 18,000+ | Setup Cost AED 20,000 to 50,000+ |
Setup Time 2 to 4 weeks | Setup Time 3 to 5 days | Setup Time 5 to 10 days |
Visa Allocation Office-size based (flexi-desk: 3 to 4) | Visa Allocation Package-based (0 to 6) | Visa Allocation Office-size based |
Location Jumeirah Lake Towers, New Dubai | Location Dubai Silicon Oasis area | Location Next to Dubai International Airport |
Best For Commodity traders, crypto, multinationals, professional services | Best For Startups, online businesses, budget-conscious setups | Best For Logistics, aviation, import and export |
Global Ranking No. 1 Free Zone worldwide (FT fDi, 9 years) | Global Ranking Not ranked | Global Ranking Premium tier |
Sector Ecosystems Gold, diamonds, crypto, tea, coffee, AI, gaming | Sector Ecosystems General multi-activity | Sector Ecosystems Aviation, logistics, tech |
Foreign Ownership 100% | Foreign Ownership 100% | Foreign Ownership 100% |
Categories Trading / Tech / Commodities / Crypto / Services | Categories Budget-Friendly / Services / E-commerce | Categories Trading / Logistics / Aviation |
Not sure which free zone fits your business? We compare costs, activities, visa quotas, and strategic fit at no charge.
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