Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the UAE’s premier free zone and global trade hub, has introduced two new license categories—Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Holding Company licenses—designed to provide businesses with more agile and cost-effective structuring options. Announced on May 5, 2025, the new offerings enable investors and companies to manage assets, oversee regional operations, and consolidate ownership structures without the need for a physical office.
The new SPV and Holding Company licenses mark a significant step in DMCC’s commitment to support business scalability and global competitiveness. These licenses cater to multinational corporations, family offices, investment firms, and entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations in a tax-efficient and regulatory-compliant environment.
“With the launch of our SPV and Holding Company licenses, we’re offering flexible, internationally recognized frameworks that make it easier to manage investments, protect assets, and oversee operations across markets,”
said Ahmed Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC.
Key Benefits and Features:
- No Physical Office Requirement: Both licenses eliminate the need for traditional office space, reducing setup costs and operational burdens.
- Cost-Efficiency: Businesses benefit from a leaner corporate structure, allowing for asset protection, risk limitation, and investment consolidation.
- Ideal for Strategic Governance: The Holding Company license offers a single umbrella structure for managing subsidiaries and investments, simplifying oversight and enhancing decision-making.
- SPV Functionality: Tailored for asset holding, securitisation, and structured finance, the SPV license enables entities to operate without engaging in commercial activities.
The licenses align with global standards and provide entities with internationally accepted structuring tools, further positioning DMCC as a leading destination for innovative business solutions.
Tax and Regulatory Advantages:
DMCC entities remain eligible for a 0% UAE Corporate Tax rate, provided they meet the necessary regulatory conditions under the UAE Corporate Tax framework for Free Zone Persons. This makes the newly launched licenses especially attractive for firms seeking tax-optimized structures for regional or global expansion.
With more than 25,000 member companies from diverse industries, DMCC continues to foster a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can thrive. Strategic offerings like SPVs and Holding Companies reflect DMCC’s vision of enabling enterprise growth through streamlined, scalable, and future-ready solutions. The introduction of SPV and Holding Company licenses by DMCC is poised to reshape how businesses structure their presence in the UAE and beyond. By offering greater flexibility, reduced costs, and tax efficiency, DMCC reaffirms its role as a catalyst for global trade and investment.
