DMCC Licensing Regulationschapter by chapter

Rule 2.1General Compliance Obligation

DMCC Entities must comply with DMCC Licensing Rules, Company Regulations or CLG Regulations, and all other applicable laws covering leases, freehold, building controls, employment, health and safety, and traffic.

Rule 2.2Monitor for Rule Amendments and Updates

Each DMCC entity is responsible for checking regularly for amendments to the licensing rules and for new or amended notices, policies and procedures issued by DMCCA.

Rule 2.3No Sub-Leasing or Premises Sharing Without Registrar Approval

DMCC entities must not share or sub-lease their premises without prior written Registrar approval, which may carry an annual fee for approved arrangements.

Rule 2.4Prohibition on Contraband

Manufacturing and marketing of contraband items, including any item prohibited by law, is strictly forbidden at all times.

Rule 2.5Timely Payment of Fees, Charges, Fines and Penalties

Fees and charges are payable in advance or per the Schedule of Charges; fines and penalties must be paid within the Tariff period.

Rule 2.6Sanctions for Breach of Licensing Rules

DMCC entities or persons breaching licensing rules, company or other applicable laws, or causing community disturbance may face sanctions imposed by DMCCA.

Rule 3.2.1, 3.2.3Hold and Maintain a Valid, Active Licence

Persons doing business in or from the DMCC Free Zone must hold a valid lease or freehold and maintain an active licence at all times, meeting licensing conditions.

Rule 3.2.4, 3.2.5Obtain Licence Within the Prescribed Time and Pay the Licence Fee

A DMCC entity must obtain its licence within the period set by the Company or CLG Regulations, and the application must include the licence fee and other applicable charges.

Rule 3.2.8, 3.2.10Obtain Registrar Approval Before Changing Licence Details

DMCC Entities must obtain Registrar approval, paying the applicable fee, before changing licence contents such as address or business activity, and must not operate or relocate until approved.

Rule 3.2.11Conduct Business From the DMCC Free Zone or Obtain External-Operations Approval

A DMCC entity must operate from the DMCC Free Zone to keep its licence active, and any business outside it requires a Registrar acknowledgement letter and other UAE authority approvals.

Rule 3.3.1, 3.3.2Renew Licence Before Expiry; No Unlicensed Operation

Free zone licences must be renewed on or before their expiry date, and no person may conduct business or commercial activities in or from the DMCC Free Zone without a valid licence.

Rule 3.3.3Meet Licence Renewal Conditions

To renew a license, applicants must meet compliance and documentation requirements, including submitted audited financial statements.

Rule 4.1Submit Voluntary Termination Request With Reason

A DMCC Entity wishing to voluntarily terminate its licence may do so by submitting a termination request to the Registrar stating the reason for termination.

Rule 4.3Fulfil Voluntary Termination Conditions

A DMCC entity voluntarily terminating its licence must satisfy the Registrar by cancelling visas, evidencing lease termination with nothing outstanding, closing its bank account, and settling all matters.

Rule 5.1Avoid Grounds for DMCCA Suspension or Termination of Licence

DMCCA may suspend or terminate a licence by written notice for breaches of regulations, missed filing deadlines, false or misleading information, or non-compliance with licensing rules and conditions.

Rule 5.3Remedy Suspension Circumstances When Directed by DMCCA

DMCCA may require a suspended DMCC Entity to remedy the circumstances behind a Licence suspension, and may reactivate the Licence once satisfied those circumstances are remedied.

Rule 6.3Meet Voluntary Suspension (Dormancy) Pre-Approval Requirements

A company seeking voluntary suspension of its licence must submit a request with an ordinary resolution, an approved auditor's solvency letter, and the dormancy fee.

Rule 6.5Meet Voluntary Suspension Final Approval Requirements

To obtain final approval of voluntary suspension, a Company must evidence cancellation of all licences, permits and visas, Manager resignation, closed or suspended bank accounts, and required third-party approvals.

Rule 6.11Remain Dormant During the Permitted Period

Companies in a permitted voluntary suspension period must remain dormant, conduct no business or commercial activity, and provide confirmation of dormant status when requested.

Rule 6.14Act Before Expiry of the Permitted Period

Before the dormancy permitted period expires, a company must apply for a new licence, request an extension of the permitted period, or request voluntary termination of its licence.

Rule 7.1Maintain a Manager Responsible for Day-to-Day Operations

A DMCC entity must appoint a manager responsible for day-to-day operations, in accordance with requirements applying to its directors or, for branches, the branch parent's directors.

Rule 7.3Settle All Outstanding Matters on Licence Suspension or Termination

Upon suspension or termination of a licence, all outstanding matters such as visa cancellation, fees, fines and lease matters must be settled, with no refunds of fees paid.