Dubai · DMCC Authority · Est. 2002
Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DMCC is Dubai's largest free zone, home to over 26,000 companies across trade, commodities, technology, and crypto sectors. Setup packages start from AED 27,049 (freelance) and scale up for company formations, supporting up to 20 visa allocations. DMCC holds an 'Easy' banking designation due to formal partnerships with major regional banks that streamline account approvals within 2–4 weeks. Key facilities include specialized hubs for Crypto, AI, and Gaming, dual-licensing options, and direct access to Dubai's primary commercial corridors.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: DMCC Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 23,620
Year 1 (estimated)
Quick facts
Freelance Permit
AED 27,049
Freelance Permit · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 23,825
Basic Biz (Service License)
AED 40,708
FZCO · None · 1 visa
Renews at AED 22,070
Jump Start — Flexi Desk
AED 49,004
FZCO · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 42,070
Jump Start — Co-Working Desk
AED 60,389
FZCO · Dedicated Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 47,070
General Trading License
AED 85,742
FZCO · Flexi Desk · 3 visas
Renews at AED 72,070
Advisory Estimate
AED 23,620
— · 0 visas
Renews at AED 16,000
Estimated
Physical office (minimum flexi desk in JLT) is mandatory — no virtual office option. Flexi desk costs AED 16,000-19,000/year and supports roughly 3-4 visa allocations; larger visa quotas require a bigger office. Multi-year renewal discounts available: 5% (2-year), 10% (3-year), 15% (4-year), 20% (5-year) applied to license renewal fees.
DMCC suits trading, tech and media businesses. Confirm your exact activity is on the zone's list before you apply.
Comparing with a mainland licence? Trading & Services · Transport, Storage & Logistics · IT & Media · Professional & Technical Services
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Moderate
Forensic ease
6/10
The Global Commodity Sovereign; High-Intensity Compliance Node.
DMCC is a world-leading free zone, but its physical integration into the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district creates a unique forensic challenge: 'Geographic Leakage.' For 2026, the FTA is scrutinizing entities that provide services to mainland persons or businesses from within JLT. To maintain 0% status, DMCC firms must ensure that their 'Qualifying Income' is mathematically segregated from 'Non-Qualifying' mainland revenue, particularly for businesses utilizing flexi-desks which often fail the 'Adequate Substance' test.
Classified as a Qualified Free Zone Person (QFZP) under Federal Decree-Law No. 47. Article 18 compliance is monitored via the FSRA-aligned Registration Authority, requiring annual IFRS-compliant audits.
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Tax and compliance
DMCC tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in DMCC?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Multi Commodities Centre is Advisory Estimate at AED 23,620 for Year 1, renewing at AED 16,000. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DMCC setup take?
Typical processing time is 14–21 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DMCC licence?
Banking difficulty for DMCC is rated "Easy". Known banking partners include Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), Wio Business, Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, RAKBank.
How many visas can I get with a DMCC licence, and what do they cost?
DMCC allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 3 visas (General Trading License, AED 85,742 for Year 1). A dependent (family) visa costs about AED 4,500. Multi-year renewal discounts available: 5% (2-year), 10% (3-year), 15% (4-year), 20% (5-year) applied to license renewal fees.
How much is the DMCC licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 12,000 to AED 22,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DMCC?
DMCC sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in DMCC?
Physical office (minimum flexi desk in JLT) is mandatory — no virtual office option. Flexi desk costs AED 16,000-19,000/year and supports roughly 3-4 visa allocations; larger visa quotas require a bigger office. The smallest office we hold for DMCC is 18 sq m.
Can a DMCC company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DMCC company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.