Why DMCC?
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has been named the worlds number 1 free zone by the Financial Times for 9 consecutive years. With over 24,000 registered companies, it is the largest and most prestigious free zone in the UAE.
Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), one of Dubai most vibrant business districts with excellent metro connectivity, restaurants, and amenities.
License Types and Costs
| License Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Trading License | From 15,000 | Import/export, commodities trading |
| Service License | From 15,000 | Consulting, IT, marketing |
| Industrial License | From 15,000 | Manufacturing, processing |
Additional costs:
- Visa: AED 5,000-7,000 per person
- Office: AED 15,000-50,000/year (flexi-desk to private office)
- Establishment card: AED 2,000
Total for license + 1 visa + flexi-desk: approximately AED 25,000-35,000
Key Benefits
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- 0% personal income tax
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% profit repatriation
- World-class infrastructure in JLT
- DMCC Tradeflow platform for commodity trading
- Dubai Gold and Diamond Park access
- Strong banking relationships — banks trust DMCC companies
- Prestigious address — internationally recognized
- Business networking — 24,000+ companies to connect with
Setup Process
- Choose business activity and company name
- Submit application with passport copies and business plan
- Receive initial approval (2-3 days)
- Sign lease agreement for office/flexi-desk
- Obtain license (3-5 days after lease)
- Apply for visas
- Open corporate bank account
Total setup time: 2-3 weeks
DMCC vs Budget Free Zones
| Feature | DMCC | IFZA/SHAMS |
|---|---|---|
| License Cost | AED 15,000+ | AED 5,750+ |
| Prestige | Highest | Standard |
| Banking | Easiest approval | Moderate |
| Location | JLT (prime) | Various |
| Networking | 24,000+ companies | Limited |
Choose DMCC if you need credibility, commodity trading, or premium banking. Choose budget zones if cost is priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visas can I get with DMCC?
Visa quota depends on your office space. Flexi-desk allows 1-3 visas. Private offices allow more based on size.
Can DMCC companies trade in mainland UAE?
Not directly. But DMCC offers a dual license option that gives mainland trading rights for an additional fee.
Is DMCC worth the higher cost?
If you trade commodities, need strong banking relationships, or want a prestigious address, absolutely. Banks approve DMCC companies more readily than budget free zones.