DMCC Company Setup in Dubai
Set up your company in DMCC, one of the world’s leading free zones, with 100% foreign ownership and a premium JLT address. Aspira handles your license, visas and bank account help from start to finish.
DMCC company setup gives you a business address in one of the most respected free zones in the world. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is home to more than 26,000 member companies, from small start-ups to global names, and it has been named Global Free Zone of the Year many times by the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine. If you want 100% foreign ownership, a premium location in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and a license that banks and partners recognise straight away, a DMCC company setup is a strong choice.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we handle your DMCC company setup from start to finish. Our team has 12+ years of experience and has formed 5,000+ companies for 4,500+ clients across all UAE free zones. We choose the right license, prepare your documents, follow up with DMCC and arrange your visas and bank account help, so you can focus on your business.
What Is DMCC?
DMCC stands for Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. It was set up by the Government of Dubai in 2002 to grow trade in commodities such as gold, diamonds, tea and coffee. Today it is much more than a commodities hub. DMCC offers more than 900 business activities across trading, services, technology, crypto, gaming, AI, media and consultancy.
DMCC is based in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, close to Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road and two metro stations. Its own business community includes the Dubai Diamond Exchange, the DMCC Tea Centre, the DMCC Coffee Centre and the DMCC Crypto Centre. This means a DMCC company setup puts you inside a ready-made network of suppliers, buyers and service providers.
Benefits of DMCC Company Setup
A DMCC company setup offers benefits that many smaller free zones cannot match:
100% foreign ownership
You own your company fully, with no local partner needed.
Strong reputation
A DMCC license is well known to banks, investors and international partners, which can make bank account opening and trade deals easier.
Wide choice of activities
More than 900 activities, and you can usually combine several related activities on one license.
Premium location
Offices in JLT, with easy access to Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Port and both Dubai airports.
Flexible office options
Start with a flexi-desk and move to a co-working space or private office as you grow.
Business community
DMCC runs events, networking sessions and member services for its companies.
Full repatriation
You can send 100% of your profits and capital back home.
Fast, digital process
Most of the DMCC company setup process is online, including e-signing over a video call.
Types of DMCC Licenses
Your license type depends on your business activity. DMCC issues three main license types:
Trading License
For companies that import, export, store or distribute goods. This includes general trading, commodities such as gold and precious stones, food trading and e-commerce businesses that hold their own stock.
Service License
For companies that provide professional services, such as consultancy, marketing, IT services, management services, recruitment and education support.
Industrial License
For light manufacturing, processing, packaging and assembly activities. Industrial activities usually need extra approvals and a suitable warehouse or industrial unit.
DMCC also offers special packages for crypto, gaming and AI companies. If you plan to set up a crypto business, read our guide on how to set up a crypto company in DMCC.
DMCC Company Setup Cost in 2026
DMCC is a premium free zone, so a DMCC company setup costs more than many other UAE free zones. Based on DMCC’s published fees in 2026, most first-year packages fall between AED 35,000 and AED 50,000, depending on your package, office type and number of visas.
| Cost item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Company registration (one-time) | From about AED 9,000 |
| Annual license fee | From about AED 20,000 |
| Application and Articles of Association | About AED 3,000 |
| Establishment card (yearly) | About AED 1,800 |
| Flexi-desk package with license | From about AED 43,000 |
| Each residence visa | Extra, depends on visa type |
Figures are based on DMCC’s published fees and can change. Contact Aspira for your exact DMCC company setup cost.
Your final DMCC company setup cost depends on:
- Your license type and number of activities
- Your office choice: flexi-desk, co-working space or private office
- The number of shareholders and visas
- Whether your activity needs extra approval
- Whether you choose a 1, 2 or 3-year license
If your budget is the main priority, other free zones start from AED 5,565. Use our business setup cost calculator to compare prices, or read our IFZA company setup guide to see a lower-cost option.
DMCC Company Setup Process: Step by Step
The DMCC company setup process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks once your documents are ready. Here is how it works with Aspira:
- Free consultation: we discuss your business plan, activity and budget, and confirm that DMCC is the right free zone for you.
- Choose your activity and license: we select the correct activities and license type, so you don’t pay for approvals you don’t need.
- Reserve your company name: we check that your name follows DMCC naming rules and reserve it.
- Submit your application: we prepare and submit your application with all required documents, including the KYC (know your customer) forms.
- Pay and e-sign: you pay the DMCC fees and sign your company documents online over a video call, so you don’t need to visit DMCC in person.
- Choose your office: you pick a flexi-desk, co-working space or office. With a flexi-desk, your company can be licensed without a physical office visit.
- Receive your license: DMCC issues your e-license once everything is approved.
- Establishment card and visas: we apply for your establishment card and residence visas, including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
- Bank account and tax: we help you open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT if needed.
Throughout the process, you deal with one Aspira consultant who keeps you updated at every stage, so you always know what is happening with your application and what comes next.
Documents Required for DMCC Company Setup
For a DMCC company setup with individual shareholders, you will usually need:
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager
- A passport-size photo with a white background
- A UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are in the UAE
- Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill
- A short business plan or activity description
- Contact details (email and phone number) for each shareholder
If a company will own your DMCC company, DMCC also asks for that parent company’s documents, such as its certificate of incorporation, articles of association, board resolution and shareholder register. Some documents may need attestation. Our team gives you a simple checklist, so nothing is missed.
DMCC Office Options
Every DMCC company needs a registered address inside DMCC. Your options include:
- Flexi-desk: the most affordable option, ideal for new companies and consultants.
- Co-working space: a shared workspace with meeting rooms and a community feel.
- Business centre: a serviced office with reception and admin support.
- Private office: your own office in one of the JLT towers, suitable for growing teams.
- Warehouse or industrial unit: for trading and industrial companies that store or process goods.
Your office choice also affects how many visas your company can get. A bigger office normally allows more visas.
DMCC Visas
A DMCC company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families. The number of visas depends on your license type and office size. The visa process includes an entry permit, a medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics and visa stamping. Aspira manages the whole process for you, and our PRO team follows up on every step.
DMCC vs IFZA: Which Free Zone Is Right for You?
Both are popular Dubai free zones, but they suit different businesses.
| Feature | DMCC | IFZA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) | Dubai Silicon Oasis |
| Reputation | Premium, global brand | Well known, cost-effective |
| Typical first-year cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Commodities, trading, crypto, larger companies | Start-ups, consultants, small businesses |
| Office options | Flexi-desk to private office and warehouses | Flexi-desk and offices |
| Business community | Large, with sector centres | Growing |
If you need a strong brand, commodities trading or a crypto license, a DMCC company setup is usually the better fit. If you want the lowest starting cost, IFZA may suit you better. Aspira sets up companies in both, so we can give you an honest comparison.
Corporate Tax for DMCC Companies
DMCC companies must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A DMCC company that meets the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on its qualifying income, but income that does not qualify is taxed at 9%. You must also keep proper accounts and file your tax return every year. Read our guide on corporate tax registration in Dubai to learn more.
Can a DMCC Company Work in Mainland Dubai?
A DMCC company is mainly licensed to work inside the free zone and with clients outside the UAE. Under Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025, free zone companies can apply for a permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to carry out certain activities in mainland Dubai. Our team can tell you if this permit suits your DMCC company setup, or if a mainland company is a better option.
Who Should Choose DMCC Company Setup?
A DMCC company setup is a good fit for:
- Gold, diamond, precious metals and commodities traders
- Crypto, Web3, gaming and AI companies
- General trading and import-export businesses
- Consultants and professional service firms that want a premium address
- International companies opening a regional office in Dubai
- Investors who want a license that banks and partners trust
Popular Business Activities in DMCC
DMCC offers hundreds of activities, but these are some of the most popular with our clients:
- General trading: buying and selling a wide range of goods, both locally within the free zone and internationally.
- Gold, jewellery and precious stones: DMCC is the centre of Dubai’s gold and diamond trade, with the Dubai Diamond Exchange on site.
- Food and agricultural commodities: tea, coffee, rice, sugar, spices and other food products.
- Crypto and blockchain: crypto trading, proprietary trading and blockchain services through the DMCC Crypto Centre.
- IT and software: software development, IT consultancy, cloud services and app development.
- Management consultancy: business, strategy and financial consultancy for regional and international clients.
- Marketing and media: digital marketing, advertising, events and content services.
- E-commerce: online stores selling physical or digital products.
Each activity belongs to an activity group, and some groups cannot be combined on one license. Our team checks this before you apply, so your license covers everything you plan to do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We often see the same problems when people try to set up on their own:
- Choosing the wrong activity: if your license does not match what you actually do, you may face fines or need to amend your license later.
- Picking the wrong office: a flexi-desk is affordable, but it may not give you enough visas if you plan to hire a team.
- Missing documents: incomplete or unclear documents are the most common cause of delays.
- Ignoring tax rules: every free zone company must register for corporate tax, even if it expects to pay 0%. Late registration can lead to penalties.
- Forgetting renewal costs: your license, office and establishment card must be renewed every year, so plan for these costs from day one.
DMCC License Renewal
Your DMCC license must be renewed every year before it expires. Renewal usually includes the annual license fee, your office or flexi-desk rent and your establishment card. You also need valid shareholder documents and, where required, audited financial statements. Aspira reminds you before your renewal date and handles the paperwork, so your company stays active and your visas are not affected.
Why Choose Aspira for Your DMCC Company Setup?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Company setup in all UAE free zones, Dubai mainland and offshore
- Clear prices and honest advice about which free zone fits your budget
- One team for your license, visas, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
- Support after setup, including license renewal and visa renewals
Related Organizations
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): the free zone authority that issues your license
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): for corporate tax and VAT registration
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA): for residence visas
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): for mainland Dubai permits
- Emirates Health Services and Dubai Health Authority: for visa medical tests
Frequently Asked Questions
A: A DMCC company setup usually takes 2 to 3 weeks once your documents are complete. Activities that need extra approval, such as crypto or commodities, can take longer.
A: Most first-year DMCC packages cost between AED 35,000 and AED 50,000, depending on your office, activities and visas. Contact Aspira for an exact quote.
A: Yes. DMCC allows 100% foreign ownership, and you can send all of your profits back to your home country.
A: No. Most of the DMCC company setup process is online, including signing documents over a video call. You only need to be in the UAE for your visa medical test and Emirates ID.
A: Yes, every DMCC company needs a registered address in DMCC, but a flexi-desk is enough for most new companies.
A: DMCC companies must register for corporate tax. Qualifying income can be taxed at 0%, while other taxable profit above AED 375,000 is taxed at 9%.
A: Yes. A DMCC license is well recognised by UAE banks. Aspira helps you prepare your documents and introduces you to suitable banks.
A: Yes. You can add activities after your DMCC company setup, as long as they belong to compatible activity groups. Extra activities can add to your license fee, so it’s best to plan your main activities at the start. Our team checks which activities can be combined before you apply.
A: Yes. Many companies start with a flexi-desk and move to a co-working space, business centre or private office as they grow. A bigger office can also allow more visas. Aspira can help you plan the move and update your license and establishment card.
Get Started with Your DMCC Company Setup Today
Ready to start your DMCC company setup? Speak to Aspira’s team for a free consultation and a clear quote.