Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
DMCC Free Zone
The world's most awarded free zone — 1,000+ activities and fully digital incorporation.
22,000+
Registered companies
100%
Foreign ownership
0%
Tax on qualifying income
180+
Countries represented
Overview
Set up your DMCC free zone company in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership and a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Evolva has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through DMCC company formation, with transparent pricing and a free expert consultation to start.
Setting up a DMCC business in Dubai is one of the most strategic decisions a global entrepreneur can make. As the world's most awarded free zone, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) offers unmatched benefits including 100% foreign ownership, a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, and a fully digital company formation process accessible from anywhere in the world.
At Evolva, we have guided entrepreneurs and businesses from over 40 countries through the DMCC company formation process — from license types and costs to the step-by-step registration process — so you can launch your Dubai business with complete confidence.
What Are the Key Benefits of DMCC Business Setup?
Setting up a company in DMCC delivers a powerful combination of financial, operational, and lifestyle advantages that few business jurisdictions in the world can match.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Complete foreign ownership from day one — full control of your business, profits and strategic direction, with no local partnership requirement.
0%
Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
DMCC is a Qualified Free Zone under UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022), so qualifying income can be taxed at 0%.
0%
Personal Income Tax
The UAE levies no personal income tax — business owners, investors and employees based in DMCC pay zero tax on their earnings.
100%
Profit Repatriation
Transfer 100% of profits back to your home country with no currency controls or repatriation limits.
0%
No Import or Export Duties
Zero customs duty on goods imported into or exported from the free zone — an ideal base for international trading.
100%
Fully Digital Company Formation
The entire process — from pre-approval to E-licence — can be completed remotely, with no need to visit Dubai in person.
1,000+
Permitted Business Activities
One of the most comprehensive activity lists of any UAE free zone, spanning commodities, financial services, technology, crypto, F&B and logistics.
87 towers
World-Class Infrastructure
87 high-rise towers in Jumeirah Lakes Towers offering everything from flexi desks to full corporate office floors.
Multi-year
Flexible Licensing Terms
Multi-year licence options reduce the administrative burden of annual renewals and offer better long-term value.
26,000+
Priority Networking Access
Join a community of 26,000+ member companies from 180 countries, with priority access to networking events and trade missions.
What Types of DMCC Licences Are Available?
Choosing the right licence is the foundation of a successful DMCC company formation. DMCC offers four primary licence types, each designed for specific business activities.
Trading Licence
Buy, sell, import and export goods within and outside the UAE. DMCC is renowned for commodity trading — gold, diamonds, precious metals, energy and agricultural products. Best for commodity traders, importers/exporters, wholesale distributors and e-commerce merchants.
Service Licence
Provide professional services in the UAE and internationally — management consulting, IT services, marketing, financial advisory and hundreds of other activities. Best for consultants, IT companies, marketing agencies and financial advisors.
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing or assembling goods within the DMCC free zone, suited to businesses that need dedicated production or processing facilities. Best for manufacturers, food processors and assembly operations.
Freelance Permit
The most cost-effective way for solo entrepreneurs to operate as a one-person business under their own name — no minimum share capital, and eligible for a UAE residence visa. Best for independent consultants and creative professionals.
Licence Type Quick Comparison
| Licence Type | Ownership Structure | Min. Shareholders | Visa Eligibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Licence | FZE or FZCO | 1 – 50 | Yes | Commodity & product trading |
| Service Licence | FZE or FZCO | 1 – 50 | Yes | Professional & consultancy services |
| Industrial Licence | FZE or FZCO | 1 – 50 | Yes | Manufacturing & production |
| Freelance Permit | Individual | 1 (solo) | Yes | Solo professionals & freelancers |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant.
What Company Structures Are Available in DMCC?
When forming a company in DMCC, you will choose between three primary legal structures.
FZE — Free Zone Establishment
A single-shareholder entity, owned by one individual or one corporate entity. Ideal for solo founders or investors who want complete individual ownership and control.
FZCO — Free Zone Company
A multi-shareholder entity with 2 to 50 shareholders, who can be individuals, corporations or a combination of both. Suits partnerships, joint ventures and multi-investor companies.
Branch — Branch Office
Existing UAE mainland or overseas companies can open a branch in DMCC. A branch is an extension of the parent company rather than a separate legal entity, and inherits its liabilities.
Structure Quick Comparison
| Structure | Shareholders | Legal Status | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZE — Free Zone Establishment | 1 only | Independent legal entity | Solo founders & investors |
| FZCO — Free Zone Company | 2 – 50 | Independent legal entity | Partnerships & joint ventures |
| Branch — Branch Office | Parent company | Extension of parent entity | Existing companies expanding |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant.
How Do You Set Up a Business in DMCC?
The DMCC registration process is streamlined, fully digital and designed to be completed efficiently — here is the complete step-by-step process.
- 1
Choose your business activity and licence type (Day 1)
DMCC permits over 1,000 activities — Evolva provides a free activity consultation to ensure your licence covers your operations from the outset.
- 2
Reserve your company trade name (Day 1–2)
Submit your preferred company name to the DMCC Authority for approval. Up to three name options can be submitted to increase approval odds.
- 3
Submit your pre-approval application (Day 2–5)
Your online pre-approval application covers proposed activities, company structure, shareholder details and initial documentation.
- 4
Payment and document submission (Day 5–7)
Pay the applicable licence and registration fees, and upload passport copies, proof of address and any activity-specific documents.
- 5
Select your office solution (Day 7)
Choose from flexi desks to fully fitted private offices — your choice also determines your visa quota.
- 6
Receive your DMCC E-licence (Day 8–10)
Once approved and verified, the DMCC Authority issues your E-licence electronically — valid for immediate business operations.
- 7
Apply for investor and employee visas (Week 2)
With your E-licence in hand, begin visa applications — medical fitness test, Emirates ID and visa stamping, all managed by Evolva.
- 8
Open your corporate bank account (Week 3–8)
The final step. Evolva works with established banking relationships to facilitate smooth account opening for DMCC clients.
What Documents Are Required for DMCC Company Formation?
The documents required for a standard DMCC company setup depend on your shareholder type.
Individual Shareholders
- Valid passport copy (all pages)
- UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if UAE resident)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- CV or professional profile (for certain regulated activities)
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board Resolution authorising DMCC company formation
- Passport copies of all directors and shareholders
- Certificate of Good Standing (for companies older than 12 months)
Branch Office Formation
- All corporate shareholder documents above
- Parent company audited financial statements
- Board Resolution appointing a branch manager
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
DMCC Government & Authority Fees
Mandatory fees paid directly to the DMCC Authority.
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| DMCC registration fee | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Trade licence fee (annual) | 10,500 – 18,000+ |
| Establishment card | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Share certificate | 500 – 1,000 |
| Name reservation fee | 620 |
Fees vary by licence type, number of activities and company structure, and are subject to change by DMCC Authority.
Office Solution Costs
| Office Type | Annual Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Flexi desk (shared) — most popular | 8,500 – 15,000 |
| Hot desk (co-working) | 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Serviced office (private) | 25,000 – 60,000+ |
| Full office space (per sq ft) | Market rate |
Visa Costs (Per Person)
| Visa Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Investor / partner visa | 3,500 – 5,000 |
| Employee visa | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| Medical fitness test | 300 – 600 |
| Emirates ID | 370 – 570 |
Evolva All-Inclusive DMCC Packages
For a precise quote tailored to your requirements, request a free cost consultation.
| Package | Includes | Starting From |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Licence + registration + flexi desk | AED 23,000 |
| Professional (recommended) | Licence + registration + office + 1 visa | AED 32,000 |
| Enterprise | Licence + registration + office + 3 visas + bank intro | AED 48,000 |
All packages include Evolva's professional service fee, document preparation, application submission and dedicated consultant support.
What Office Solutions Are Available in DMCC?
Your office solution affects both your annual operating cost and your visa allocation quota, across DMCC's 87 towers in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Flexi Desk
A shared co-working desk within a DMCC-approved business centre — the most affordable option. Visa quota: 1–3 visas.
Serviced Office
A fully furnished private office with a professional business address and meeting room access. Visa quota: 3–6 visas. Most popular.
Fitted Office Space
A bare or semi-fitted office within a DMCC tower that you can customise. Best for established businesses needing a permanent, branded presence.
Shell and Core Office
Large unfitted office space for businesses requiring significant customisation or specialist fit-outs. For large operations.
How Does DMCC Corporate Tax Work?
DMCC is designated as a Qualified Free Zone under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses).
What this means for your DMCC business:
- DMCC companies that meet the qualifying conditions benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.
- To maintain qualified free zone person status, your company must meet substance requirements and conduct qualifying activities.
- Income derived from transactions with mainland UAE entities may be subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate.
- Annual corporate tax filings are required regardless of your applicable rate.
Key qualifying conditions include maintaining adequate substance in the DMCC free zone, deriving income from qualifying activities, not electing to be subject to standard UAE corporate tax, and complying with transfer pricing requirements where applicable.
DMCC vs Other Dubai Free Zones
Choosing between DMCC and other free zones depends on your industry, budget, visa requirements and long-term goals.
| Factor | DMCC | IFZA | JAFZA | DIFC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Commodities, trading, services | Startups, SMEs | Logistics, trade | Financial services |
| Setup cost | AED 18,000+ | AED 12,000+ | AED 20,000+ | AED 50,000+ |
| Location | JLT, Dubai | Dubai | Jebel Ali | DIFC, Dubai |
| Corporate tax | 0% qualifying | 0% qualifying | 0% qualifying | 0% qualifying |
| Office solutions | Extensive (87 towers) | Limited | Extensive | Extensive |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
DMCC is the strongest choice for commodities, trading or financial services, a premium internationally recognised free zone, and businesses that plan to scale their team with multiple visas over time.
Why Choose Evolva for Your DMCC Business Setup?
Setting up in DMCC involves government portals, legal documents and a multi-step process that — done incorrectly — can cause costly delays. Evolva removes every obstacle between you and your DMCC licence.
DMCC Specialists, Not Generalists
We focus on DMCC business setup and understand every nuance of the process, the common pitfalls, and how to navigate the DMCC Authority portal efficiently.
Hundreds of DMCC Companies Set Up
We have helped entrepreneurs from 40+ countries establish businesses in DMCC — from solo freelancers to multinational corporations.
Fully Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Before we begin, you know exactly what your DMCC setup will cost — government fees, office costs, visa fees and our service charge, all itemised clearly.
One Dedicated Consultant
From your first consultation to the day you receive your licence, you work with a single dedicated consultant who knows your case inside out.
100% Remote Setup Available
We have set up DMCC companies for clients who never visited Dubai during the process — seamless, secure and efficient.
End-to-End Service
Licence application, document preparation, government liaison, visa processing, establishment card and bank account introduction — we handle the paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your DMCC Free Zone setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
خدمات ذات صلة
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IFZA Free Zone
Form your company at IFZA Dubai Digital Park with transparent package pricing, combined licence categories and no shareholder travel required.
DIFC Free Zone
Set up under DIFC's independent common-law framework, the region's leading hub for finance, funds and professional services, home to over 6,000 companies.
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