DMCC company setup cost (2026)
| Item | Government cost |
|---|---|
| One-visa package (published) | AED 46,780 |
| Two-visa package | ≈ AED 57,780 |
| Three-visa package | ≈ AED 67,780 |
| Zero-visa package (published) | ≈ AED 49,160 — higher than the one-visa package |
Headline: From AED 46,780 (one-visa package) (government fees as published, July 2026).
Year-one budget: AED 46,780–70,000+ with one to three visas.
Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.
Benefits of the DMCC licence
- Globally recognised address that banks, brokers and counterparties know well
- Purpose-built ecosystem for commodities, gold, diamonds, tea and coffee trading
- Established crypto and Web3 environment through the DMCC Crypto Centre
- Large JLT business community with serviced and private office options
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
Who is DMCC best for?
- Commodities and precious-metals traders
- Crypto, blockchain and Web3 companies
- Established businesses that want a premium Dubai address
Typical permitted activities
- Commodities and general trading
- Crypto, blockchain and Web3
- Consulting and professional services
- Technology and fintech (non-regulated)
Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.
What to watch out for
- The published zero-visa package costs more than the one-visa package — if you need residency, take the visa-inclusive option
- Considerably more expensive than IFZA or Meydan for a general services company
How to set up a company in DMCC
- Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
- Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
- Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
- Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
- Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
- Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
- Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.
DMCC compared with similar UAE free zones
| DMCC | IFZA | Meydan | DIFC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Dubai | Dubai | Dubai |
| Best for | Commodities, crypto & multi-sector | SME, startup & holding companies | Digital, e-commerce & SME | Financial services & regulated business |
| Licence cost | From AED 46,780 (one-visa package) | From AED 12,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 21,450 with one visa | From AED 12,500 (zero-visa) · about AED 20,670 with one visa | From about AED 104,079 (about AED 108,579 with one visa) |
| Setup time | 1–3 weeks | 3–7 working days | Within days; fully digital | 2–6 weeks (longer for regulated firms) |
| Banking ease | High | Good | Good | High |
| Fee data | Published | Published | Published | Published |
FAQs: DMCC Free Zone company formation
Why is DMCC more expensive than other Dubai free zones?
You are paying for the DMCC address, its commodities and crypto ecosystem and long-standing banking relationships. For a general consultancy that premium buys little; for commodity traders and Web3 firms it can be worth it.
Does DMCC allow crypto companies?
DMCC operates a dedicated crypto centre and licenses many crypto and blockchain activities. Regulated virtual-asset activities may also need approval from the relevant regulator, so confirm your exact activity before applying.
How much does it cost to set up a company in DMCC Free Zone?
Indicative cost: From AED 46,780 (one-visa package). Government fees as published in July 2026; Year-one totals: AED 46,780–70,000+ with one to three visas. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.
How long does DMCC company setup take?
Typically 1–3 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DMCC?
Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.
Can companies licensed in DMCC trade in the UAE mainland?
Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.
Do I need a physical office in DMCC?
Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.
Are DMCC companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DMCC?
UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DMCC is “High”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.
What documents are required to set up in DMCC?
Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.
Who is DMCC best for?
Commodities and precious-metals traders; Crypto, blockchain and Web3 companies; Established businesses that want a premium Dubai address.
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