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ZoneWise AI · online

Dubai free zone · E-commerce

Dubai CommerCity Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

Dubai CommerCity is Dubai’s dedicated e-commerce free zone, built for online retailers, marketplaces and brands selling into the region. It offers e-commerce-specific licences, logistics support and space options aimed at online businesses.

Quote required Quote required
LocationDubai (dedicated e-commerce free zone)
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time1–3 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to package
Banking easeModerate
RenewalAnnual licence and office/warehouse renewals

Dubai CommerCity company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Quote required for an exact figure.

Year-one budget: Quote required.

There is no reliable public price list for this zone, so we do not publish a number. Request a written quote and we will get one for your exact activity.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the Dubai CommerCity licence

  • E-commerce-focused licences and services
  • Logistics and fulfilment support for online retailers
  • Community of online brands and marketplace sellers
  • Flexible office and warehouse options
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is Dubai CommerCity best for?

  • Online retailers and D2C brands
  • Marketplace sellers
  • E-commerce logistics providers

Typical permitted activities

  • E-commerce and online retail
  • Marketplace selling
  • Fulfilment and logistics
  • Consumer goods trading

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Public fee data is limited — request a written quote
  • Selling physically into the UAE mainland needs the right distribution set-up

How to set up a company in Dubai CommerCity

  1. 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.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

Dubai CommerCity compared with similar UAE free zones

Dubai CommerCityDubai SouthMeydanIFZA
EmirateDubaiDubaiDubaiDubai
Best forE-commerceAviation, logistics & e-commerceDigital, e-commerce & SMESME, startup & holding companies
Licence costQuote requiredIndicative from about AED 10,000–12,500 for entry packagesFrom AED 12,500 (zero-visa) · about AED 20,670 with one visaFrom AED 12,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 21,450 with one visa
Setup time1–3 weeks1–2 weeksWithin days; fully digital3–7 working days
Banking easeModerateModerateGoodGood
Fee dataQuote requiredIndicative bandPublishedPublished

FAQs: Dubai CommerCity company formation

Do I need Dubai CommerCity to sell online?

No — many online sellers use Meydan, IFZA or a mainland licence. CommerCity is best when you want a dedicated e-commerce ecosystem and logistics.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai CommerCity?

There is no reliable public price list for Dubai CommerCity, so the cost depends on your activity, office type and visas. Request a written quote — ZoneWise can get one for you. Year-one totals: Quote required. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does Dubai CommerCity 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 Dubai CommerCity?

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 Dubai CommerCity 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 Dubai CommerCity?

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 Dubai CommerCity 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 Dubai CommerCity?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for Dubai CommerCity is “Moderate”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in Dubai CommerCity?

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 Dubai CommerCity best for?

Online retailers and D2C brands; Marketplace sellers; E-commerce logistics providers.

Get a written quote for Dubai CommerCity

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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