Business setup
DMCC company setup
DMCC is one of the world’s most established free zones and the business district around Jumeirah Lakes Towers. As a DMCC-licensed corporate service provider based in JLT, we know its rules, teams and processes first-hand.
At a glance
Packages from
AED 42,500
Location
JLT & Uptown Dubai
Licence types
Trade, service, industrial
Accounts
Annual audit required
Overview
Why set up in DMCC?
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was established by the Government of Dubai in 2002 to grow commodity trade through the emirate. It has since become one of the largest and most connected free zones in the world, home to tens of thousands of member companies across Jumeirah Lakes Towers and Uptown Dubai.
DMCC is widely known for its specialist trade communities, including the Dubai Diamond Exchange, gold and precious metals, tea and coffee, and newer centres for crypto, gaming and artificial intelligence. Alongside these, thousands of consultancies, technology firms, traders and regional headquarters operate from DMCC.
DMCC companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, and access to residence visas. Because DMCC is well known to UAE and international banks, a DMCC licence can make bank account opening and dealing with partners easier than in many smaller zones.
Emford Global is itself a DMCC company, licensed by the DMCC Authority as a corporate service provider, with our office in Swiss Tower, JLT. We handle your application, documents and follow-ups directly within the DMCC system.
Key advantages
Premium Dubai address in JLT or Uptown Dubai
Strong reputation with banks and partners
100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
Specialist communities for commodities, crypto and gaming
Flexi-desk to full office options
May qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
Who it is for
Who chooses DMCC?
01
Commodity traders
Gold, diamonds, metals, energy, agricultural products and other physical commodities.
02
Crypto & Web3
Blockchain and digital asset businesses within the DMCC Crypto Centre, subject to the relevant approvals.
03
Gaming studios
Game developers and esports businesses joining the DMCC Gaming Centre.
04
Professional services
Consultancies, agencies and advisory firms that value a recognised Dubai address.
05
Technology companies
Software, SaaS and AI businesses serving regional and global clients.
06
Regional headquarters
International groups managing Middle East, Africa and South Asia operations.
What we handle
Your DMCC company, set up by a DMCC insider.
Activity selection
We match your plans to DMCC’s activity list and check any extra approvals needed.
Name & pre-approval
Trade name reserved and the application submitted through the DMCC portal.
Legal documents
Memorandum and articles, resolutions and shareholder documents prepared.
Office or flexi-desk
We help you choose the workspace that fits your visa needs and budget.
Establishment card & visas
Immigration file opened and residence visas processed for owners and staff.
Bank, accounting & audit
Bank introductions plus the bookkeeping and audit DMCC requires each year.
Options
DMCC licence types
Trade licence
Trading
Import, export, distribution and general trading of goods.
From
AED 42,500
Service licence
Services
Consultancy, technology, management and professional services.
From
AED 42,500
Industrial licence
Manufacturing
Light manufacturing, processing and assembly activities.
From
AED 42,500
Branch office
Expansion
Register a UAE or foreign company’s branch in DMCC.
Price on application
Compare
DMCC office options
Your office choice decides your visa allocation and your annual running cost.
Flexi-desk
Serviced office
Dedicated office
Best for
Start-ups and founders testing the market
Small teams that want a ready-to-use office
Growing teams and established companies
Visa allocation
Set by package
Set by package
Based on office size
Lease
Shared desk agreement
Business centre agreement
Registered lease in JLT or Uptown
Relative cost
Lowest
Medium
Highest
Visa allocations are set by DMCC and depend on the specific package and office size.
Costs explained
What your total cost is made of
Every quote we issue is itemised, with government and third-party fees shown separately from our own professional fees.
DMCC registration and licence
Licence and registration fees set by DMCC
Government
Price on application
Flexi-desk or office
Annual desk or lease cost
Third party
Price on application
Establishment card and visas
Immigration, medical and Emirates ID fees
Government
Price on application
Annual audit
Audit by a DMCC-approved auditor
Third party
Price on application
Setup and PRO service
Application, documents and follow-up
Emford
Price on application
Bank account support
File preparation and introduction
Emford
Quoted
How it works
Four clear steps, one point of contact.
01
1–2 days
Consultation
We confirm activities, shareholders and office needs.
02
3–5 days
Pre-approval
Name and activities approved by DMCC.
03
1–3 weeks
Incorporation
Documents signed, lease agreed and licence issued.
04
2–4 weeks
Visas & banking
Establishment card, visas and bank account.
Key considerations before you start
Points we review with every client before recommending a structure.
Annual audit is mandatory
DMCC companies must submit audited financial statements each year, so budget for bookkeeping and audit from day one.
Some activities need extra approvals
Precious metals, crypto and other regulated activities need additional approvals and AML compliance.
Visas follow your office
Choose your workspace with your hiring plans in mind, as the visa allocation is tied to it.
Selling into the UAE market
To sell directly to mainland customers you may need a distributor, branch or mainland licence.
After setup
Ongoing obligations we manage for you
Setting up is only the start. These are the recurring requirements that keep your structure valid and in good standing.
Annual licence renewal
Renewed with DMCC before expiry
Audited financial statements
Submitted to DMCC every year
Lease or flexi-desk renewal
Kept active to maintain your licence
Beneficial ownership records
Kept current with DMCC
Corporate tax and VAT
FTA registrations and returns
AML compliance
For precious metals and other designated activities
What you will need
Typical documents. Your specialist confirms the exact list for your case.
Passport copies of all shareholders, directors and managers
Passport-size photographs
Proof of residential address
Bank reference letter (for some applicants)
CV or professional profile
Parent company documents (corporate shareholders)
Why clients choose Emford
Licensed by DMCCA as a Corporate Service Provider (DMCC-211871)
Approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122
Forming companies and structures since 2012
One dedicated advisor from setup to renewal
Frequently asked questions
Why choose DMCC over cheaper free zones?
DMCC offers a premium address, strong banking acceptance and specialist communities for commodities, crypto, gaming and more. For many businesses, credibility with banks and partners outweighs the higher cost.
Can I start with a flexi-desk?
Yes. Flexi-desk packages are a popular, lower-cost starting point and carry a limited visa allocation. You can upgrade to a serviced or dedicated office as you grow.
Is Emford based in DMCC?
Yes. Emford Global DMCC is licensed by the DMCC Authority as a corporate service provider and is based in Swiss Tower, JLT.
How long does DMCC setup take?
Most DMCC companies are licensed within a few weeks once documents are complete. Visas and bank accounts follow afterwards.
Do I need to be in Dubai to set up?
Much of the process can be done remotely. You will need to visit for visa medicals and Emirates ID biometrics.
Can a DMCC company qualify for 0% corporate tax?
It may, if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions, including adequate substance, audited accounts and earning qualifying income.
Related services
Talk to a specialist today
Free, no-obligation consultation with a clear, itemised quote.
Visit us
Our office in JLT
Address
Unit 1402-34, Swiss Tower, Cluster Y
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 12pm – 8pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone
Emford Global · Swiss Tower
Open in Google Maps ↗
Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lakes Towers