DMCC Free Zone Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is Dubai's flagship free zone for commodities and trade, with company setup starting around AED 34,000. It offers 100% ownership, a prestigious Jumeirah Lakes Towers address, multi-commodity licences and residence visas, with most licences issued within 5–10 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
DMCC — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Licence + flexi-desk from | AED 34,000 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 38,000 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 4,000medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 5–10 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, DMCC company setup starts from AED 34,000, with licences typically issued within 5–10 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Commodities traders
- Established SMEs
- Premium brands
- Import/export firms
Advantages
- World's most-awarded free zone with strong prestige
- Prime Jumeirah Lakes Towers business district
- Deep commodities, gold and diamond ecosystem
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- Access to DMCC Crypto Centre and trade platforms
Considerations
- Higher setup and renewal costs than budget zones
- Physical office or flexi-desk is mandatory
- Annual audit required for every company
How to set up in DMCC
- 1
Choose your business activity
Select from DMCC's trading, service or industrial activities, including commodities.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit name options that follow UAE naming rules for DMCC approval.
- 3
Submit documents & application
Passport copies, application form and business plan where required.
- 4
Secure office & pay fees
Lease a flexi-desk or office in JLT and settle licence and registration fees.
- 5
Apply for visas & bank account
Establishment card, then residence visas and a corporate bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at DMCC
DMCC's AED 34,000 entry includes the licence and flexi-desk, but the ecosystem has real ongoing obligations: annual renewal at a similar level, mandatory submission of audited financial statements each year (audit fees typically AED 5,000–10,000 for a small company), and about AED 4,000 per visa. Office upgrades in Jumeirah Lakes Towers run from AED 20,000 to well past AED 60,000 depending on tower and size.
Amendments — adding activities, changing shareholders — carry meaningful fees, and DMCC enforces deadlines with penalties, so factor an admin buffer of AED 2,000–3,000 into any corporate change.
Common mistakes founders make with DMCC
The main mistake is buying DMCC prestige for a business that never meets clients or trades commodities — a consultant invoicing foreign clients pays nearly triple IFZA pricing for identical legal capability. The second is missing the audited-accounts deadline in year one because no bookkeeping was set up. Third, founders assume the flexi-desk supports several visas; check the quota tied to your exact facility before promising relocations to staff.
Banking with a DMCC licence
DMCC is the strongest banking passport among UAE free zones: compliance teams treat its KYC standards as a pre-filter, and both traditional and digital banks open accounts comparatively fast. Commodities traders should still expect enhanced due diligence on counterparties and source of funds — that is the nature of the sector, not a DMCC problem. If your volumes justify it, DMCC's banking partnerships and in-community RMs are genuinely useful for LCs and trade finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DMCC company cost in 2026?+
A DMCC company starts from around AED 34,000 including a flexi-desk, and roughly AED 38,000 with one residence visa. The final cost depends on your activity, office type and number of visas.
Do I need an office for DMCC?+
Yes. DMCC requires at least a flexi-desk or a physical office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers; a fully virtual setup is not permitted.
How long does DMCC setup take?+
Most DMCC licences are issued within 5–10 working days once your name is approved and documents are submitted.
Can I get 100% ownership with DMCC?+
Yes. As a free zone, DMCC gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor required.
Is DMCC good for commodities trading?+
Yes. DMCC is built around commodities, gold, diamonds and general trading, offering specialist infrastructure and a large trading community.