Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Dubai
Founded in 2002, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre is the UAE’s largest and fastest-growing free zone, home to 15 000 + companies from 170 + countries. Centred in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) near Jebel Ali Port and Dubai International Airport, DMCC links global markets in gold, diamonds, crypto, tea, base metals, energy and more—earning “Global Free Zone of the Year” (Financial Times FDI, 2015-2017).
Key Benefits of Setting Up in DMCC Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- Zero corporate & personal income tax (50-year guarantee)
- Thriving community: 92 000 + residents & workers, waterfront park
- Prime location beside port, airport and key highways
- Dedicated Crypto Centre plus commodity exchanges (DGCX, DDE, DTTC, DPE)
- Broad legal structures: new LLC, subsidiary or branch office
- Rapid online registration; 2-3-day licence issuance
- Choice of flexi-desks, serviced offices, executive suites & JAFZA warehouses
- 1000+ approved activities across trade, services, industry & crypto
- Prestigious neighbours (TATA, Glencore, Harley-Davidson, American Express)
Popular Business Activities
| Segment | Examples |
|---|---|
| Commodities | Gold, diamonds, precious stones, tea, energy, petroleum |
| Crypto & FinTech | Trading, blockchain services, token platforms |
| Trade & Logistics | Import/export, warehousing, distribution |
| Services | IT, recruitment, management consultancy, advertising |
| Light Industry | Assembly, packaging, value-added processing |
Licence Types
| Licence | Scope |
|---|---|
| Trade Licence | Import, export, distribution & storage of specified goods |
| General Trading | Broad multi-line trading, re-export & warehousing |
| Service Licence | Professional & consultancy services (category guidance required) |
| Light Industrial | Limited manufacturing, assembly & packaging operations |
Facilities & Office Options
| Option | Typical Use | |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi Desk (3-visa quota) | Start-ups, freelancers | |
| Serviced Desk / Office | SMEs needing plug-and-play space | |
| Executive Office | Full-floor or fitted corporate suites in JLT towers | |
Step-by-Step Company Formation
- Choose activities & structure (LLC, subsidiary, branch).
- Reserve trade name via DMCC portal.
- Submit online application & KYC documents.
- Sign MOA & pay capital (min. AED 50 000 within 30 days).
- Receive e-licence (2-3 working days) and tenancy contract.
- Apply for visas – Establishment Card → entry permit → medical & Emirates ID → residence stamp.
Post-Licensing Obligations
- Deposit share capital confirmation letter (if > AED 500 000)
- Obtain Third-Party Liability Insurance
- Provide stamped letterhead sample
- Annual audit report submission (mandatory)
Renewal & Dual-Licence Options
- Renewal: pay facility + licence fees only (no registration fee); can be done remotely.
- DMCC Dual Licence: operate on Dubai mainland via additional DED permit (51 % UAE shareholder required).
Key Documents Checklist
| Corporate Shareholder | Individual Shareholder |
|---|---|
| Board Resolution & PoA | Passport copy & photo |
| Articles & Memorandum | Emirates ID (if applicable) |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Proof of address |
| Parent-company docs & lease | — |
Additional: Title Deed / Serviced-office contract, HR signatory letter, Flexi-desk tenancy, etc.
How Smart Business Creation Helps
- End-to-end DMCC company setup—licensing, visas, banking, compliance
- In-house translation & attestation for swift documentation
- Experienced guidance on commodity, crypto & trading approvals
- Ongoing PRO support for renewals, audits, amendments
Ready to join the world’s leading free zone? Book your free consultation with Smart Business Creation and launch your DMCC business with confidence.
Fast Facts & FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is DMCC a free zone? | Yes—Dubai’s largest and globally top-ranked free zone. |
| Cheapest UAE free zones? | IFZA, AMC Ajman, RAKEZ, SHAMS. |
| Best free zones in Dubai? | JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA, Dubai South. |
| Main DMCC focus? | Commodity trade hub founded in 2002. |
(For tailored advice, speak with our consultants.)
