DMCC: Free Trade Zone in Dubai, UAE

Set up a company in DMCC Free Zone

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Center) is the largest and fastest growing free zone in the UAE located in the heart of Dubai, at the center of prestigious Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), opposite of Dubai Marina. DMCC has everything you need for your business. Four times crowned ‘Global Free Zone of the Year’ by the Financial Times magazine, DMCC is home to a vibrant community. DMCC is home to a vibrant community, innovative infrastructure and world-class business services.

DMCC is the center of global trade and one of the world’s most interconnected free zones offering all different types of activities but specializing in commodity trading specifically precious stones and metals. It is also worth noting that the Almas (Diamond)Tower which is the impressive free zone building, hosts the UAE Diamond exchange as well as the Kimberly office.

With 0% corporate and personal tax, 100% company ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, and 100% import and export tax exemption on offer to those who set up within them, Dubai free zones offer one of the most attractive environments in the world to carry out business.

DMCC is a city within a city and a “one stop shop” for setting up and running a successful business in beautiful surroundings and with an exclusive address, providing members with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities.

DMCC is a mixed-use Free Zone in Dubai with over 13,000 licensed well reputed member companies from all around the world. DMCC has developed a reputation as a world class business hub and it is recognized as the free zone of choice for many business activities, ranging from trading in oil, gold, diamonds, tea, coffee, spices, agro, base metals and financial products, to providing logistical, marketing, IT, E- marketing and advertising services.

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Why the DMCC?

All you need to know before making your decision.

  1. There are number of steps that need to be undertaken, some complex, some less so. The first thing to do is choose your business activity. From here you’ll need to decide on your company name, complete and file your registration paperwork with the relevant authorities, open a bank account, and apply for any visas that may be required. However, the specifics of this process will depend on the type of license you are applying for and the kind of business you wish to run. That’s why before starting any of these steps, the first port of call should be BS Consulting as our experts will guide you through every part of the process, ultimately ensuring the entire application requires your least involvement and just a few hours of your time.
  2. Wide variety of business types and activities to choose. One of DMCC’s biggest attractions, is that it allows entrepreneurs to undertake a wide array of business activities without the need for a local sponsor. Aside from restricted activities such as real estate and manpower supply, some activities may require and NOC from a third party. DMCC, offers Service, Trading and General Trading licenses.
  3. Setup and registration: The DMCC business setup is well structured and takes 3-4 weeks. Your initial application will be completed and submitted in your absence and you will only be physically required to meet with free zone authorities just once to sign the required legal documents after pre-approval. You can have up to six shareholders per company, physical or corporate.

    Requirements for company set-up

    • Appointment letter
    • Passport copy
    • Proof of residential address (utility bill)
    • Business plan (not necessary for all activities)
    • KYC forms
    • If applying for a branch or subsidiary, parent company documents must be in English, notarized and attested
    • Certain business activities may have additional requirements
  4. DMCC company setup cost: DMCC company formation costs start from AED 50,000 depending on the activity and structure, including license, company stamp, company letterhead, corporate bank account and DMCC post license obligations; Everything you need to get started!
  5. Easy corporate bank account setup: The DMCC Free Zone makes it easy to set up your business bank account in the most reputable banks in Dubai. Not only will you be offered our personal assistance with finding the bank that’s right for you and completing all required paperwork and follow up, but as all major financial institutions acknowledge the comprehensive compliance practices of DMCC, the bank account opening process is faster and more straightforward.
  6. Multiple office packages: !Dubai Multi Commodities Centre provides several office solutions - flexi, virtual, communal and permanent - each offering its own distinct benefits. The virtual package is ideal for entrepreneurs who need business presence in the UAE but have no requirement for physical office space. For those who require an occasional physical base, the flexi-desk package fits the bill, offering entrepreneurs many business services such as desk space, call screening and conference room hire on a flexible, ad-hoc basis. With the flexi desk option, you are allowed to apply for up to three visas. For those who need more than three visas, physical office space is available. With both the communal and permanent packages, office space can be taken in the stunning JLT district with its striking waterfront, breath-taking skyline and top-quality restaurants, hotels and facilities. For every 10 m² office space you rent, you are allowed to get 1 visa. A minimum of 50 m² are required in order to obtain a DMCC license.!
  7. Share capital process and requirements: Entrepreneurs looking to set up in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre are required to deposit a share capital upfront with the opening of the corporate bank account. A minimum of AED 50,000 must be deposited into the company bank account no more than three weeks after the issuance of the business license. This share capital can be withdrawn at any time once the process is completed.
  8. Visas: As well as making it easy to apply for your own visa, the DMCC Free Zone gives investors the option to apply for visas for their staff and dependents - provided salary requirements are met. Whether you require any visa for you, your staff, your spouse, child, maid or driver, the process is made up of four straightforward stages: entry permit, status adjustment, a medical fitness test, then Emirates ID registration and visa stamping. So with this in mind, it’s a good idea to discuss with us your intentions, to ensure that before you start an application, both you (and those you’re hoping to sponsor) meet all of the residence visa criteria.
  9. Establishing a branch or representative office: !For entrepreneurs looking to expand, company formation in DMCC Dubai also allows for easy opening of branches of existing businesses. The process is similar to setting up a new company, however the required documents are different. For a branch or representative office there is no requirement for share capital to be deposited.!
  10. Auditing and bookkeeping requirements: DMCC’s strict bookkeeping requirements make it one of the most respected free zones among banks and other professional institutions. However, while regulations may be tight, that’s not to say they are complex. There is no requirement for DMCC Free Zone businesses to file accounts, while audits are only required if the business has a share capital above AED 1 million. For businesses below this threshold, bookkeeping must be in accordance with the UAE accounting standards, ensuring that accurate records of all transactions are maintained.
  11. Contact us for more information We provide expert guidance on all business setup in Dubai and our service includes assistance with the licensing process, preparing documents, finding the right location for your business, and assisting you with corporate banking. As a consultancy firm specializing in company formation in the UAE, we have the experience to help you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently, whether you are starting your business from scratch or expanding an existing company. If you want to learn more about company formation in DMCC, contact us today to get your business started.