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The World's No. 1 Free Zone for Global Commodities and Trade

Ranked the world's number one free zone for ten consecutive years, DMCC hosts over 23,000 member companies and serves as a global hub for commodities, precious metals, energy, technology, and professional services businesses seeking a Dubai address.

Overview

What is DMCC?

Established in 2002, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre is the UAE's most prestigious and internationally recognised free zone, ranked the world's number one free zone by the Financial Times for ten consecutive years. Originally created to develop the UAE's commodities sector, DMCC has grown into a truly diversified global business hub encompassing commodities trading, financial services, technology, professional services, and the digital assets space.

DMCC is located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, one of Dubai's most prominent business districts. The zone's flagship development, the JLT cluster, provides office accommodation ranging from flexi-desks to multi-floor suites within Almas Tower, the administrative headquarters of DMCC and one of Dubai's landmark commercial towers. With over 23,000 member companies, DMCC offers a community of internationally connected businesses and access to a deep pool of professional services.

All DMCC entities benefit from 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, full profit repatriation, and the ability to sponsor UAE residence visas for employees and their families. DMCC entities that qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons under the UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law (effective June 2023) pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income; a 9% federal rate applies to non-qualifying income. DMCC companies can engage in an extensive catalogue of permitted activities spanning trading, services, industrial operations, and specialist sectors such as the DMCC Crypto Centre for virtual asset businesses seeking a regulated UAE base.

Aurevya guides clients through the full DMCC incorporation journey, from activity selection and application preparation to licence issuance, office arrangement, visa allocation, and bank account introduction, with particular expertise in commodities trading structures and digital asset business applications.

23,000+
Member Companies
DMCC's member base spans every major sector, from commodities traders and financial services to technology companies and professional services firms.
0%
Personal Income Tax
No personal income tax, no capital gains tax. Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income; a 9% federal rate applies to non-qualifying income under the UAE CT Law effective June 2023.
#1
Free Zone, 10 Consecutive Years
Ranked the world's best free zone by the Financial Times fDi magazine for ten consecutive years, a benchmark of quality and credibility.

Key Features

Why Choose DMCC?

DMCC combines a world-class business address with a breadth of permitted activities unmatched in the UAE free zone landscape, from traditional commodities trading to cutting-edge digital asset businesses.

01
Commodities Trading Hub
DMCC is the world's leading commodities trading hub, providing specialist infrastructure, vaulting facilities, and a community of internationally connected traders across gold, diamonds, tea, coffee, energy, and base metals.
02
Gold and Precious Metals Trading
DMCC is home to the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and provides the full infrastructure for gold refining, vaulting, and physical precious metals trading, making it the regional epicentre for gold business.
03
Diamonds and Coloured Stones
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), housed within Almas Tower, is one of the world's leading diamond trading and auction centres. DMCC licences diamond trading, sorting, valuation, and brokerage activities.
04
DMCC Crypto Centre
The DMCC Crypto Centre provides a regulated environment for virtual asset businesses, including exchanges, OTC desks, and token issuers, seeking a UAE base. DMCC works alongside the VARA framework for virtual asset regulation.
05
Tea and Coffee Trading
DMCC hosts the Dubai Tea Trading Centre and the Dubai Coffee Trading Centre, purpose-built commodity clusters with warehouse facilities, grading labs, and a concentrated community of international buyers and sellers.
06
Technology and Professional Services
Beyond commodities, DMCC is a prominent hub for technology companies, fintech businesses, professional services firms, and holding companies, with a streamlined incorporation process and access to Dubai's premier business address.

Process

How It Works

DMCC incorporation follows a well-defined pathway from activity selection through to trade licence issuance, office arrangement, and visa allocation, typically completing within 2–4 weeks for straightforward applications.

1
Activity Selection and Business Plan Preparation
We work with you to identify the appropriate DMCC activity category from the DMCC Activity List, which covers hundreds of permitted activities. Where required, we prepare a supporting business plan and activity justification for specialist activities.
2
DMCC Application Submission
We prepare and submit the DMCC member company application through the DMCC portal, including entity name reservation, share capital determination, shareholder and director KYC documentation, and payment of initial registration fees.
3
Trade Licence Issuance
Upon approval of the application, DMCC issues the Certificate of Incorporation and the DMCC Trade Licence. The licence specifies the permitted activities and must be renewed annually. At this stage, the company is formally incorporated and licensed to commence operations.
4
Office and Flexi-Desk Arrangement
DMCC requires a physical office address or registered flexi-desk within the DMCC jurisdiction. We assist in identifying appropriate office solutions, from budget flexi-desk packages to dedicated office suites within Almas Tower or JLT, to suit your operational needs and visa quota requirements.
5
Visa Quota, Banking, and Operational Setup
We coordinate UAE residence visa applications for founders and employees based on the allocated visa quota. Simultaneously, we facilitate introductions to UAE banking institutions for corporate account opening, a critical step given the current banking environment in the UAE.

Requirements

Requirements and Costs

Entity Requirements

  • Minimum share capital of AED 50,000 (approximately USD 13,600) for most activities, some specialist activities require higher capital
  • Registered office or flexi-desk address within DMCC jurisdiction required
  • At least one shareholder and one director (can be the same individual)
  • Entity types: FZE (single shareholder) or FZCO (2–50 shareholders)
  • Annual trade licence renewal required
  • Some activities require additional regulatory approvals (e.g., DFSA, VARA)

Documentation and Timeline

  • Certified passport copies for all shareholders and directors
  • Proof of residential address (dated within 3 months)
  • For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution, and attested corporate documents
  • Source of funds declaration for regulated activities
  • Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks for standard activities upon submission of complete documentation
  • Bank account opening: 4–12 weeks depending on institution and activity profile

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can a DMCC company carry out?
DMCC maintains a comprehensive Activity List covering hundreds of permitted activities across trading, services, industrial, and specialist sectors. Activities range from general trading and commodity trading to financial consulting, technology services, digital assets, education, healthcare consultancy, and media. Multiple activities can be listed on a single licence. Certain specialist activities may require additional regulatory approvals from UAE federal authorities.
Can a DMCC company trade outside the UAE?
Yes. DMCC companies are designed for international trading and services, they can enter contracts, hold assets, and trade globally. Conducting business on the UAE mainland (outside free zones) requires additional mainland licensing or a distribution arrangement with a mainland entity. However, selling goods or services to clients internationally, or providing services from DMCC to overseas clients, is entirely permissible within the DMCC licence framework.
What is the DMCC Crypto Centre?
The DMCC Crypto Centre is a dedicated cluster within DMCC for virtual asset businesses, including cryptocurrency exchanges, OTC trading desks, blockchain technology companies, and digital asset fund managers. DMCC works alongside the UAE's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) framework. The Crypto Centre provides a community of like-minded businesses, specialist service providers, and a licence framework tailored to the digital asset sector.
How long does incorporation take?
For standard activities, DMCC incorporation typically takes 2–4 weeks from submission of a complete application to receipt of the trade licence. Specialist activities requiring additional approvals, such as financial services, virtual assets, or certain trading activities, may take longer. Bank account opening is a separate process and typically requires a further 4–12 weeks, depending on the banking institution and the nature of the business.
What is the difference between a DMCC FZE and FZCO?
A DMCC Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder entity, owned by one individual or one corporate entity. A DMCC Free Zone Company (FZCO) has between two and fifty shareholders, which can be any combination of individuals and corporate entities. Both structures offer identical trading rights and tax treatment. The FZE is the most common structure for sole founders or single corporate parents, while the FZCO is used for joint ventures or entities with multiple investors.
Can I get a Dubai residence visa through DMCC?
Yes. DMCC member companies can sponsor UAE residence visas for their employees, including the founding director/shareholder. The number of visas available depends on the office space arrangement, flexi-desks typically allow 1–3 visas, while dedicated office space allows proportionally more. Visa holders can sponsor dependants (spouse and children). UAE residency visas are valid for 2–3 years and are renewable subject to continued employment.

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Incorporate Your DMCC Company

Our UAE structuring team will guide you through activity selection, application preparation, and the full DMCC establishment process, from licence to banking.

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