In this guide
DMCC: The Flagship Dubai Free Zone
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is one of the world's largest and most established free zones. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), it hosts over 22,000 companies and has been named "Global Free Zone of the Year" by the Financial Times' fDi Magazine multiple times.
DMCC is popular with international entrepreneurs because of its strong banking relationships, central Dubai location, and credibility with clients and partners. But it's not the cheapest option, and the process has specific requirements that catch first-timers off guard.
Real Costs (Not the Marketing Numbers)
DMCC and its service providers often quote a low headline number. Here's what you'll actually pay.
License and Registration
Trade license: AED 12,000–15,000/year ($3,300–4,100) depending on business activity Registration fee (one-time): AED 6,100 ($1,660) Shareholder registration: AED 1,020 per shareholder ($278) Establishment card: AED 2,000 ($545)
Office Space
Flexi-desk: AED 15,000–17,000/year ($4,100–4,600) — shared desk in a serviced office Full desk: AED 25,000–35,000/year ($6,800–9,500) — dedicated desk Full office: AED 50,000+/year ($13,600+) — private office in JLT
Most startups begin with a flexi-desk. This gives you a DMCC address, meeting room access, and enough substance for visa allocation (typically 3 visas with a flexi-desk).
Visa Costs (Per Person)
Entry permit: AED 1,100 ($300) Status change (if already in UAE): AED 680 ($185) Medical fitness test: AED 500 ($136) Emirates ID: AED 370 ($100) Visa stamping: AED 1,100 ($300) Insurance deposit or card: AED 3,000 ($817)
Total per visa: approximately AED 5,000–7,000 ($1,360–1,900).
Total Year 1 Summary
Government and DMCC fees: $10,000–14,000 (single founder, one visa, flexi-desk) Vector setup fee: from $7,500 Total Year 1: approximately $17,500–21,500
Annual renewal (Year 2+): $7,500–11,000 (license + office + visa maintenance)
Actual Timeline (Step by Step)
The DMCC setup process is well-defined. Here's the realistic timeline.
Week 1: Application and Name Reservation
Submit your application on the DMCC portal, choose your business activity, and reserve your company name. DMCC processes applications within 2–3 business days. Name approval is usually same-day or next-day.
Week 1–2: Document Submission
Upload required documents: passport copies, proof of address, bank reference letter, CV of the manager, and the completed application forms. DMCC reviews and may request clarifications. Allow 3–5 business days for review.
Week 2: License Issuance
Once documents are approved and payment is made, DMCC issues your trade license. This is the moment your company officially exists. The license is digital and can be downloaded from the DMCC portal.
Week 2–3: Visa Application
With the license issued, apply for your residence visa through DMCC's portal. The process involves entry permit, status change (if applicable), medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping. Total: 7–10 business days if everything goes smoothly.
Week 3–6+: Bank Account
Apply for a corporate bank account. DMCC has partnerships with several banks (Mashreq, Emirates NBD, ADCB), and being a DMCC company can help with the process. However, banking remains the most unpredictable step. Expect 2–6 weeks from application to active account.
Tip: prepare your business plan and expected transaction volumes before the bank meeting. Banks will ask detailed questions about your business model, clients, and revenue sources.
What DMCC Does Better Than Other Free Zones
Banking relationships: DMCC's partnerships with major UAE banks mean smoother account opening compared to smaller free zones. Some banks have dedicated DMCC desks.
Location: JLT is well-connected by metro and is a vibrant business and residential area. You can walk to your office, have lunch, attend meetups, and meet clients all in the same neighborhood.
Credibility: DMCC's reputation opens doors. Clients, partners, and banks take DMCC companies more seriously than companies from lesser-known free zones.
Support: DMCC's member services are responsive and English-first. They offer business support programs, networking events, and training.
Common DMCC-Specific Issues
Activity restrictions: DMCC categorizes business activities strictly. If your activity doesn't match their predefined list, you may need to negotiate or choose a different category. This can affect your license cost and visa allocation.
Office upgrades: If you start with a flexi-desk and want more visas later, you'll need to upgrade your office package. Each additional visa requires proportionally more office space.
Renewal deadlines: DMCC sends renewal notices, but missing your renewal deadline can result in fines and complications. Set your own reminders 30–60 days before expiry.
JLT service charges: If you lease a physical office, note that JLT has service charges on top of rent — these cover building maintenance, security, and common areas.
Is DMCC Right for You?
Choose DMCC if: you want the strongest banking relationships, your business is consulting, trading, technology, or professional services, you value the JLT location and community, credibility matters to your clients and partners, and you're willing to pay a premium for a premium experience.
Consider alternatives if: cost is your primary concern (IFZA is cheaper), you need a specialized license (DIFC for financial services, DSO for tech), or your business activity doesn't fit DMCC's categories.
Vector handles the complete DMCC setup — from application to operational bank account. Check your eligibility to get started.
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