Yes, DMCC allows 100% foreign ownership for eligible company structures.
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DMCC Business Setup
DMCC Free Zone Company Formation (Dubai)
Set up a DMCC company with 100% foreign ownership, a premium JLT address, and an end-to-end setup + compliance plan.
What is DMCC?
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is a leading Dubai free zone located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), designed for global trade and multi-sector businesses.
Who is DMCC best for?
Trading, commodities, consulting/services, tech, e-commerce, and scaling companies that want a premium Dubai address and strong infrastructure.
How long does DMCC company formation take?
Commonly about 10 working days for straightforward cases, but timelines vary depending on activity approvals, document readiness, and shareholder type.
How much does it cost?
DMCC setup costs typically start from ~AED 45,000–50,000+ and increase based on license type, office solution, number of visas, and compliance requirements.
Do I need an office in DMCC?
DMCC generally requires an office solution (flexi-desk/co-working/serviced office/physical unit), and your choice affects cost and visa eligibility.
Do DMCC companies need an annual audit?
DMCC companies typically must submit audited financial statements through the DMCC portal and use an approved auditor (requirements depend on entity type and DMCC rules).
Can a DMCC company do business in mainland Dubai?
In some cases, dual licensing can allow mainland operations (subject to eligibility, activity, and licensing alignment).
Is DMCC “tax-free”?
The UAE has Corporate Tax. Some free zone entities may qualify for 0% on qualifying income if they meet “Qualifying Free Zone Person” conditions.
What is DMCC Free Zone?
DMCC is a Dubai free zone established to support international trade and a wide range of business activities. It is based in JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) and is widely chosen for its business ecosystem, premium location, and professional infrastructure.
In simple terms: DMCC is a “business community + licensing authority” that lets you incorporate a company, obtain visas, lease office space, and operate under a recognized Dubai free zone structure.
Why choose DMCC for company setup?
Core advantages
Premium Dubai business address (JLT) for credibility with clients, suppliers, and banks
100% foreign ownership (no local partner requirement for eligible structures)
Scalable office options (flexi-desk to full offices) aligned to headcount growth
Multi-sector licensing for trading, services, industrial, e-commerce, and more
Strong business ecosystem for networking, suppliers, and industry communities
Why choose DMCC for company setup?
Core advantages
Premium Dubai business address (JLT) for credibility with clients, suppliers, and banks
100% foreign ownership (no local partner requirement for eligible structures)
Scalable office options (flexi-desk to full offices) aligned to headcount growth
Multi-sector licensing for trading, services, industrial, e-commerce, and more
Strong business ecosystem for networking, suppliers, and industry communities
Is DMCC right for you? (DMCC Fit Test)
Choose DMCC if you are:
A trading / import-export / general trading business
A consulting / service company serving UAE and international clients
An e-commerce company that needs strong logistics and credibility
A scaling startup planning visas + office expansion
Consider another free zone if:
Your priority is the lowest setup cost above all else
You want a minimal-compliance approach (DMCC is structured and process-driven)
DMCC License Types (what you can do)
Trading License
For import, export, re-export, distribution, and trading of specified goods.
General Trading License
For trading a broader range of goods (subject to rules and activity approvals).
Service License
For professional services and consultancy activities listed on the license.
Industrial / Light Industrial License
For light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, or related industrial activities (activity-dependent).
Tip: Your license choice affects approvals, banking, office requirements, and total cost—so it should match your revenue model and operational plan.
DMCC Company Formation Cost (what changes the price)
DMCC costs are not one fixed number. The final cost depends on the structure you choose and how you plan to operate.
The 5 cost drivers that matter most
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License type + number of activities (and whether third-party approvals apply)
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Office solution (flexi-desk vs co-working vs serviced office vs physical unit)
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Number of visas (investor + employees)
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Shareholder type (individual vs corporate shareholder documentation complexity)
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Compliance setup (accounting readiness, audit coordination, renewals planning)
Practical cost ranges (how to think about it)
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Entry-level setups: typically start around AED 45,000–50,000+
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Higher cost setups: increase with more visas, larger office space, regulated activities, and complex shareholder structures
Business & Beyond promise: We give a transparent cost map before you start—what’s included, what’s optional, and what changes the total.
DMCC Setup Timeline (typical)
Many straightforward DMCC setups target ~10 working days, but the timeline varies based on:
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Activity approvals (especially regulated or specialized activities)
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Corporate shareholder document legalisation/attestation (if applicable)
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How fast documents are submitted and cleared
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Office selection and contract finalization
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Immigration and visa steps
Best practice: Start with a clean document checklist and finalize activity selection early to avoid rework.
DMCC Company Setup Process (step-by-step)
The DMCC formation roadmap
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Choose business activities + license type
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Confirm legal structure (new company vs branch; individual vs corporate shareholder)
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Reserve trade name + prepare application
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Submit documents and obtain initial approvals
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Select office solution (flexi/co-working/serviced/physical unit)
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Pay fees and obtain license issuance
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Set up establishment/immigration file
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Process investor/employee visas (entry permit → medical → Emirates ID)
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Open corporate bank account (KYC and compliance readiness pack)
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Implement compliance calendar (accounting, audit planning, renewal milestones)
Documents Required for DMCC Company Formation
Document needs depend on activity and shareholder type, but here’s the practical baseline.
Individual shareholder (typical)
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Passport copy
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UAE visa / Emirates ID (if applicable)
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Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill/bank statement as requested)
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Application forms and declarations
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Passport photo (as required)
Corporate shareholder (typical)
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Parent company incorporation documents
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Memorandum/Articles (or equivalent)
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Board Resolution authorizing the DMCC setup
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Authorized signatory documents / Power of Attorney (if required)
We reduce delays by: pre-checking documents, formatting correctly for submissions, and aligning activity selection to the cleanest approvals route.
DMCC Compliance (how to stay in good standing)
A DMCC company should plan compliance from day one—this prevents renewal issues and reduces banking friction.
Annual audit & financial statements
DMCC companies generally need to:
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Appoint an auditor (typically from DMCC’s approved auditor list)
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Prepare audited financial statements
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Upload audited financial statements via the DMCC portal within the required period after year-end
Why this matters
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Smooth license renewals
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Stronger bank account stability (ongoing KYC monitoring)
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Investor readiness and financial discipline
Corporate Tax (simple, accurate positioning)
The UAE has Corporate Tax. Free zone companies may benefit from 0% on qualifying income if they meet the conditions to be treated as a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Non-qualifying income may be taxed depending on the facts.
What we do: structure your setup and operations to support tax readiness—activity selection, bookkeeping, and documentation built for compliance.
Why Business & Beyond for DMCC Company Formation?
What you get
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License + activity strategy aligned to approvals and banking
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End-to-end DMCC formation handling
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Office selection guidance (cost + visa impact explained clearly)
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Visa processing coordination
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Bank account readiness pack (KYC-friendly documentation)
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Post-setup support: accounting, audit coordination, CT/VAT readiness
Best for
UAE founders, SMEs, international investors, and growth-stage companies who want a premium setup with predictable execution.
FAQs
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Can I own 100% of a DMCC company as a foreigner?
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How long does DMCC company formation take?
Straightforward cases often target ~10 working days, but timelines vary by approvals and document readiness.
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What is the minimum cost to set up in DMCC?
Market starting ranges are commonly ~AED 45,000–50,000+, increasing based on office, visas, and activity approvals.
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Do I need an office to register in DMCC?
DMCC generally requires an office solution. Flexi-desk and co-working options may be available depending on your package and visa needs.
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Can a DMCC company operate in mainland Dubai?
In some cases, dual licensing can support mainland operations, subject to eligibility and activity alignment.
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Do DMCC companies need to submit audited financial statements?
DMCC companies typically must submit audited financial statements via the DMCC portal and use an approved auditor, depending on DMCC rules and entity type.
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Can I set up a DMCC company remotely?
In many cases, yes—remote setup can be done via authorization/POA routes, depending on the shareholder profile and document completion.
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Is DMCC corporate tax-free?
The UAE has Corporate Tax. Some free zone companies may qualify for 0% on qualifying income if they meet the QFZP conditions.
Want a DMCC setup that’s fast, bank-ready, and compliance-safe?
Book a 30-minute DMCC consultation and receive:
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Recommended license + activity set
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Office + visa plan aligned to your hiring roadmap
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Transparent cost map (what’s included vs optional)
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Compliance roadmap (audit + Corporate Tax readiness)
If you need high-quality, professional, and friendly business consulting, look no further than Business & Beyond Consulting.
Contact
Bromley – Kent , London UK
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