The DMCC business setup process
- Express interest and choose structureDecide the activity and company structure, then enquire via DMCC’s Business Setup Wizard to receive a portal account.
- Submit the online applicationDMCC handles name reservation, management review and compliance approval.
- Pay, sign and submit documentsPay registration and licence fees and sign legal documents; DMCC issues a provisional approval and bank introductory letters.
- Receive the e-licenceSign the office documents; DMCC issues the e-licence. Identity verification is by short video call; documents are signed electronically.
- Establishment card, visas, bank and taxArrange the establishment card, residence visas, corporate bank account and tax registration after the licence.
Typical timeline
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Application, name reservation and review | Days, depending on documents and approvals |
| Payment, signing and provisional approval | Often the same week once documents are complete |
| Office documents and e-licence | Depends on the office solution chosen |
| Visas, Emirates ID and bank account | Additional weeks; require medical tests, biometrics and bank decisions |
| Overall (DMCC’s figure for the company licence) | Around 2 weeks |
Timing is DMCC’s general statement and depends on documentation and approvals.
Business setup checklist
- Confirm your exact activity on DMCC’s approved-activities list
- Choose licence type and structure
- Prepare passports and proof of residential address
- Check whether any activity needs external approval
- Choose an office solution (flexi desk, serviced or private office)
- Decide how many visas you need and size the office accordingly
- Plan share capital (DMCC states typically AED 50,000 depending on activity)
- Decide bank, tax and accounting arrangements
Setup packages
| DMCC package (official, Apr 2026) | Price |
|---|---|
| Jump Start package — licence, establishment card, standard flexi desk (eligible for 3 visas), one 2-year visa included | AED 43,780 |
| Basic Biz package — licence, establishment card, special flexi desk (eligible for one visa) | AED 35,484 |
| Prime Plus package (medium to large businesses) — licence, establishment card, bank-account opening support | AED 40,145 |
| JLT Resident package | AED 29,185 |
| Ecosystem packages (gaming, AI and others) | from AED 31,000 |
| Uptown homeowners package | Free (conditions apply) |
Package prices are those published by DMCC (Apr 2026); they change.
After the licence
Next: visas, bank account and tax registration.
Sources and verification
Facts attributed to DMCC come from its own published guide and package pages (links below), accessed September 2026. Prices and rules change — confirm on dmcc.ae before paying. Figures from market guides are labelled as such.
- DMCC — Business Activities and Licences: A Complete Guide (9 Apr 2026)
- DMCC — Business setup packages
- DMCC — Schedule of charges
- DMCC — Public register
- DMCC — Set up a new business
Fee-data status: Published fees — DMCC package prices as published by DMCC; other costs are indicative.
DMCC business setup: FAQs
How do I set up a business in DMCC?
Submit your interest and application through DMCC’s portal, pay fees and sign documents, then receive your e-licence. Visas, bank account and tax come afterwards.
Can I set up DMCC from outside the UAE?
DMCC states setup can be completed from anywhere through a digital process with video-call identity verification. Residence visas still need medical and biometric steps in the UAE.
Do I need a business plan?
Not stated as a general DMCC requirement for the licence; banks commonly ask for one. Confirm for your activity.
Get a written quote for DMCC
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.