What the trading licence covers
DMCC describes the trading licence for importing, exporting, distributing or selling goods, and the commercial licence for broader trading across multiple product categories. DMCC is best known for commodity ecosystems — gold, diamonds, coloured gemstones, tea, coffee, cacao, energy, agro and others — listed on its site.
What traders must plan for
- Premises: trading often needs more than a flexi desk, depending on goods and storage
- Customs registration and permits for regulated goods
- Approvals for certain products (food, medical, energy)
- Banking and trade-finance documents for commodity flows
- Share capital: typically AED 50,000 depending on activity (DMCC)
Cost
Licence range: about AED 20,000–50,000 a year per DMCC; packages in company formation cost. For import-export alternatives compare DMCC vs JAFZA (logistics) and DAFZ.
Trading onshore?
A DMCC licence does not by itself allow direct trading with UAE mainland customers. See DMCC vs mainland.
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 trading licence: FAQs
What is a DMCC trading licence?
The licence for importing, exporting, distributing or selling goods from DMCC.
What is the difference between trading and commercial licences?
DMCC describes the commercial licence as broader — buying and selling multiple product categories under one licence.
Can I trade physical goods with only a flexi desk?
It depends on your activity and storage; many goods businesses need more space or a logistics partner. Confirm with DMCC.
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.