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Guide

DMCC Company Setup Guide (2026)

DMCC is Dubai’s flagship free zone for commodities, crypto and Web3, with more than 26,000 member companies clustered around Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

By ZoneWise Editorial TeamFees reviewed July 2026Updated

What DMCC is

DMCC is Dubai’s flagship free zone for commodities, crypto and Web3, with more than 26,000 member companies clustered around Jumeirah Lakes Towers. It is a premium option — its packages cost noticeably more than Meydan or IFZA zero-visa licences — so it makes most sense when the DMCC name itself helps you win clients, banks or trading counterparties.

DMCC costs (published, reviewed July 2026)

PackageGovernment cost
Jump Start package — licence, establishment card, standard flexi desk (eligible for 3 visas), one 2-year visa includedAED 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 supportAED 40,145
JLT Resident packageAED 29,185
Ecosystem packages (gaming, AI and others)from AED 31,000
Uptown homeowners packageFree (conditions apply)

Who should consider DMCC

  • Commodities and precious-metals traders
  • Crypto, blockchain and Web3 companies
  • Established businesses that want a premium Dubai address

What to weigh up

  • Considerably more expensive than IFZA or Meydan for a general services company

Banking and tax

Banking is decided by each bank, not by the free zone, and approval is never guaranteed. Our editorial view is that banks are generally high in their familiarity with DMCC entities, but they assess shareholders, activity, source of funds and documents case by case. Documents commonly requested include the licence, incorporation documents, passports and proof of address, a business plan or contracts, and source-of-funds evidence. Read the corporate banking guide.

A DMCC licence does not by itself decide your tax position. Corporate tax registration is required for free zone entities, the 0%/9% structure applies, and qualifying-income rules determine whether a free zone entity keeps a 0% rate on part of its income. VAT registration depends on your turnover and supplies. Read the corporate tax and compliance guide and confirm with a licensed adviser.

Next steps

Read the full DMCC page, compare DMCC vs IFZA or DMCC vs JAFZA.

DMCC: FAQs

What is DMCC company formation?

DMCC company formation means registering a company under DMCC's rules in Dubai. DMCC is Dubai’s flagship free zone for commodities, crypto and Web3, with more than 26,000 member companies clustered around Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Activities, fees and eligibility are set by the authority (DMCC Authority) and vary by licence.

How much does it cost to set up a company in DMCC?

Official packages from AED 29,185; licence typically AED 20,000–50,000 a year (DMCC, Apr 2026). These are government fees as published (reviewed July 2026); professional fees, extra visas, office upgrades and bank minimums are additional.

Can foreigners own 100% of a DMCC company?

UAE free zones generally allow up to 100% foreign ownership and repatriation of profits. Some regulated activities carry conditions, so confirm eligibility for your exact licence with DMCC's authority.

What licences are available in DMCC?

Licence categories offered depend on the zone's current rules. For DMCC the activities most associated with it include commodities and general trading, crypto, blockchain and web3, consulting and professional services; these typically map to: Service / professional licence; Technology / service licence; Technology licence (regulated virtual-asset activity needs regulator approval). Confirm the current licence list and activity codes with the authority.

Can I get a UAE residence visa through DMCC?

A free zone can usually sponsor investor/partner and employee residence visas, subject to package or office-based quotas and the applicant's eligibility. The trade licence and the visa are separate steps, and approval is never guaranteed. Visa allocation at DMCC: Flexi-desk packages: 1–3 visas; private office: generally one visa per 9 sq m (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.