Dubai Free Zones

DMCC (JLT)

DMCC (JLT) is Dubai’s flagship free zone for trading, commodities and high-reputation services. Below is a practical guide covering costs, visas, office options, documents, timelines and who DMCC fits best.

Why choose DMCC?

  • Strong banking familiarity and international credibility.
  • Wide activity coverage across trading & professional services.
  • Flexible real estate: flexi-desk, serviced office or dedicated office.
  • Fast digital onboarding with e-sign and e-licensing.

Typical setup costs

License (from)
AED 12,500+
Establishment Card / Immigration
AED 650–1,000
Visa (govt. fees, per visa)
AED 3,800–5,500
Medical + Emirates ID (per person)
AED 1,200–1,600

Figures are realistic ranges. Final fees depend on package, office choice and visa count.

Office options & visa quotas

  • Flexi-desk (1–3 visas): lowest cost, good for lean teams.
  • Serviced office (3–6+ visas): scalable, ready-to-use.
  • Dedicated office / warehouse: required for larger teams or storage needs.

What you get with a DMCC license

  • Company documents (license, MoA/Articles, share certificates).
  • Immigration file for staff visas.
  • Access to DMCC member portal and government services.

Step-by-step process

  1. Name reservation & initial approval (1–2 working days).
  2. Document submission & license issuance (1–3 working days).
  3. Establishment Card / immigration setup (1–2 working days).
  4. Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID (≈1–2 weeks after entry).

Required documents

  • Passport copy & recent photo of shareholders.
  • UAE entry stamp or e-visa (if applicable).
  • Proposed activities and company name options.
  • CV/degree for regulated activities (if requested).
  • Lease/desk agreement for higher visa allocations.

Best for / Not ideal

  • Best for: import/export trading, commodities, consultancies, professional services.
  • Not ideal: heavy manufacturing—consider industrial zones (e.g., KEZAD, RAKEZ, HFZA).

Starting from: AED 12,500+

Popular activities

  • General Trading License (soon)
  • Gold Trading License (soon)
  • Consultancy License (soon)

Related guides

  • General Trading License (soon)
  • Gold Trading License (soon)
  • Consultancy License (soon)
Is DMCC good for trading?

Yes. DMCC and DAFZA are top choices for import/export and commodities. Compare office requirements, warehouse needs and banking before deciding.

Do I need a physical office?

For 1–3 visas, flexi-desk can be enough. Larger visa quotas or some activities require serviced or dedicated offices.

How long does setup take?

Company setup is typically 3–5 working days after KYC approval. Visa stamping and Emirates ID add ~1–2 weeks.

Can I add multiple activities?

Yes, DMCC supports multiple related activities on one license; unrelated activities may require additional approvals or licenses.

Bank account opening tips?

Keep utility/tenancy proofs ready, maintain a clear business plan and initial invoices/POs. DMCC firms are well-recognized by UAE banks.

What are annual renewals?

Budget for license renewal, Establishment Card renewal, office lease and any visa renewals/health insurance.

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