When setting up your business in DMCC, one of the crucial steps is to apply for your business licence. A licence for business in DMCC validates your business as a legal body and permits you to conduct business legally throughout DMCC and in the Dubai region. Without one, your business cannot operate legitimately.
Why choose DMCC?
Headquartered in Dubai, DMCC is a leading global business hub and a vibrant destination to live, work, and thrive. As a world-class commodities centre specialising in tea, coffee, gold, and diamonds, DMCC drives 15% of Dubai’s foreign direct investment. Its strategic location provides direct access to Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian markets whilst offering significant financial advantages through 0% personal and corporate income tax rates.
Dubai is renowned for its business-friendly policies, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and corporations. This combination of strategic location, tax benefits, and established trading infrastructure makes DMCC the definitive choice for international business operations.
How much does a DMCC business licence cost?
There is no set cost for business licences in DMCC. The cost of your business licence will depend on factors such as your type of business licence, its size, and your chosen business sector. You can expect the cost of your business licence to range from about AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 per annum.
The minimum share capital can depend on your chosen business sector and licence type. This can range from no share capital required, to AED 1,000,000.
DMCC’s exclusive packages to obtain your DMCC company licence
As one of the world's leading business hubs, DMCC offers a range of business setup packages designed for companies of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to medium and large businesses. Business setup packages typically include a DMCC company licence, other benefits like UAE residency visas, discounts on special flexi desk options and company setup fees.
For start-ups, SMEs and entrepreneurs
|
Package Type |
Package Price (AED) |
Package Features and Benefits |
|
Jump Start Package |
43,780 |
|
|
Basic Biz Package |
35,484 |
|
For medium to large businesses
|
Package Type |
Package Price (AED) |
Package Features and Benefits |
|
Prime Plus Package |
40,145 |
|
For residents and owners
|
Package Type |
Package Price (AED) |
Package Features and Benefits |
|
JLR Resident Package |
29,205 |
|
|
Uptown Homeowners Package |
Free |
|
For ecosystems
|
Package Type For |
Starting From (AED) |
Package Features and Benefits |
|
Gaming, AI, E-commerce businesses, and more |
1,925 |
|
3 types of business licences in DMCC
There are 3 common licence types available in DMCC: trading licence, industrial licence and service licence. The type of licence that’s right for your business will depend on your business’s nature and activities. To view a complete list of the approved activities in DMCC, download our list of approved activities.
Each of the licences has its own characteristics and uses:
|
Business Licence Type |
Business Activities Covered |
Subsectors Covered |
|
Trading Licence |
|
|
|
Industrial Licence |
|
|
|
Service Licence |
|
|
Obtain your DMCC business licence in 3 steps
Step 1 - Discover
Use the DMCC business setup wizard to find your ideal package proposal tailored to your specific licensing requirements, covering insights into the relevant process, requirements and setup costs.
Step 2 - Process
Submit your online pre-approval application and complete the payment and document signing step. Next, select the office solution that best fits your needs.
Step 3 - Launch
Receive your e-licence. The entire process will take around 10 working days.
What you'll need to obtain your DMCC business licence
You'll need a copy of your passport, UAE residence visa and a copy of your Emirates’ ID if applicable. Additionally, you are required to produce a proof of residential address in country of residence, like a utility bill or a bank statement.
Renewing your DMCC business licence
DMCC member companies must maintain a valid licence to legally operate within the free zone once the original business licence has expired. While annual renewal is standard practice, companies can opt for business licences with extended validity of 2, 3, or 5 years. The renewal process must be completed before the licence expiry date to avoid sanctions and penalties, which could ultimately result in licence termination by the authorities.
For trading and service licences, the annual renewal fee is AED 20,265, though this cost will vary based on the licence type chosen. There are various applicability and business rules when you renew your business licence. Ensure that you are aware of these before committing to renewing a business licence. DMCC offers various renewal packages to accommodate different business needs and timeframes, giving you the most flexibility tailored to you and your business.
Seamless business licensing in DMCC
From initial setup to renewals, DMCC's licensing framework accommodates diverse business needs through a streamlined application process, flexible renewal options, and varied package structures, ensuring that businesses can establish and maintain their operations effectively. Whether opting for standard annual renewals, extended validity periods, or the various package types on offer, DMCC's clear licensing pathways and established procedures provide a solid foundation for companies to operate legally within one of Dubai's most prestigious free zones.
