How to Apply for a DMCC Company 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the world top-ranked free zone. Here is the complete 2026 guide to setting up a DMCC company.
In this guide:
DMCC Company Types
- DMCC FZCO: Two or more shareholders (most common)
- DMCC FZE: Single shareholder
- DMCC Branch: Branch of an existing company (UAE or foreign)
Step-by-Step DMCC Company Registration
- Go to: member.dmcc.ae (DMCC member portal)
- Select “New Company” and choose company type
- Choose business activities from DMCC activity list (highly specific; choose carefully)
- Reserve company name: Submit 3 options; name approved in 1-2 days
- Submit shareholder/director documents: Passport, photo, source of funds, bank reference letter
- Choose office space: DMCC requires at least a flexi-desk (Registered Agent service); upgrades to full office available
- Pay DMCC registration fees: AED 10,000-50,000 depending on activity and office
- DMCC legal review (1-5 business days)
- Certificate of Formation and Trade Licence issued
DMCC Costs 2026
- DMCC registration fee: AED 8,700 (standard)
- DMCC trade licence: AED 10,000-30,000 depending on activity category
- Flexi-desk (Registered Agent): AED 12,000-20,000/year
- Visa (investor, 2-year): AED 3,000-5,000
- Total year 1 cost: AED 35,000-80,000 (significantly higher than IFZA or RAKEZ)
Why Choose DMCC Despite Higher Cost
- Prestige: JLT, Dubai address; world most recognized commodity and trading free zone
- Banking: DMCC companies have better access to international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citi)
- Commodities trading: The best free zone for gold, diamonds, oil, agricultural commodity trading