Commodities Trading License

Activities: Gold trading, diamond trading, precious metals, precious stones, energy commodities, agricultural products, industrial metals

Benefits: Access to Dubai Diamond Exchange, Gold & Commodities Exchange, specialized storage facilities, industry-specific support services

Technology & Innovation License

Activities: Software development, AI solutions, blockchain technology, fintech applications, cybersecurity, IT consulting

Benefits: Access to DMCC Crypto Centre, technology community, innovation events, investor networks

Professional Services License

Activities: Legal services, accounting, auditing, business consultancy, management consulting, HR services, marketing agencies

Benefits: Professional community network, business development opportunities, access to corporate clients

Logistics & Supply Chain License

Activities: Freight forwarding, supply chain management, logistics services, warehousing, distribution

Benefits: Proximity to Jebel Ali Port, trade facilitation services, customs support

Bank Account Opening

Cost: AED 3,000 - 10,000 (varies by bank)

Most UAE banks require a minimum deposit ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 100,000. Corporate account maintenance fees typically range from AED 200 to AED 500 per month.

PRO Services

Cost: AED 5,000 - 15,000 annually

Public Relations Officer (PRO) services handle government documentation, visa processing, labor card applications, and other regulatory compliance requirements.

Document Attestation & Translation

Cost: AED 500 - 2,000 per document

Required for educational certificates, passports, contracts, and other official documents that need translation and attestation from UAE authorities.

Business Setup Consultancy

Cost: AED 3,000 - 10,000

Professional consultancy fees for guidance through the setup process, document preparation, and liaison with DMCC authorities. Working with experienced consultants like One Desk Solution saves time and ensures compliance.

Assess Your Business Needs

Consider your team size, growth projections for the next 1-2 years, required visa allocations, client meeting requirements, and budget constraints. Remote teams may only need virtual offices, while client-facing businesses benefit from premium locations.

Evaluate Location Prestige

Your office address matters for credibility. Almas Tower provides the highest prestige factor ideal for finance and luxury sectors. JLT towers offer excellent balance of prestige and cost-effectiveness. DMCC Business Centre provides professional environment at competitive rates.

Calculate Total Occupancy Costs

Don't just consider rental costs. Factor in utilities, internet, parking, meeting room usage, reception services, and potential expansion costs. Premium all-inclusive packages often provide better value than base rates with add-ons.

Consider Flexibility

Choose packages that allow easy scaling up or down. Many DMCC buildings offer flexible terms allowing you to upgrade to larger spaces within the same building, minimizing disruption during growth phases.

Business Activity Selection & Package Choice

What to Do: Determine your primary business activities from DMCC's approved list. Choose your license type (Trading, Service, Industrial, etc.) and select the number of activities you want to include. Decide on your office package based on visa requirements and space needs.

Pro Tip: You can include up to 10 activities under one license. Think long-term and add activities you might need in the future to avoid amendment fees later.

Duration: 1-2 days for planning and consultation

Company Name Reservation

What to Do: Submit 3 preferred company names through DMCC's online portal or through your business setup consultant. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions, avoid restricted words, and should not closely resemble existing registered companies.

Requirements:

• No religious or offensive terms
• Avoid words like "International," "Group," "Holdings" without justification
• Must end with company structure indicator (FZE, FZCO, etc.)
• No special characters or numbers in the name

Duration: Instant to 1 business day for approval

Document Preparation & Submission

What to Do: Gather and prepare all required documents (see section 7 for complete list). All documents must be clear, valid, and properly attested. Foreign documents may require translation and legalization through UAE embassy in the country of origin.

Key Documents:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for 6+ months)
• Recent passport-size photographs (white background)
• Proof of address for all shareholders (utility bill or bank statement)
• Business plan outlining company activities and objectives
• CV/resume of shareholders and managers

Duration: 1-3 days depending on document complexity and attestation requirements

License Application & MOA Drafting

What to Do: Complete the official DMCC license application form with accurate details. DMCC will draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining company structure, share distribution, management, and business scope. Review carefully before approval.

Important Considerations:

• Specify shareholding structure clearly (51% minimum for manager/sponsor)
• Define roles and responsibilities of directors
• Clarify decision-making processes and voting rights
• Set authorized signatory powers for banking and contracts

Duration: 1-2 business days

License Fee Payment

What to Do: Upon approval, you'll receive an invoice for all setup fees including license fee, registration fee, office rental, and any additional charges. Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or certified check.

Payment Includes:

• Company registration fee
• Trade license fee (first year)
• Office space rental (first year)
• Establishment card fee
• Share certificate issuance
• Other applicable charges

Duration: Immediate with online payment; 1 day for bank transfer confirmation

License Issuance & Certificate Collection

What to Do: Once payment is confirmed, DMCC will issue your trade license, establishment card, and share certificates. These can be collected in person or couriered. You'll also receive access to DMCC's business portal for managing your license and services.

Documents Received:

• Trade License (original and certified copies)
• Establishment Card
• Share Certificates for all shareholders
• Memorandum of Association (notarized)
• Office tenancy contract

Duration: 1-2 business days after payment

Corporate Bank Account Opening

What to Do: Apply for a corporate bank account with UAE banks. DMCC has partnerships with major banks offering preferential terms. Typical requirements include trade license, MOA, passport copies, business plan, and initial deposit. Some banks may require in-person meetings with all signatories.

Recommended Banks in DMCC:

• Emirates NBD (most popular, DMCC-friendly)
• Mashreq Bank (quick processing)
• ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)
• RAKBANK (flexible requirements)
• HSBC (for international businesses)

Duration: 1-3 weeks depending on bank due diligence

Visa Application & Immigration Process

What to Do: Apply for employee and investor visas through DMCC's immigration services or your PRO. Process includes entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID application, and final visa stamping. Each visa holder must undergo medical fitness tests and biometric data collection.

Visa Process Steps:

• Entry permit application (1-2 days)
• Entry to UAE (if applicant is abroad)
• Medical fitness test (1 day, AED 300-500)
• Emirates ID application (1 day, AED 370)
• Visa stamping (2-3 days)

Duration: 5-10 business days if applicant is in UAE; 2-3 weeks if abroad

Office Setup & Operations Commencement

What to Do: Move into your office space, set up furniture and equipment, establish internet and phone connections, and begin operations. Register with relevant authorities if needed (VAT registration if revenue expected to exceed AED 375,000).

Final Setup Tasks:

• Office furniture and equipment installation
• IT infrastructure setup (computers, servers, software)
• Phone system and business communication tools
• Signage and branding (if required)
• VAT registration (if applicable)
• Accounting software and bookkeeping systems

Duration: 1-2 weeks

Trading License Additional Requirements

• Detailed list of products/commodities to be traded
• Supplier agreements or letters of intent (recommended)
• Product specifications and catalogs (if available)
• Trade references from previous business relationships

Service License Additional Requirements

• Professional qualifications and certifications
• Experience letters from previous employers
• Professional membership certificates (e.g., CPA, PMP)
• Portfolio of work (for creative services)

Industrial License Additional Requirements

• Detailed manufacturing process description
• Environmental impact assessment
• Safety procedures and protocols
• Machinery and equipment list
• Industrial premises lease agreement
• Technical specifications of products

E-commerce License Additional Requirements

• Website/platform details and screenshots
• Business model explanation
• Payment gateway information
• Logistics and delivery partner agreements
• Product catalog and pricing structure

No Currency Restrictions

Conduct business in any currency with no restrictions on currency exchange or profit repatriation. Transfer funds internationally without limitations. Maintain multi-currency bank accounts for global operations.

Streamlined Business Processes

DMCC's digital platform enables online license renewals, visa applications, document submissions, and service requests. Efficient processing times reduce administrative burden and costs.

Mainland Trading Privileges

DMCC companies can conduct business with mainland UAE through local service agents or distributors. Access to entire UAE market of 10 million residents and robust economic ecosystem.

Flexible Shareholding Structure

Choose between Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single shareholder or Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders. No minimum capital requirement for most business activities.

DMCC vs DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

When to Choose DMCC: Trading businesses, general services, commodities, and businesses needing diverse activities

When to Choose DIFC: Financial institutions, investment firms, insurance companies requiring financial services licenses

Key Differences: DIFC has independent legal system and courts, higher costs, focuses exclusively on financial sector. DMCC offers broader business activities, lower costs, better for trading.

DMCC vs DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone)

When to Choose DMCC: Service companies, consultancies, offices, and businesses prioritizing prestigious address

When to Choose DAFZA: Logistics businesses, e-commerce with heavy inventory, aviation-related companies

Key Differences: DAFZA is airport-centric with massive warehouses, ideal for logistics. DMCC focuses on offices and trading, premium location.

DMCC vs Dubai Silicon Oasis

When to Choose DMCC: Established companies, international brands, businesses needing prestigious address

When to Choose Silicon Oasis: Tech startups, electronics manufacturing, R&D-intensive businesses on tighter budgets

Key Differences: Silicon Oasis offers tech-focused ecosystem with lower costs but less central location. DMCC provides prestige and central location.

DMCC vs IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)

When to Choose DMCC: Businesses prioritizing brand image, international credibility, and networking opportunities

When to Choose IFZA: Cost-sensitive startups, online businesses, freelancers needing basic setup

Key Differences: IFZA is most affordable with quick setup but less prestigious. DMCC offers global recognition and premium infrastructure.

Step 1: Entry Permit Application

Duration: 1-2 business days

Requirements: Passport copy (6 months validity), colored photograph, DMCC license copy

Cost: AED 500-800

Entry permit allows the candidate to enter UAE for visa processing. Valid for 60 days from issuance.

Step 2: Entry to UAE

Duration: Based on flight availability

Candidate must enter UAE within the entry permit validity period. Upon arrival, immigration stamp confirms entry.

Step 3: Medical Fitness Test

Duration: 1 day for test, 2-3 days for results

Requirements: Passport, entry stamp, photographs

Cost: AED 300-500

Mandatory medical screening conducted at approved medical centers. Tests for communicable diseases as per UAE regulations.

Step 4: Emirates ID Application

Duration: 1 day for application, 5-7 days for card

Requirements: Passport, entry stamp, photographs, medical test results

Cost: AED 370 (including typing and application fees)

Biometric data collection including fingerprints and photograph at Emirates ID center.

Step 5: Visa Stamping

Duration: 2-3 business days

Requirements: All previous documents, medical certificate, Emirates ID receipt

Cost: AED 2,000-3,000 (stamping and PRO fees)

Final visa stamp placed in passport, granting legal residence in UAE.

Step 6: Health Insurance

Duration: Can be done parallel to visa processing

Requirements: Passport copy, visa copy

Cost: AED 600-2,500 per person annually

Mandatory health insurance for all visa holders as per UAE law.

Renewal Timeline

Start renewal process 60 days before visa expiry to avoid penalties. Late renewal incurs AED 25-100 per day fine depending on delay duration.

Required Documents

• Current passport with valid visa
• Valid Emirates ID
• Updated medical certificate (if previous expired)
• Updated health insurance policy
• Recent passport photographs

Renewal Costs

Total Cost: AED 2,500-4,000 per visa including immigration fees, typing charges, medical (if needed), and Emirates ID renewal.

Standard Documents Required

• DMCC Trade License (original and copy)
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Share certificate
• Office tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
• Passports of all shareholders and signatories
• Emirates ID of UAE resident shareholders (if applicable)
• Board resolution authorizing account opening
• Business plan (2-3 pages)
• Proof of address for all shareholders
• Bank reference letters from previous banks
• Initial deposit (varies by bank)

Additional Due Diligence Documents

Banks may request additional documents based on business nature:

• Detailed explanation of business activities and expected transactions
• Source of funds declaration
• Expected turnover and transaction volumes
• Customer contracts or supplier agreements
• CV/resume of key personnel
• Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration