What Is DMCC and Why Is It Important?
Established in 2002, DMCC Free Zone is located in the heart of Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district and now hosts over 15,000 registered companies from more than 120 countries. New businesses continue to join at a rapid pace, with approximately 170 companies registering each month.

As a free zone, DMCC offers significant advantages such as zero corporate and personal tax, 100% capital repatriation, and full foreign ownership, making it a magnet for global investors, SMEs, and startups alike.

Whether you're in commodities trading, fintech, marketing, logistics, or consultancy — DMCC offers the infrastructure, legal framework, and ecosystem to support your business.

Benefits of Setting Up in DMCC

• 100% foreign ownership
• Full repatriation of profits and capital
• No corporate or personal income tax
• Access to international banks, logistics, and trade services
• Strategic location between two major airports and Jebel Ali Port
• Modern infrastructure with office, retail, warehouse, and coworking options
• Ability to hold multiple activities under one license

Business Activities Permitted in DMCC
DMCC supports a diverse range of business activities including:

• Trading (import/export and general trading)
• Professional services (consultancy, marketing, HR)
• Precious metals and gemstone trading
• Oil & gas consultancy
• Education & training
• Accounting & bookkeeping
• IT & software solutions
• Event management

Types of Licenses in DMCC
Trading License
For buying, selling, and importing/exporting goods.
Service License
For companies offering professional or consulting services.
Industrial License
For light manufacturing and production-related activities.
License fees typically start at AED 15,000–25,000 depending on activity.

How to Set Up a Company in DMCC:
Determine Eligibility
Ensure your business activity is permitted and complies with DMCC regulations.

Choose Legal Structure
Select between:

• Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC)
• Branch of a Foreign Company

Reserve Company Name
Submit name reservation and initial approval application.

Submit Required Documents
Documents include:

• Completed application form
• Shareholders’ passport copies
• UAE visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Business plan
• Proof of office space in DMCC

Apply for License & Final Approval
Once submitted, your license will be issued within approx.
4 weeks.
Ongoing Requirements
Annual Audit
All DMCC companies must submit audited financial statements annually.
Bookkeeping Compliance
Accurate records of transactions, invoices, and receipts must be maintained.


Corporate Bank Account Setup in DMCC
Opening a business bank account in the UAE can be complex, especially for foreign-owned companies. Fortunately, DMCC companies have access to leading regional and global banks including:

• Emirates NBD
• HSBC
• Standard Chartered
• RAKBANK
• Mashreq

Our team can assist you in choosing the right banking partner and preparing the required documentation.

Office & Workspace Options
DMCC offers flexible office solutions to suit every business size:

• Flexi-desks and co-working spaces (e.g., Regus, WeWork)
• Fully serviced executive offices
• Customizable commercial spaces
• Warehouses in JAFZA and Al Quoz

Whether you're a solo founder or a growing team, there's a workspace that fits your needs and budget.

Lifestyle in DMCC: Live and Work in One Place
The Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district is not only a business hub — it’s a modern, self-contained community.

• Amenities Include:Residential towers with apartments and villas
• Top-tier international schools
• Hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers
• Restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets
• JLT Community Park, fitness trails, and outdoor gyms
• Proximity to Dubai Marina Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai

DMCC Events, Business Networking & Hosting Visitors
DMCC regularly hosts:

• Business networking events
• Trade conferences
• Investor forums
• Exhibitions and seminars

The district also offers a variety of event venues and translation/catering services for hosting international clients or corporate events.

Nearby luxury hotels include:

• The Address Dubai Marina
• Le Royal Meridien
• Bonnington JLT
• Mövenpick Hotel JLT

Why Choose DMCC Over Other Free Zones?
Compared to other free zones, DMCC offers:

• Broader activity scope
• Award-winning infrastructure
• Access to high-level banking and legal support
• Direct access to shipping and logistics infrastructure
• Lower startup costs for flexible licenses
• Strong international reputation (including over $130M in gold vault capacity)

Work Alongside Global Brands
DMCC is home to industry leaders like:

• HSBC
• Standard Chartered
• Emirates NBD
• Thomson Reuters
• Dell
• Deutsche Bank

This makes it an ideal ecosystem for B2B collaboration and rapid growth.


Let’s Get You Started
At Proxima Eight, we simplify DMCC company formation — from business activity selection to licensing, visa applications, bank setup, and office leasing.

Book your free consultation and get a personalized plan for launching your business in DMCC.