Free zone · Dubai
DMCC Company Setup: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is a Dubai free zone centred on Jumeirah Lakes Towers that licenses commodities, trading, technology and financial businesses with up to 100% foreign ownership. It is known for gold, diamonds, tea and coffee trading, and also hosts holding companies, family offices and crypto and tech firms.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about DMCC
- Emirate
- Dubai
- Location
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT); Uptown Dubai planned
- Known for
- Gold, diamonds, gemstones, tea, coffee and agri commodities
- Structures
- New companies, branches, transfers, holding companies, SPVs, family offices, DMCC Foundations
- Setup time (zone’s estimate)
- About 10 working days to an e-licence
- Ownership
- 100% business ownership
What is DMCC and how does it work?
DMCC began as a commodities hub and still runs dedicated platforms for gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones, tea, coffee and agricultural products. Over time it has grown into one of Dubai’s broadest free zones, with communities for technology, gaming, crypto and blockchain, AI, e-commerce, financial services and maritime businesses.
Its home is Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a mixed-use district of residential and commercial towers next to Sheikh Zayed Road, with Uptown Dubai planned as a further premium district. DMCC describes itself as treated as a qualified free zone for UAE corporate tax purposes, although each company must still meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions itself.
Activities
What can a DMCC company do?
- Precious metals, diamonds and gemstones
- Tea, coffee, cacao and agri commodities
- Energy and commodities trading
- Technology, AI, gaming, crypto and blockchain
- Financial services and wealth structures
- E-commerce and general trading
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Offices across the JLT towers
- Flexible office solutions for smaller teams
- Premium offices planned at Uptown Dubai
Visas
How many visas can a DMCC company get?
Visa capacity depends on the size and type of office you lease in JLT. Each residence visa follows the standard UAE steps, and family members can be sponsored once the investor or employee visa is in place and income rules are met.
Tax
How is a DMCC company taxed?
DMCC companies must register for UAE corporate tax. DMCC states it is treated as a qualified free zone, so a company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions can apply 0% to qualifying income; other taxable income is taxed at 9%. Dealers in precious metals and stones also have anti-money laundering duties.
Good fit
Who is DMCC best for?
- Commodity traders, especially gold, diamonds, tea and coffee
- Holding companies, SPVs and family offices
- Tech, crypto and gaming companies wanting an established community
- Firms that want a recognised Dubai address for banking and clients
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Founders looking for the lowest-cost licence
- Businesses needing warehouses or industrial plots
- Retail serving walk-in mainland customers
Process
How to set up a company in DMCC
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in DMCC.
- 01
Choose between a new company, a branch or a transfer of an existing business.
- 02
Budget for office space in JLT, which drives your visa allocation.
- 03
If you trade precious metals or stones, plan your anti-money laundering programme before licensing.
- 04
Prepare shareholder, director and ultimate beneficial owner details.
- 05
Check the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions for your income before relying on 0% tax.
Frequently asked
Questions about DMCC
Where is DMCC located?
DMCC is based in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) in Dubai, a district of residential and commercial towers next to Sheikh Zayed Road. Uptown Dubai is planned as an additional premium district.
Is DMCC good for gold trading?
Yes. DMCC runs dedicated platforms for gold, diamonds and coloured gemstones. Dealers in precious metals and stones must also register for anti-money laundering reporting and keep customer due diligence records.
Can I set up a holding company in DMCC?
Yes. DMCC offers holding company, special purpose vehicle and family office structures, as well as DMCC Foundations for asset holding and succession planning.
How long does DMCC company setup take?
DMCC estimates about 10 working days to an e-licence once your application is complete. Bank account opening and visas take additional time.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
Not sure DMCC is right?
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