How to Register a Company in DMCC

If you want a premium Dubai free zone address, fast setup, and global credibility, DMCC company registration can be a smart move. DMCC sits in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and runs a modern, portal-based process for licensing and incorporation. In other words, you don’t need to chase multiple counters—you complete the application through the DMCC online portal, upload documents, and move step-by-step until license issuance.

In this guide, Black Swan Business Setup Service explains the DMCC company formation process, the key documents, typical fees, timelines, and common mistakes—so you can register smoothly and start trading with confidence.

Table of Contents

Why choose DMCC for company registration?

DMCC attracts startups, SMEs, and international groups because it combines a strong regulator with a business-friendly ecosystem.

Here’s what businesses usually like most:

100% foreign ownership in a free zone structure (for most activities)
A well-known Dubai address in JLT and a strong business community
Clear license categories and activity codes
A digital process through the DMCC portal, which reduces delays
Options to scale: add activities, upgrade office space, and increase visas later

Step 1: Decide your DMCC legal structure

Before you apply, pick the structure that fits your ownership and expansion plan:

FZE (Free Zone Establishment): single shareholder
FZCO (Free Zone Company): multiple shareholders
Branch: extension of an existing UAE or foreign company

DMCC generally expects at least one shareholder and a registered address within DMCC/JLT, plus appointed roles like director and secretary (one person can hold multiple roles).

Tip: If you plan to add investors soon, consider an FZCO from the start. That way, you avoid extra amendments later. Get details on Business Setup in Dubai.

Step 2: Choose the right license type and business activities

In DMCC, your business activity drives your license type and compliance needs. You typically choose from:

Service License (consulting, marketing, IT services, etc.)
Trading License (import/export, product trading)
Industrial / Manufacturing (specific approved industrial groups)
Special licenses like General Trading (broader trading scope)

DMCC also publishes pricing rules around activities. For example, if you add activities that fall into different activity groups or even different license types, DMCC may require an additional license fee (and the schedule lists specific charges).

Practical way to choose:

List what you sell or do (today).
List what you may add (next 12–18 months).
Select activities that cover both—without overloading the license.

Step 3: Reserve your company name (trade name)

Your trade name matters because DMCC uses it on your license, MoA/AoA, bank letters, and lease contracts. So, choose a name that:

Matches your branding
Avoids restricted terms unless you have approvals
Fits your activity and market positioning

Moreover, keep 2–3 backup options ready. That single step often saves days. Looking for a Company Registration in DMCC?

Step 4: Secure an office solution in DMCC/JLT

DMCC requires a registered business address within DMCC/JLT, which usually means leasing an approved office solution.

Common options include:

Flexi desk
Serviced office / business centre
Dedicated private office
Owned property under the DMCC company name (where applicable)

DMCC’s required-documents guidance references proof such as a tenancy agreement, title deed/certificate, or an approved flexi desk contract depending on the selected property type.

Tip: If you want quick issuance, a flexi desk often simplifies early-stage requirements (and you can upgrade later).

Step 5: Prepare your documents

DMCC clearly states that applicants must submit through the portal and typically provide:

IDs for shareholders/directors/signatories (passport, visa, proof of address)
Ownership documents (shareholding structure, MoA/AoA, parent company papers if applicable)
Business info (company name, activities, office lease/property docs, and bank/capital confirmations)

UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) compliance

DMCC requires companies to provide and maintain UBO information in line with UAE AML/CFT regulations, including supporting documents for individuals who own or control 25% or more (and you must update changes).

This is crucial. Therefore, prepare a clean ownership chart early—especially if you have corporate shareholders. Get details on Business Establishment in Dubai.

Step 6: Submit the application in the DMCC online portal

Once you have:

license/activity selection,
name reservation,
office plan,
and documents,

…you can submit the application via the DMCC online portal.

After that, DMCC may ask for extra approvals depending on your activity or structure.

Step 7: Pay fees and get your DMCC license issued

Costs vary based on license type, activities, office choice, and visas. Still, you can plan your budget using DMCC’s published schedule of charges and guidance notes.

Key DMCC fees you should know (official references)

DMCC publishes standard license renewal figures and special license pricing in its Schedule of Charges:

Standard Trading/Service license renewal (1 year): AED 20,265
Multi-year renewals (Trading/Service):
- 2 years: AED 40,530
- 3 years: AED 60,795
- 5 years: AED 101,325
General Trading License (per annum): AED 50,265
Late renewal penalties can apply (e.g., AED 2,500 after 31–60 days)

Budget table (typical first-year planning)

Cost Component	What it covers	Notes
License fee / renewal baseline	Legal right to operate in DMCC	Standard Trading/Service renewal shows AED 20,265 for 1 year
Special license (if applicable)	Wider scope licensing	General Trading: AED 50,265 per annum
Office / lease	Your registered address in JLT/DMCC	DMCC expects office/lease/property documents
Visa-related fees	Establishment + employment residence permits	DMCC schedule lists visa service pricing (varies by type)
Compliance (UBO/KYC)	Ownership transparency & AML alignment	UBO maintenance required

Note: DMCC also states fees can change and publishes updates on the schedule page.

Step 8: Understand share capital expectations (don’t guess)

Many founders get stuck here. Instead of assuming a fixed number, follow DMCC’s own guidance: minimum share capital depends on sector and license type and can range from no share capital required up to AED 1,000,000.

Separately, DMCC’s schedule includes a “Share Capital Deposit” service entry (which indicates certain workflows can relate to share capital deposits depending on your setup). Looking for a Business Setup Consultant in Dubai?

So, decide your share capital based on:

your activity category,
banking requirements,
and any third-party approvals.

Step 9: After license issuance—bank account, establishment card, and visas

Once you receive the license, most companies immediately work on:

Corporate bank account opening
Establishment card (for immigration file)
Investor/employee visas (as needed)
Office move-in / fit-out (if you leased a unit)

Also, DMCC’s process documents show that DMCC can issue outputs like license, registration certificate, and share certificates once you complete the relevant stage requirements. Get details on Bank Account Opening Service in Dubai.

Common mistakes that delay DMCC company registration

Avoid these, and you’ll move faster:

Picking activities that don’t match what you actually do
Submitting unclear proof of address or outdated KYC documents
Ignoring UBO requirements (or sending incomplete ownership charts)
Choosing an office solution late (which blocks final issuance)
Paying renewal late and triggering penalties

Related Articles:

» Company Incorporation Process in DMCC

» Get your Dubai Free Zone Visa with DMCC

» Incorporating Business in DMCC Free Zone Dubai

» DMCC Free Zone Business Setup

» Benefits of Setting up a Business in Dubai Free Zone

How Black Swan Business Setup Service helps with DMCC registration

DMCC registration looks simple on paper. However, real-life applications often involve naming issues, activity mismatches, banking concerns, and document back-and-forth.

With Black Swan Business Setup Service, you can get help with:

Activity and license selection (so your license fits your revenue plan)
Name reservation strategy
KYC/UBO file preparation
Office solution guidance (flexi desk to private office)
End-to-end submission support through the portal
Post-licensing: bank account coordination and visa process guidance

As a result, you reduce delays and launch faster.

FAQs on “Register a Company in DMCC”

1) What is DMCC?

DMCC stands for Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a Dubai free zone located in JLT, offering company licensing through a portal-based process

2) Can I register a DMCC company fully online?

Yes. DMCC states that to register, amend, or renew a license, applicants must complete the process through the DMCC online portal.

3) What documents do I need for DMCC company formation?

Typically you need identification documents (passport/visa/proof of address), ownership documents (structure, MoA/AoA where applicable), and business info including office lease/property documents.

4) Do I need a physical office for DMCC registration?

You need a registered business address within DMCC/JLT and must provide lease or property documents.

5) What is UBO and why does DMCC ask for it?

UBO means Ultimate Beneficial Owner. As per UAE AML / CFT regulations, companies registered at DMCC must provide UBO details and also maintain them, updating with any changes in real time.

6) How much is the DMCC license renewal fee?

For trading and service licenses, DMCC references AED 20,265 as the annual renewal fee (and the schedule lists multi-year options too).

7) What is the fee for a General Trading License in DMCC?

DMCC’s schedule lists General Trading License: AED 50,265 per annum.

8) Are there penalties if I renew late?

Yes. DMCC lists late fees for license renewal after certain periods (for example, AED 2,500 after 31–60 days).

9) Does DMCC have a fixed minimum share capital?

It depends on the sector and license type. DMCC notes the minimum can range from no share capital required to AED 1,000,000.

10) Can I add more activities later?

Yes, but pricing and rules apply. DMCC’s schedule explains additional activity fees and situations where a different license type requires a new license.

11) How long does DMCC company formation take?

Timeframes differ according to readiness of documents, approval processes, and choice of an office. Complete documentation and quick response in practice are enabling you to get it done much faster than normal, as all the submissions need to be complete before a license can be issued with DMCC.

12) What happens after DMCC issues the license?

You typically proceed with your corporate bank account, establishment card, and visas. Also, DMCC’s process documents indicate outputs such as license and registration documents after you complete the required stage.