DMCC License Cost in Dubai 2026: Complete Breakdown, Fees, Visas & Real Setup Price
What is DMCC & why DMCC license cost is premium?
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is broadly known as one of the most prestigious free zones in the UAE which is ranked as Global Free Zone of the Year multiple times for its world-class infrastructure, regulatory credibility and commodity trading ecosystem.
It is situated in Jumeirah Lake Tower (JLT) with over 24,000+ companies from 180+ nations globally. DMCC license cost is expensive due to its premium positioning, higher visa quotas and comprehensive facilities.
DMCC license types & activities
At DMCC, license types are based on three formats such as trading, service and industrial purposes. Here is quick breakdown for you:
- Trading licenses emphasize on import-export and general trading.
- Service licenses are based on professional services like Consulting marketing and information technology.
- Industrial licenses focus on manufacturing and processing.
Also read about the right business structure in Dubai 2026.
DMCC license cost registration fees
There are a variety of cost components based on which DMCC license cost registration fees are managed.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (AED) | Notes |
| Application Fee | 1,035 | One-time charge |
| Registration Fee | 9,020–10,000 | Company setup |
| License Fee (Annual) | 15,000–50,000 | Depends on license type |
| MOA (Articles) | ~2,020 | One-time for incorporation |
| Establishment Card | ~1,820/year | Required for visas |
DMCC license cost by business activity
DMCC license cost based on business activity is best as an acknowledgement. Here is one for you:
| License Type | Approx. Annual License Fee (AED) |
| Service | 15,000–20,000 |
| Trading | 20,000–25,000 |
| Industrial | 25,000–35,000 |
Note: Premium Industries such as mining commodities and large-scale trade may exceed the standard license cost.
Office cost (flexi desk vs office)
DMCC license cost also varies in terms of office choice whether you opt for flexi-desk or proper office setup.
- Flexi-desk: 15,000 to 20,000 AED/year.
- Private office: 25,000 to 50,000 AED/year.
Flexi-desk offers minimum office requirement with limited amenities and basic address whereas private offices space for multiple employees and large visa quotas.
Visa cost in DMCC
Apart from DMCC license cost, there is visa cost that depends on visa components. Here is a quick breakdown for you:
| Visa Component | Cost (Approx AED) |
| Investor / Partner Visa | 3,500–7,000 |
| Employee Visa | 3,500–7,000 |
| Emirates ID & Medical | ~700–1,000 |
Note: Visa costs are in addition to the DMCC license cost and depend on the number of visas you allocate.
Share capital requirements in DMCC license cost
DMCC demands a minimum share capital of AED 50,000 per company and AED 10,000 per shareholder that needs to be deposited in a UAE bank account but can be withdrawn after the setup.
Learn more about Cypto Currency License at DMCC
Government fees vs consultant fees regarding DMCC license cost
- Government fees: Fixed costs like registration, license and establishment card.
- Consultant fees: Additional professional service charge range from AED 10,000 to 30,000 based on service level and complexity.
Hiring a consultant can assist in navigating complex documentation and reduce error-related delays.
Total first-year DMCC license cost breakdown
Let’s learn an annual DMCC license cost breakdown. Here is quick breakdown for you:
| Item | Estimated AED |
| Application + Registration | ~10,000 |
| License Fee | ~20,000 |
| Office (Flexi-Desk) | ~15,000 |
| Establishment Card | ~1,800 |
| 1 Visa | ~5,000 |
| Total (1st Year) | ~51,800 AED |
Annual renewal DMCC license cost
Renewal costs typically include:
- License renewal: AED 15,000 to 50,000.
- Office lease renewal: As per selected space.
- Establishment card renewal: AED 1,820.
DMCC vs IFZA vs Meydan cost comparison
Here is a cost comparison between DMCC vs IFZA vs Meydan for making a better free zone decision.
| Free Zone | Typical License Cost (AED) | Office Options | Best For |
| DMCC | 20,000–50,000 | Flexi-desk, office | Global trade & premium setup |
| IFZA (at DSO) | 12,000–25,000 | Flexi-desk | Cost-effective startups. |
| Meydan | 12,000–27,000 | Flexi-desk | SME & e-commerce. |
Note: DMCC Licence cost is higher but comes with premium infrastructure and network benefits.
Who should choose DMCC (use cases)
- Commodity traders and brokers.
- Established SMEs scaling regionally.
- Technology, financial and consulting firms expecting premium positioning.
- Organisations require higher visa quotas and strong banking access.
Hidden DMCC license cost & mistakes
- Minimum bank balance of up to AED 50,000.
- Accounting and audit fees.
- Document attestation and PRO costs.
- Delays due to incomplete documentation.
Note: Avoid surprises by preparing a detailed cost projection.
DMCC license Cost-saving strategies
Here are the tips for cost saving strategies.
- Choose a flexi-desk vs full office where possible.
- Bundle visas with office space.
- Plan renewals early to avoid fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum DMCC license cost?
Basic setup of AED 15000+ excluding office and Visas.
Is share capital an expense?
It’s a capital requirement and not a fee.
Do visas count in the license cost?
No – visas are separate.
Can you operate without a physical office in DMCC?
A minimum office such as flexi-desk is mandatory in DMCC.
Does DMCC offer discounts?
Multi-year licenses may offer discounts.
