DMCC Free Zone Dubai Company Setup Guide
A current guide to setting up a company in DMCC, including standard registration and licence charges, Flexi-Desk versus office options, visa capacity, Corporate Tax and corporate banking considerations.
2026 pricing note: DMCC publishes both standard charges and promotional setup packages. The exact amount depends on the package, licence activity, office solution, duration and current promotions.
DMCC Setup & Visa Cost Estimator
Standard DMCC charges are shown separately from office rent and visa charges. Promotional packages may produce a lower total.
Standard fixed first-year government/company charges: AED 34,185
Application AED 1,035 + Registration AED 9,020 + AoA AED 2,020 + Annual Licence AED 20,285 + Establishment Card AED 1,825.
| Office / business-centre cost | AED 16,000–AED 19,000 |
| Two-year employment visa benchmark | AED 8,917.5 |
Current DMCC standard setup charges
| Charge | Current standard amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Application | AED 1,035 | One time |
| Registration | AED 9,020 | One time |
| Articles of Association | AED 2,020 | One time |
| Business Licence | AED 20,285 | Annual |
| Establishment Card | AED 1,825 | Annual |
| Total of these listed standard charges | AED 34,185 | Before office and visa costs |
DMCC states that its charges are subject to change and that additional services can attract separate fees. Promotional setup packages can also produce different totals.
DMCC office and visa capacity
| Office solution | Current published cost | Visa capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexi-Desk | AED 16,000–19,000 | Up to 3 visas | Startups and smaller teams |
| Serviced Desk | AED 22,000–35,000 | 4–5 depending on size | Growing businesses |
| Serviced Office | AED 35,000–140,000 | Capacity depends on size | Private furnished workspace |
| Physical office | Quotation / lease dependent | Generally 1 visa per 9 sq m | Larger teams and businesses requiring dedicated premises |
DMCC setup packages can be cheaper than standard pricing
DMCC currently publishes package-based offers for startups and SMEs in addition to standard pricing. For example, the current Jump Start and Basic Biz packages can bundle the licence, registration, office solution and other components into a discounted package.
| Package type | Current published example | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Jump Start | Discounted package pricing published by DMCC | Includes a standard Flexi-Desk/co-working solution and one UAE residency visa under the relevant package terms. |
| Basic Biz | Current package from approximately AED 35,484 | Tailored for individual shareholders and includes specified setup components; terms apply. |
| Promotional offers | Amounts can be lower than standard pricing | Promotion dates, eligibility and payment conditions apply. |
2026 DMCC community
More than 26,000 companies
DMCC announced in June 2026 that its business community had grown beyond 26,000 companies.
The old “24,000+ companies” wording was based on earlier DMCC reporting and is no longer the best current figure for a page labelled 2026.
Corporate Tax for DMCC companies
DMCC/free-zone status does not automatically make all company income subject to a 0% tax rate.
Under the UAE Corporate Tax framework, a Free Zone Person that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can receive a 0% rate on Qualifying Income. Taxable Income that is not Qualifying Income can be taxed at 9%.
The qualifying and excluded-activity framework was updated by Ministerial Decision No. 229 of 2025. Consequently, a DMCC company must review its activities, income streams and compliance position before claiming a 0% Corporate Tax result.
Corporate bank account considerations
DMCC incorporation can support an application for a UAE corporate bank account, but there is no guaranteed bank approval. Banks conduct their own onboarding and risk assessment.
Common information requested
- Certificate of incorporation/licence
- Shareholder and beneficial-owner information
- Business model and expected transaction profile
- Source-of-funds information
- Contracts/invoices where relevant
What is not guaranteed
A DMCC licence does not guarantee approval by Wio, Emirates NBD or any other UAE bank. Bank selection, industry, nationality, ownership structure, source of funds and projected transactions can affect the outcome.
Practical DMCC setup workflow
Select activity
Choose the specific DMCC business activities the company will actually conduct.
Choose package / pricing
Compare standard charges with current discounted packages and payment-duration offers.
Choose premises
Select a Flexi-Desk, serviced workspace or physical office based on the operational and visa requirements.
Register and apply
Complete KYC, company registration, licence issuance, establishment-card and visa procedures as applicable.
Related UAE Tools & Guides
2026 VerifiedFrequently Asked Questions
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
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DMCC Global Trade & Business Security
Security and privacy tools for cross-border business communications, trade portals and corporate banking access.
DMCC standard pricing snapshot
| Application | AED 1,035 |
| Registration | AED 9,020 |
| AoA | AED 2,020 |
| Annual licence | AED 20,285 |
| Establishment card | AED 1,825 |
| Listed total | AED 34,185 |
Office, visa, deposit and other service charges are additional. Discounted packages may reduce the total.
Current office rules
Flexi-Desk: up to 3 visas.
Serviced office: 4–5 visas depending on size.
Physical office: generally 1 visa per 9 sq m.
Official DMCC portal
This page uses the current DMCC Schedule of Charges, current DMCC setup-package information, current DMCC visa guidance and the UAE federal Corporate Tax framework. DMCC states that fees are subject to change, so the live Schedule of Charges should be checked before payment.