DMCC Free Zone Setup in Dubai

Starting from AED 20,000*

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#1Global Free Zone (FT fDi)
26,000+Registered Companies
600+Activities Covered
100%Foreign Ownership

Why DMCC?

Dubai has 40+ free zones but DMCC is the one the world recognises

DMCC at the centre of Dubai’s free zone ecosystem

  • World’s #1 Free Zone

    Named Global Free Zone of the Year by FT fDi for ten consecutive years.

  • Prime JLT Address

    Register in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, a premium business district

  • Trusted by Banks & Global Brands

    UAE banks know DMCC well, making corporate account opening smoother.

  • Built for Commodities & Trade

    Dubai’s hub for gold, diamonds, tea, coffee, energy and global trade flows.

  • Ecosystem of 26,000+ Companies

    From global giants to crypto and tech startups, all in one community.

Your license estimate

Zero myHQ fee

Best for:

International invoicing, Operating remotely

Includes:

License · Flexi-desk · Digital bank account opening

DMCC setup in just 5 days with expert guidance

How it works?

1. Choose your setup

Pick the package and activities that fit your business:

  • Licence type and activity list
  • Visa count
  • Workspace option

myHQ confirms your activities are permitted before you pay.

Get UAE business bank account with myHQ in ~3–5 weeks

DMCC Works for Traders, Tech and Everything Between

  • Gold, diamonds, precious stones, metals, tea, coffee and agri trading.

    Dubai’s global hub for commodity trade.

  • Wholesale, import-export, re-export and specialised product trading.

    Broad trading coverage on one license.

  • Software development, IT consulting, SaaS, AI and cybersecurity services.

    Home to a dedicated tech & gaming ecosystem.

  • Blockchain, Web3, virtual asset services and digital asset businesses.

    Dubai’s largest crypto cluster, VARA-aligned.

  • Strategy, management, HR, financial and professional advisory services.

    Prestigious JLT address builds client trust.

  • Holding structures, investment vehicles, IP holding and asset management.

    Globally trusted name for group structures.

Most Popular DMCC Licenses

Trading License

Most popular iconMost popular

What it covers:

Commodities, general trading, import-export · Up to 3 activities

Best for:Commodity TradersImporters/ExportersDistributorsE-commerce
Trading and distribution illustration

Required documents & what’s included

  • Documents required

    Required documents for a DMCC free zone setup

    View all documents required

  • What’s included

    Everything in your myHQ setup package

    See what’s included

Other popular free zones

Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK? photo

Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?

2000+
Companies Registered
95%+
Approval Rate
0%
Service Fee
1 Hour
Response Time
India x UAE
Approval Support
Backed by ANAROCK - India’s Largest Real Estate Company icon

Backed by ANAROCK - India’s Largest Real Estate Company

2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐

Quotation mark

I set up my IFZA company entirely from Mumbai. Never went to Dubai once. myHQ handled the apostille on my Indian documents, submitted the application, and my licence arrived by courier. Total cost AED 14,500 all-in.

Rahul Mahajan

Runs IT consulting business

Quotation mark

We had a trade name conflict with an existing DET business. myHQ suggested three alternatives the same day and we were approved within 48 hours. The process I thought would take weeks took 3 days.

Priya Singh

Founder of Management Consulting Firm

Quotation mark

I was confused between registering as a freelancer and setting up a company. myHQ walked me through the pros and cons, helped me choose the right structure, and had everything sorted without me having to figure out Dubai regulations on my own.

Ananya Gulati

Content Creator

Quotation mark

Every consultant was pushing a different free zone. myHQ actually started by understanding my business, hiring plans, and future goals before recommending the right setup. It saved me from paying for things I didn't need and gave me confidence I was making the right decision.

Karan Gupta

SaaS startup founder

Quotation mark

I only wanted to serve international clients and invoice professionally. myHQ recommended a setup that matched my needs instead of the most expensive option. The entire process was transparent, and I always knew what came next.

Neha Bhasin

Corporate Legal Consultant

Brands that trust myHQBrands that trust myHQ
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From DECISION to DONE

Let’s get your DMCC setup moving

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in DMCC Dubai?
A DMCC flexi-desk setup starts at AED 20,000 for the license alone. With myHQ's all-in package including 1 investor visa and apostille coordination, the total is approximately AED 38,000–42,000. The most commonly missed cost is the DMCC annual audit - mandatory for all DMCC entities from Year 2, typically AED 3,500–8,000. Factor this into your Year 2 budget from Day 1.
Can I set up a DMCC free zone company remotely from India?
Yes - the entire DMCC trade license application is submitted via DMCC's Business Services portal, with no UAE visit required to receive the license. Indian-resident founders need an apostilled passport copy before application; myHQ coordinates apostille in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, included in the fee. The one in-person requirement is Emirates ID biometrics - a half-day Dubai visit once your visa is approved.
How does DMCC compare to IFZA - which is better for an Indian founder?
For pure professional services where cost is the priority, IFZA saves around AED 7,000 per year on the License and suits solo consultants. DMCC is the better choice if your activity involves commodities, crypto, or financial services; if bank account approval rate matters (DMCC opens UAE accounts faster in practice); or if clients or investors will see the freezone name. The JLT address is visible on every invoice - for some founders, that alone justifies the premium.
What is the DMCC Virtual Asset License and who needs it?
Crypto businesses at DMCC need a DMCC License plus a VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) License from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This covers crypto exchanges, brokerages, custody providers, and virtual asset advisors. DMCC hosts Dubai's largest cluster of crypto and Web3 companies, making it a popular base for VARA-regulated firms. VARA approval involves enhanced due diligence, a higher cost and a longer timeline than standard commercial licenses.
How many visas can I get with a DMCC trade license?
Visa quota depends on your office tier. As a guide, a flexi-desk supports up to 3 visas and a business centre desk up to 6. A private office typically allocates 1 visa per 9 sqm of dedicated space, so a 27 sqm office permits about 3 visas. myHQ confirms the exact quota for your package before you commit.
Is DMCC right for setting up an SPV or holding company?
Yes - DMCC is one of the UAE's most established free zones for holding company and SPV structures. A DMCC holding company can own shares in UAE, GCC, and international entities. DMCC SPVs are used for single-asset holding - real estate stakes, project company interests, or infrastructure positions. For Indian founders, a DMCC holding company commonly holds the UAE operational entity and, via the FEMA ODI route, the Indian operating company. myHQ includes FEMA advisory in all holding company setups.
Is a DMCC company legal for an Indian resident under FEMA and RBI rules?
Yes - an Indian resident can legally hold shares in a DMCC company through the Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) route under FEMA. The ODI route typically requires filing an ODI form with the authorised dealer bank within 30 days of investment. The India-UAE DTAA applies, providing treaty benefits on income flows between jurisdictions. myHQ includes FEMA ODI notification guidance, RBI reporting advisory, and an India-side compliance note as standard in every DMCC setup - not as a paid add-on.

DMCC Free Zone Company Setup: Licences, Costs and Process (2026)

DMCC free zone company setup is one of the most searched business formation queries from Indian founders looking to establish a UAE presence. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is Dubai’s largest and most globally recognised free zone, hosting over 26,000 companies across 600+ business activities in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) district. Setting up a business in DMCC offers 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, a prestigious JLT address, and access to the world’s largest commodities trading ecosystem, all administered by the DMCC Authority.

For Indian founders, DMCC company setup is particularly relevant because it sits at the intersection of three priorities: a credible international business address, a compliant path to UAE residency, and a legal structure that accommodates both international revenue and Indian-side FEMA compliance. The India-UAE DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) makes DMCC one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions for Indian entrepreneurs looking to invoice international clients from a UAE entity.

myHQ by ANAROCK Group offers end-to-end DMCC company formation services for Indian and international founders, covering the trade licence application via the DMCC Business Services portal, investor visa processing, bank account introductions and FEMA ODI notification. All myHQ DMCC packages are fixed-price with no hidden charges.

What is DMCC? Full Form, Authority and Company Types

DMCC full form is Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. The DMCC Authority is the governing body responsible for regulating DMCC-registered companies and managing the Jumeirah Lakes Towers district in Dubai. DMCC was established in 2002 by the Government of Dubai, initially through Decree No. 35 of 2002 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with an original mandate to create a global hub for commodities trade, specifically gold, diamonds, energy, and agricultural products. The Authority operates independently from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which governs mainland companies.

DMCC-registered entities are either an FZE (Free Zone Establishment, single shareholder) or an FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company, 2 to 50 shareholders). Both structures provide 100% foreign ownership, limited liability, and equal access to DMCC’s free zone benefits, including the 0% corporate tax qualifying income status and a JLT registered address.

DMCC Location: JLT, Dubai

JLT DMCC is located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a 200-hectare mixed-use development built around four artificial lakes on the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor, between Dubai Marina and Dubai Media City and adjacent to the Dubai Metro’s DMCC station on the Red Line. The district comprises 87 residential and commercial towers.

DMCC free zone location inside Dubai (rather than on its industrial outskirts) is a key differentiator from peer free zones in Dubai. UAE banks and international clients recognise “JLT, Dubai” as immediately as they recognise Sheikh Zayed Road, and this is the address credibility that justifies DMCC’s premium over cheaper alternatives.

Who Should Choose Company Formation in DMCC?

Company formation in DMCC is best suited to five categories of founders and businesses:

  • Commodity traders: DMCC was established specifically for gold, diamonds, energy, agricultural, and general commodity trading. The Dubai Diamond Exchange, DGCX, and physical market infrastructure make JLT the global reference point for commodity businesses.
  • Indian founders billing international clients: Indian founders running software development, IT consulting, SaaS or digital transformation businesses commonly establish a DMCC entity to invoice international clients, particularly from the UK, US, Europe, and the Gulf, since billing them from an Indian entity often triggers higher withholding tax obligations in the client’s country.
  • Crypto and virtual asset companies: DMCC is the designated free zone for VARA-licensed businesses in Dubai. Any company operating a cryptocurrency exchange, virtual asset brokerage, digital asset custody service, or virtual asset advisory business in Dubai must be registered within DMCC to obtain a VARA VASP licence.
  • Holding company and SPV structures: A DMCC holding company can own shares in other UAE free zone companies, UAE mainland LLCs, GCC-incorporated entities and international companies. Indian founders frequently use DMCC holding entities (via the FEMA ODI route) to separate their UAE operational entity from their Indian operating company.
  • Individual professionals seeking UAE residency: The DMCC Freelancer Permit offers the lowest-cost DMCC entry point for individual professionals, with one investor visa included in the permit fee, no full company registration required, and a JLT address on all documents.

DMCC Licence Types

DMCC issues five primary licence types and allows up to 3 business activities on a single licence, so founders can combine, for example, IT consulting (professional) with software trading (commercial) on one entity.

  • Commercial (Trading) Licence: the most frequently issued licence, covering general and commodity trading, wholesale and distribution, import/export, and e-commerce.
  • Professional (Services) Licence: for consulting and IT services, accounting and legal advisory (non-litigation), marketing and advertising, and most B2B service models. A Professional Licence for IT activities typically costs AED 20,000–28,000/year on a flexi-desk arrangement.
  • Industrial Licence: for manufacturing, processing, or physical value-addition, such as coffee roasting, gem cutting and chemical blending.
  • Freelancer Permit: a personal trading entity, not a full company, that lets a sole individual invoice clients from a JLT address under their own name. One investor visa is included in the permit fee, and it cannot be used for multi-shareholder structures or equity fundraising.
  • VASP (Crypto) Licence: the Virtual Asset Service Provider licence, issued under the oversight of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and the only regulated path in Dubai (outside DIFC) for operating a crypto exchange, brokerage, custody service, or virtual asset advisory business.

The DMCC crypto licence requires a two-track process: DMCC company registration via the Business Services portal and a separate VARA application covering AML/KYC policies, minimum capital compliance, and ongoing reporting obligations. Across all licence types, the DMCC activity list contains over 600 approved business activities across 19 sectors.

DMCC Office Options and Visa Quota

Office solutions range from hot-desking (flexi-desk) arrangements to private dedicated offices, with visa quota directly tied to office tier. Flexi-desk and business centre packages receive a legitimate JLT address corresponding to the DMCC Business Centre, not a P.O. Box.

Office optionVisa quotaLicence fee rangeBest for
Flexi DeskUp to 3 investor or employee visasAED 20,000–28,000/yearSolo founders, remote-first businesses and companies that don’t require dedicated daily workspace in Dubai
Business Centre Shared DeskUp to 6 visasAED 28,000–45,000/yearFounders or employees who are in Dubai regularly
Private Office1 visa per 9 sqm (a 27 sqm office permits 3 visas; a 54 sqm office permits 6)Not listedCompanies with Dubai-based teams of 5 or more

DMCC License Cost (2026): Licence, Visa, Office and Renewal

Understanding DMCC license cost requires looking at all components, not just the headline licence fee. The true DMCC company set up cost has four layers: government fees, office/flexi-desk package, visa costs, and recurring annual costs.

Cost componentAmount (AED)
Government licence fee, Flexi Desk package (per year)14,000–20,000/year (activity-dependent)
Government licence fee, Business Centre Desk (per year)22,000–35,000/year
Government licence fee, Private Office (per year)40,000+/year (varies by office size)
Company registration (one-time at formation)2,000–5,000
Establishment card1,000–2,000
Company stamp and initial documents500–1,500
Investor visa (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID)5,000–8,000 per visa
Passport apostille per Indian-resident director3,000–8,000 per document set
Board resolution attestation (if Indian company is shareholder)2,000–5,000
DMCC licence renewal (Year 2 onwards)Same as Year 1 licence fee
DMCC annual audit (mandatory for all DMCC entities)3,500–8,000
Visa renewals3,500–5,000 per visa every 2 years

myHQ all-in packages combine government fees and the professional fee:

PackageIncludesPrice
DMCC StarterLicence, 0 visasFrom AED 25,000
DMCC GrowthLicence + 1 investor visaFrom AED 38,000
DMCC BusinessLicence + 2 investor visasFrom AED 52,000
DMCC TeamLicence + 3 investor visasFrom AED 65,000

The DMCC annual audit is the most commonly overlooked component of Year 2+ cost. It must be conducted by a DMCC-approved auditor, and failure to submit on time can result in renewal delays and fines.

DMCC Company Registration: Step by Step

DMCC company registration is processed through the DMCC Business Services portal, an online platform that handles every stage from name reservation and KYC review to fee payment and licence issuance. DMCC company formation takes 5–7 business days for standard Commercial or Professional licences.

  1. Choose licence type, activities and office tier (Day 1). Confirm the licence type (Commercial, Professional, VASP), select up to 3 business activities, choose the office tier (Flexi Desk, Business Centre, Private Office), and decide on the initial visa count. myHQ issues a fixed-price quote same day.
  2. Trade name reservation (Day 1–2). myHQ submits the trade name reservation through the portal. The proposed company name must not conflict with existing DMCC registrations and must comply with DMCC’s naming guidelines. Indian founders: apostilled passport copy is required at this step.
  3. Initial approval and KYC review (Day 2–4). Standard Professional or Commercial licence applications are typically reviewed within 24–48 hours. Activities involving financial services, virtual assets, commodity trading in regulated sectors, or complex corporate shareholder structures may require additional due diligence of 3–7 days.
  4. Fee payment and trade licence issuance (Day 4–7). Licence fees are paid via the DMCC Business Services portal, and the trade licence, establishment card, and company stamp are issued digitally. No visit to DMCC is required.
  5. Investor visa and bank account (Week 2–5). The investor visa entry permit and status change are applied for first, then medical fitness, biometrics and Emirates ID are processed in the UAE, with one brief visit required for biometrics. The bank account application is submitted with myHQ’s bank introduction letter, and bank KYC typically takes 2–6 weeks.

Documents Required for DMCC Company Formation

If an Indian company is a shareholder in the DMCC entity (rather than an individual), a board resolution is also required – this must be notarised, apostilled, and UAE Embassy attested. A foreign company can also be a shareholder in a DMCC FZ-LLC. Corporate shareholders require apostilled and attested corporate documents (Memorandum of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Board Resolution) from the home jurisdiction, plus UAE Embassy attestation.

For the corporate bank account, Indian founders should prepare a source of funds declaration (how share capital was funded, through India-to-UAE remittance with supporting bank statements), a letter from the Indian CA explaining the FEMA ODI compliance position, and RBI remittance confirmation. myHQ templates these documents for every DMCC setup as a standard deliverable.

DMCC vs IFZA, Meydan and DIFC

The DMCC-IFZA comparison is the most common question Indian founders ask. Choosing the International Free Zone Authority based in Dubai Silicon Oasis saves AED 8,000–20,000 annually and suits pure professional services businesses where the free zone name carries little weight with clients. DMCC wins on address prestige, bank account approval rate, VASP crypto licensing and its holding company framework.

DMCCIFZAMeydanDIFC
Licence costAED 20,000–35,000/yearAED 11,500–15,000/yearFrom AED 13,000/yearAED 50,000–150,000+/year
LocationJLTDubai Silicon OasisNad Al ShebaDubai International Financial Centre
Best forCommodity trading, crypto (VASP), holding structures and founders presenting to banks or institutional clientsPure professional services where the free zone name carries little weightFounders where cost is the sole criterionRegulated financial services (DFSA) and DIFC Court jurisdiction

DMCC Visas and Corporate Bank Accounts

DMCC visa allocation is determined by office tier, and the visa process for DMCC companies follows the standard UAE residence visa procedure administered by the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).

  • Investor visa: issued to shareholders and directors of a DMCC-registered company with an active trade licence. The total timeline is 2–3 weeks from entry permit application, and the visa is valid for 2 years, renewable, at AED 5,000–8,000 all-in.
  • Employee visa: issued to full-time employees with a valid employment contract and salary transfer to a UAE bank account, limited by the company’s office tier and valid for 2 years.
  • Freelance visa: included with the DMCC Freelancer Permit, starting from approximately AED 12,000–18,000 all-in for the permit and visa with myHQ management.

A DMCC company does not automatically confer Golden Visa eligibility. The 10-year UAE Golden Visa is available to founders who qualify on property value (AED 2M+), salary threshold, or entrepreneurial criteria.

DMCC companies are among the most bankable free zone entities in the UAE, and major UAE banks process DMCC company accounts on well-established internal procedures:

BankTypical KYC timelineBest for
Emirates NBD4–8 weeksLarger businesses, commodity sector, established trading history
Mashreq Bank2–4 weeksIndian founders, international trade, USD/EUR accounts
RAKBANK2–3 weeksSmaller businesses, startups, sole-shareholder DMCC entities
Wio Bank1–2 weeksSolo founders, tech companies, simple corporate structures
ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)3–5 weeksBusinesses with GCC operations and government client bases
FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank)4–6 weeksLarger DMCC entities requiring multi-currency trade finance

The most common reason for bank account delays is an incomplete KYC package, specifically vague business model descriptions or missing source-of-funds documentation, which is why myHQ prepares a bank introduction letter for all DMCC clients.

DMCC for Indian Founders: FEMA, ODI, DTAA and Apostille

Indian residents setting up a DMCC company face two categories of compliance that UAE-only service providers typically do not address: Indian-side regulatory compliance (FEMA/RBI) and document attestation (apostille).

  • FEMA and ODI: An Indian resident who invests in or holds shares in a DMCC company is making an Overseas Direct Investment under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The ODI route requires the Indian investor to file an ODI form (Form OPI / erstwhile APR form) with the authorised dealer bank within the prescribed period, ensure the DMCC entity’s activities are permissible for ODI under FEMA (most trading and services activities are; certain financial sector activities require prior RBI approval), and report annually on the DMCC entity’s financial position.
  • RBI ODI filing: The RBI’s ODI regulations (updated under FEMA Overseas Investment Rules, 2022) require that an Indian resident notify their bank when making an overseas investment in a company, and myHQ prepares the ODI notification package for DMCC setups.
  • DTAA India-UAE: Income earned by a DMCC entity is not taxable in India (subject to the Indian founder not being deemed a tax resident of India under the Indian Income Tax Act). myHQ advises founders to consult their CA on the specific DTAA benefit applicable to their structure.
  • Apostille requirements: Indian passport holders must have their passport copy apostilled before submitting a DMCC company registration application. The apostille is obtained from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in the founder’s state or through a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) authorised attestation agent. State-level attestation (from the Home Department) is required before the MEA apostille. The full chain is: State Home Dept attestation → MEA apostille. For corporate shareholders (Indian companies), the board resolution and company documents require: Company Secretary attestation → Notary → State-level attestation → MEA apostille → UAE Embassy attestation.

myHQ coordinates the full apostille chain for DMCC clients through attestation agents in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. This coordination is included in the setup fee, not charged separately.

DMCC Annual Compliance and Tax

  • Licence renewal: the trade licence is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. DMCC issues renewal notices approximately 60 days before expiry, and renewal requires up-to-date audited financial statements (from Year 2), a valid registered address and payment of any outstanding DMCC fees.
  • Registered address: a DMCC entity must always maintain a current DMCC registered address, and if the flexi-desk or office agreement lapses, the licence is at risk of suspension.
  • UBO register: all entities must maintain an up-to-date Ultimate Beneficial Owner register disclosing natural persons with 25%+ ownership or control. Non-compliance results in renewal refusal.
  • Corporate tax: UAE Corporate Income Tax (9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000, effective June 2023) applies to DMCC entities. DMCC companies can qualify for 0% tax on Qualifying Income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) if they meet three conditions: genuine economic substance in the DMCC free zone, qualifying activities, and arm’s length pricing in related-party transactions. Income from UAE mainland sources may be taxed at 9% regardless of free zone status.
  • VAT: DMCC companies with UAE-sourced taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000/year must register for UAE VAT and file quarterly returns. Most B2B services billed to international (non-UAE) clients are zero-rated.

Why myHQ for DMCC Business Setup

myHQ by ANAROCK Group is an end-to-end DMCC business setup service for Indian and international founders.

  • Direct DMCC channel partner: myHQ submits DMCC applications via its registered partner desk, with direct escalation to a DMCC relationship manager when approval timelines need attention.
  • Indian-side compliance included as standard: FEMA ODI notification, RBI reporting guidance, apostille coordination across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, and a FEMA structuring note for the founder’s Indian CA – all included in the DMCC setup fee.
  • 10,000+ companies set up: myHQ has set up over 10,000 UAE companies across DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, mainland, and other jurisdictions.
  • ANAROCK Group backing: myHQ operates under the ANAROCK Group umbrella, India’s largest real estate advisory platform, which means institutional accountability, long-term continuity, and balance-sheet backing behind every engagement.
  • 1-hour response SLA: every inquiry to myHQ gets a response from a DMCC specialist within 1 business hour, and fixed-price quotes are issued the same day as the initial consultation.

DMCC Free Zone FAQs

Can I add activities to my DMCC licence after it’s issued?

Yes. Activities can be added or changed on an existing DMCC licence through the DMCC Business Services portal, up to 3 activities on a single licence. Activity amendments are subject to DMCC Authority approval and an activity amendment fee.

What happens if I don’t renew my DMCC licence on time?

Late renewal results in a grace period (typically 30 days) with late fees. If the licence is not renewed within the grace period, the company may be suspended, with its establishment card and visa quotas deactivated. Continued non-renewal can result in the company being struck off the DMCC register.

Can I transfer shares in a DMCC company to a new shareholder?

Yes. Share transfers in a DMCC company require DMCC Authority approval and involve a Share Transfer Agreement, an updated Memorandum of Association, and DMCC registration of the new shareholder. For transfers to or from Indian residents, the FEMA implications of the share transfer must be assessed.

Does DMCC require a physical office?

Not for flexi-desk or business centre arrangements. A company can register with the DMCC Business Centre as its registered address without a dedicated private office. Private office space is required only if the company needs a dedicated workplace or if visa quota requirements exceed what the flexi-desk or business centre permits.

Is DMCC right for an import/export business between India and the UAE under CEPA?

Yes. DMCC’s commercial trade licence covers general trading, wholesale, and import/export, and Indian founders taking advantage of the India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) frequently establish DMCC entities to route goods trading, benefiting from the CEPA’s tariff concessions on 97% of products and the JLT address for international counterparties.