Business Setup in Dubai Multi Commodities Center

Whether you’re looking to establish a trading license for commodities or expand your professional services into the Middle East, DMCC offers unparalleled opportunities for business growth in one of the most strategic locations globally.

With DMCC company setup, you gain entry to global markets through Dubai’s strategic position connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa while enjoying world-class infrastructure and business support services.

1. A clear business activity aligned with DMCC’s approved categories;
2. Trade name approval and reservation;
3. A physical or flexi-desk office within DMCC;
4. Submission of a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA);

Below are the core DMCC trade license categories with examples of activities commonly approved in the free zone. Actual scope is subject to DMCC review and (where applicable) third-party approvals.

1) Trading License (incl. DMCC general trading license)

Focus: physical/bulk trading, import/export, distribution of goods via Dubai’s ports, JAFZA links, and DMCC storage partners.

Typical activities:

• Gold and precious metals trading (bullion, dore, refined bars)
• Rough and polished diamond trading via the Dubai Diamond Exchange tender halls
• Precious stones and jewellery wholesale (non-retail on premises)
• Tea trading, blending procurement, and re-export through the DMCC Tea Centre ecosystem
• Coffee trading (green beans) leveraging DMCC Coffee Centre intake and storage
• Base metals trading (aluminium, copper, steel products)
• Agro-commodities (rice, sugar, cocoa) and softs distribution
• Non-hazardous FMCG wholesale and re-export (packaged foods, personal care)
• Commodity warehousing coordination and collateral/warehouse receipt facilitation (via DMCC Tradeflow)

2) Service License

Focus: professional and corporate services that enable supply chains, trade enablement, and digitalisation—without undertaking regulated financial intermediation.

Typical activities:

• Commodity sourcing, procurement and supply chain management
• Quality inspection, grading, and pre-shipment coordination (non-governmental)
• Logistics and trade documentation management (customs file prep, bookings)
• Trade finance advisory (structuring and documentation guidance; no lending)
• Risk management, market research and price analytics for commodities
• Corporate head office/management services for regional operations
• IT, software development, and data platforms for trade flows
• Blockchain/Web3 development and tokenisation consultancy (non-custodial) within the DMCC Crypto Centre framework

3) Industrial (Light Industrial) License

Focus: light processing compatible with office/warehouse environments; no heavy industry or hazardous processes.

Typical activities:

• Tea blending, flavouring, and re-packaging aligned to Tea Centre capabilities
• Coffee roasting, cupping, and re-bagging supported by the Coffee Centre
• Jewellery assembly/finishing (non-smelting/heavy refining)
• Sorting, grading, cutting and light polishing of gemstones (bench-scale)
• Kitting, labeling and secondary packaging for non-hazardous FMCG
• Light assembly for electronics accessories or consumer goods (non-industrial)

4) E-Commerce License

Focus: online B2B/B2C sales with fulfilment via DMCC-linked logistics.

Typical activities:

• Online wholesale portals for commodities and raw materials (B2B)
• Cross-border e-commerce for jewellery and lifestyle goods (with compliant fulfilment)
• Digital marketplaces connecting producers, traders, and buyers
• E-retail of non-regulated FMCG with third-party logistics fulfilment

Important: Certain activities (e.g., financial brokerage, virtual asset exchange/custody, pharma/medical, food manufacturing) may require external approvals or regulators (e.g., VARA, SCA, MoHAP, Dubai Municipality).

DMCC provides flexible office space options to meet diverse business requirements and budgets.

• Flexi-Desk Facilities – Cost-effective co working space solutions for startups and individual entrepreneurs
• Executive Offices – Private workspaces with professional amenities and business support services
• Shared Office Environments – Collaborative co working spaces with networking opportunities and shared resources
• Premium Office Towers – High-end office spaces in prestigious JLT buildings with advanced facilities
• Specialized Trading Floors – Purpose-built spaces for commodities trading and financial services operations

Office space selection affects visa quotas, with larger spaces enabling more residence visas for company owners and employees. All office spaces include essential utilities and professional business addresses for company registration purposes.

Company formation in DMCC Dubai is flexible, catering to varying business models:

• Free Zone Company (FZCO): Suitable for multiple shareholders.
• Branch Office: For foreign companies wishing to expand in Dubai.
• Subsidiary: A structure allowing global firms to establish a presence while retaining control.
• Single-Shareholder Company: Designed for individual entrepreneurs seeking streamlined ownership.

Setting up your company in DMCC also unlocks pathways to residency in the UAE. This is an essential part of business continuity, allowing key stakeholders and their families to remain in Dubai legally and comfortably:

• Investor Visa: Granted to company shareholders, allowing multi-year residence in Dubai. It is tied to continued DMCC company setup payments and license renewals.
• Employee Visa: Issued to company staff, supporting operational growth in business setup.
• Dependent Visa: Enables family members to live in the UAE when business owners establish presence in the country.

Resident visa processing is typically completed within 5–7 working days. The number of visas issued depends on your license type and office space. Our team handles the coordination with immigration authorities, ensuring a smooth experience for all stakeholders.

Company liquidation typically requires 2-5 months to complete, depending on business complexity and outstanding obligations. The process involves formal notification to DMCC authorities and systematic closure of all business operations. Liquidation fees of approximately AED 10,000 cover government processing and final clearance procedures.

Additional costs may apply for complex business structures or certain regulated business activities. It is worth noting that all employee and dependent residence visas must be cancelled before company liquidation completion. The procedure includes settlement of final salaries, end-of-service benefits, and proper notification to UAE immigration authorities. Independent audit of final accounts and settlement of all outstanding obligations with suppliers, customers, and government entities. Final clearance certificates are required from DMCC authorities before liquidation completion.

Our authorized business consultants provide comprehensive support throughout the liquidation process, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and minimizing administrative burden on company owners.

To move forward with your application, it’s essential to collect and prepare the right paperwork. Missing or inaccurate documents can delay the process significantly, so we encourage all clients to prepare in advance:

Compiling the above documents in advance minimizes the risk of delays or rejections in company formation. Professional guidance by ITA Business Consultants greatly reduces time invested and helps avoid costly oversights in business setup.

DMCC trade license renewal is processed annually through the DMCC Member Portal and must be completed on or before the expiry date to avoid penalties. Required documents include a valid lease/Ejari, insurance certificates, and—for certain activities—additional compliance documents.
Late renewal incurs fines and may lead to termination of the license.
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the official DMCC guideline:

At ITA Business Consultants, we specialize in guiding businesses through the entire process efficiently and accurately, helping you maintain your license without hassle. Trust us to support you in renew Dubai trade license smoothly and on time.

Below, we outline the main procedural steps for business setup in Dubai Multi Commodities Center, ensuring your business alignment from inception through licensing:

When working with ITA, each of these steps is carefully managed to reduce the administrative load on you. From your initial idea to full operational readiness, our consultants are by your side to ensure a streamlined setup experience.

ITA Business Consultants are recognized professionals in business setup in DMCC, providing comprehensive support for entrepreneurs and investors. Our distinct advantages include:

Leverage strong regional partnerships to ensure your free zone company is launched efficiently and without delays. When considering company formation in DMCC, working with ITA mitigates risks and builds a foundation for sustained growth. Contact our expert today for a tailored consultation and a full range of services in UAE business setup.