Compare DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Fujairah Free Zone for Maritime & Shipping setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre vs Fujairah Free Zone for Maritime & Shipping: DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre starts at AED 49,004 (92% bank approval) and Fujairah Free Zone at AED 21,500 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Fujairah Free Zone is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 49,004 | 3-5 days | Easy | Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition | |
| AED 21,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Low-cost setup, port access, industrial and trading activities |
Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition
Maritime licences cover shipping, ship management, yacht chartering, and marine services. Dubai Maritime City, JAFZA, and Hamriyah Free Zone are popular choices. UAE Federal Transport Authority or Dubai Maritime Authority approval may be required depending on the vessel type and activity. Ship registration under the UAE flag follows a separate process.
Maritime transport services qualify as a qualifying free zone activity. International maritime transport is zero-rated for VAT. Domestic maritime transport services within the UAE may attract 5% VAT.
Maritime companies should prepare for enhanced due diligence related to sanctions screening and vessel ownership verification. Banks will request vessel registration documents, flag state certificates, and crew manifests. Trade finance facilities are essential for shipping operations.
DMCC maritime licence holders operate from JLT with direct access to Jebel Ali Port's shipping lanes, and benefit from DMCC's membership network of ship owners, charterers, and marine service providers.
Jan 2025: All new companies registered as FZCO
H1 2025: 1,100+ new company registrations
Crypto Tower planned: 17-storey landmark in JLT
AI Centre launched September 2024 with 110+ companies
Company setup in DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre starts from AED 49,004 per year.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre processes company registrations in 3-5 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 92%. Banking difficulty is rated Easy.
Most UAE free zones including DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Both zones are evenly matched. Choose DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre if: Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition. Choose Fujairah Free Zone if: Lowest cost setup, port access, industrial and trading activities.
Wanted clarity on banking approval rates and substance rules by zone. The zone-specific banking data was something I couldn't find on any agent's website.
Used the calculator to compare Meydan with five other zones — the Year 1 cost breakdown and banking scores made the choice clear in under 5 minutes.
Needed to see exactly what I was paying for at RAKEZ versus other zones. The itemized fee breakdown — license, visa, sponsorship — made the comparison transparent.
Get a personalized setup quotation with real fees, banking odds, and timeline for your activity.
Email yourself a link to this comparison so you can come back to it later.
Adjust visa quotas and demographics to calculate the complete setup costing model.
Get your personalized feasibility dossier — real fees, banking odds, and timeline for your activity and nationality. Free, no obligations.