Compare DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for General Trading & Import/Export setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre vs Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for General Trading & Import/Export: DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre starts at AED 49,004 (92% bank approval) and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park at AED 5,510 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park 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 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships |
Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition
General trading is one of the most popular free zone activities and allows import, export, and distribution of a wide range of goods. Certain restricted items such as pharmaceuticals, weapons, and food products require additional approvals from relevant UAE federal authorities. The trade license must list the specific commodity groups the business intends to trade.
General trading qualifies for the 0% free zone rate on qualifying income, provided the goods are not sold to the UAE mainland without appropriate customs clearance. VAT at 5% applies to domestic supplies; re-exports from designated zones are zero-rated.
Trading companies should expect thorough KYC checks, especially for cross-border transactions. Letters of credit and trade finance facilities require established banking relationships. Banks will request trade references and may ask for evidence of existing supplier or buyer contracts.
DMCC's general trading licence covers the broadest range of activities in a single permit and has been ranked the number-one free zone in the Global Free Zone of the Year rankings for nine consecutive years.
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.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre for cost-conscious founders and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park if r&d and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships.
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.
Was comparing SHAMS and SPC Free Zone side by side. The comparison showed which one had stronger banking options — a critical factor for my nationality.
Needed processing times and visa costs across all UAE free zones in one view. Clear, objective, and fast — exactly what a time-sensitive setup requires.
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