Calculate the exact government registration fees, visa quotas, banking options, and corporate tax substance rules for a General Trading & Import/Export company in DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai.
A General Trading & Import/Export company in DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai, costs from AED 49,004 in Year 1, covering government registration and license fees. Registration takes 3-5 working days and bank-account approval is 92%. It suits Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 49,004 | 3-5 days | Easy | Premium Dubai address, commodities trading, highest international recognition | |
ANCFZ - Ajman NuVentures Centre Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 4,888 | 0-1 days | Easy | AI-powered zone for startups and tech companies with competitive pricing |
Sharjah Publishing City Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 4,999 | 1-2 days | Moderate | Fastest setup time and lowest entry cost for freelancers and startups |
UAQ Free Trade ZoneVerified Data | AED 5,500 | 1-3 days | Moderate | Low-cost free zone in UAE with minimal setup requirements |
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation ParkVerified Data | AED 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships |
Ajman Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 5,555 | 1-3 days | Moderate | Competitive setup costs, fast processing, flexible visa options |
RAKEZ Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 6,000 | 3-4 days | Moderate | Light industrial, trading operations, cost scaling |
Masdar City Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 7,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Sustainability and clean tech focus, Abu Dhabi innovation hub |
KIZAD - Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu DhabiSourced from public records | AED 9,450 | 3-7 days | Moderate | Industrial and manufacturing hub, port access, large-scale operations |
RAK Maritime CitySourced from public records | AED 10,000 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Maritime services, ship building, port operations in RAK |
DUCAMZ - Dubai Cars and Automotive ZoneSourced from public records | AED 11,000 | 2-5 days | Moderate | Automotive-focused free zone for car trading and spare parts |
Dubai Industrial CitySourced from public records | AED 12,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Industrial operations, manufacturing, warehousing in Dubai |
Dubai Maritime CitySourced from public records | AED 12,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Maritime services, ship repair, marine engineering |
Hamriyah Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 12,000 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Industrial and trading, deep-water port access, heavy industries |
Dubai Auto ZoneSourced from public records | AED 12,000 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Automotive trading, spare parts, car showrooms |
Meydan Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 12,500 | 2-3 days | Moderate | Tech startups, e-commerce, and service companies wanting fast setup in Dubai |
Dubai South Free ZoneVerified Data | AED 12,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Aviation hub, logistics near Al Maktoum Airport, affordable Dubai option |
DUQE Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 12,500 | 2-5 days | Moderate | Startup-focused free zone on the QE2 in Dubai |
IFZA - International Free Zone AuthorityVerified Data | AED 12,900 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Affordable Dubai setup with broad activity coverage, multi-year license discounts |
Sharjah Airport International Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 13,100 | 1-3 days | Moderate | Airport logistics hub, trading, Sharjah-based affordable option |
Dubai Gold & Diamond ParkSourced from public records | AED 15,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Gold, diamonds, and jewelry trading and manufacturing |
Abu Dhabi Airports Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 17,000 | 5-15 days | Difficult | Airport-adjacent free zone for aviation and logistics |
Dubai Silicon OasisSourced from public records | AED 18,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Tech-focused free zone with R&D incentives, smart city infrastructure |
Fujairah Oil Industry ZoneSourced from public records | AED 21,000 | 5-10 days | Moderate | Specialised oil industry zone in Fujairah |
Fujairah Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 21,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Low-cost setup, port access, industrial and trading activities |
DAFZA - Dubai Airport Free ZoneSourced from public records | AED 22,040 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Premium location near Dubai Airport, ideal for import/export and trading |
Dubai CommerCitySourced from public records | AED 28,945 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Dedicated e-commerce free zone with fulfillment infrastructure |
Dubai Production CitySourced from public records | AED 36,540 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Publishing, printing, packaging and media production |
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone AuthoritySourced from public records | AED 40,211 | 3-5 days | Easy | Largest free zone, logistics hub, port access, trading and industrial activities |
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.
Premium rates. Office rents range from AED 80 to AED 300+ per sq ft. Flexi-desks are widely available starting from AED 8,000/year.
World-class. Home to Jebel Ali Port (world's 9th largest) and DXB (world's busiest international hub), offering seamless air-sea connections.
Exceptionately diverse and highly skilled global talent. High concentration of professionals in tech, finance, marketing, and logistics.
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.
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.
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