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Zone Compare/zones/DMCC/Getting Started

Formation route · DMCC

Plan the route through DMCC

Dubai·Tier 1·Year 1 from AED 29,305
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1

Document Preparation

Days 1–5

  • Passport copy (colour scan, 6+ months validity remaining)
  • 2× passport-size photographs (white background)
  • Bank statements (last 3–6 months, from your home country bank)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months)
  • CV / professional profile (1–2 pages)
  • Source of funds declaration (brief written explanation of how you will fund the business)
  • Activity-specific documentation may be required — confirm with zone

Attestation note: Have all documents certified/notarised before applying if they are from outside UAE. Attestation costs vary by country and document count — typically AED 1,500–4,000 (indicative, not a quoted fee).

2

Licence Application

Days 3–3

Expected: 3 business days
  1. 1Trade name reservation — submit 3 name options (indicative fee AED 600–1,500)
  2. 2Submit licence application with documents
  3. 3Pay licence fee — approximately AED 20,285
  4. 4Receive Memorandum of Association (MOA) draft for signature
  5. 5Licence issuance

Cost estimate — Phase 2

Licence feeAED 20,285
Registration feeAED 9,020
Flexi desk workspaceAED 16,000
3

Residency Visa

Days 8–10

10–21 days

Investor / partner visa process

  1. 1Entry permit application (fee ~AED 800–1,200)
  2. 2Medical fitness test (AED 300–500 — must be done inside UAE)
  3. 3Emirates ID application (AED 370 — government fee)
  4. 4Visa stamping in passport (AED 1,200–2,500)
Family sponsorship available. Each family member requires the same process plus sponsor's salary evidence.

Indicative visa cost range

AED 2,670–4,570 per person

Typical 2026 range for entry permit, medicals, Emirates ID and stamping — government fees change; confirm current amounts with the zone. Excludes status change if already in UAE.

4

Bank Account

Days 10–24

Banking with DMCC: easy

Required bank documents

  • Licence copy (issued in Phase 2)
  • MOA / Memorandum of Association
  • Passport copies of all shareholders/directors
  • 6 months of personal bank statements (from home country)
  • Proof of UAE address (tenancy contract or hotel invoice initially)
  • Source of funds declaration
  • Business plan (1–2 pages, describing your business model and expected revenue)

Bank selection: which banks are realistic depends on your activity, nationality mix and banking profile — we don't recommend specific banks. Use the bank-approval lens to see how DMCC companies typically fare. Allow 14 days from licence issuance.

Minimum deposit: AED 50,000 required to open.

✓

Operations Ready

You're operational.

You now have everything you need to operate as a UAE free zone company:

  • ✓UAE trade licence (valid for 1 year, renewable)
  • ✓UAE residency visa (2–3 year validity)
  • ✓UAE corporate bank account
  • ✓Emirates ID

Renewal reminder

Mark your calendar: your licence renews annually. Renewal cost: AED 20,265. Begin renewal 30–60 days before expiry to avoid fines.