By the Pro24 DMCC Advisory Team — DMCC-focused business setup specialists based in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai. Last reviewed August 2026.
“How much does it cost to set up in DMCC?” is the first question almost every founder asks us. The honest answer is a range, because your final figure depends on your licence type, how many visas you need and whether you take a flexi desk or a physical office. Below is a transparent, verified breakdown of the real costs for DMCC company formation in 2026 — no hidden surprises.
What goes into your DMCC cost
Your first-year DMCC budget is made up of a few distinct line items rather than one flat fee. The main components are the trade licence, one-time registration and name reservation, your office solution (flexi desk or fitted office), and per-person visa costs. Share capital is declared but, for most trading activities, is not paid into a blocked account.
| Cost component | Indicative 2026 range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service / freelance licence | from ~7,500 | Single-activity, lean setups |
| Trading / commercial licence | ~20,000 – 25,000 | Most common for import/export |
| Registration & name reservation | ~10,000 (one-time) | Paid once at incorporation |
| Flexi desk | ~15,000 / year | Allows up to 3 visas |
| Serviced / fitted office | ~25,000 – 50,000+ | Higher visa quota |
| Per visa (investor/employee) | ~3,000 – 5,000 | Incl. Emirates ID, medical, immigration |
All-in first year: a lean single-visa DMCC company typically lands around AED 30,000–60,000, while a trading company with a serviced office and multiple visas can run AED 75,000–130,000+. See our full DMCC company formation cost & packages page for current package pricing.
The 2026 acceleration discounts
DMCC has continued to run incentive packages for new and renewing members in 2026, including reduced first-year and multi-year licence pricing and renewal discounts for existing members. Because these offers change through the year, always confirm the live promotion directly with DMCC or ask us for the current package before you budget.
What actually moves your price
Three choices drive most of the variation. First, your office: a flexi desk keeps costs low but caps you at three visas, whereas a physical office unlocks more visas at roughly one visa per 100 sq ft of leased space. Second, how many visas you and your team need. Third, your activity — regulated activities such as precious metals, financial services or crypto carry extra approvals and, sometimes, higher capital expectations.
Costs people forget to budget for
Beyond year one, plan for annual licence renewal, medical insurance for each visa holder, and — under UAE Corporate Tax rules — audited financial statements, which are a condition of keeping the 0% qualifying free zone tax position. Factoring these in from the start prevents nasty renewal-season surprises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to set up in DMCC?
A single-activity service or freelance licence on a flexi desk with one visa is the leanest route, often around AED 30,000 all-in for the first year.
Do I need to deposit share capital in DMCC?
For most trading and service activities the declared share capital does not need to be deposited into a blocked bank account, though it must be stated in your incorporation documents. Regulated activities can differ.
Are DMCC fees paid annually?
Registration is a one-time cost, while the trade licence and your office lease are renewed annually. Visas are renewed on a two-year cycle for most private companies.
Figures above are indicative for 2026 and compiled from DMCC and specialist UAE setup sources; official fees change periodically, so confirm current pricing with DMCC before committing. Ready for an exact quote? Talk to our DMCC team.
Official reference: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (dmcc.ae).
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