DMCC Company Setup for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani founders can own 100% of a DMCC company in JLT, Dubai, and many already run trading and services businesses from here. If you live in Pakistan, check the State Bank of Pakistan’s rules on investing abroad before you fund the company. If you live in the UAE, setup works as it does for any founder.

Can Pakistani nationals own 100% of a DMCC company?

Yes. DMCC is a free zone, so a company can be 100% foreign-owned by individuals or companies of any nationality, with no UAE partner. Every shareholder, director and manager goes through DMCC’s KYC checks, and the outcome is DMCC’s decision, not ours. A clean, complete file is what keeps those checks quick. See DMCC company setup for foreigners for how foreign ownership works.

What it costs

Figures from DMCC’s official packages and Schedule of Charges. Your total depends on your activity, desk and number of visas; use the DMCC cost calculator or see DMCC setup cost.

Documents you will need

• Passport copy of every shareholder, director and manager (valid for at least 6 months).
• Proof of residential address dated within the last 6 months, such as a utility bill or tenancy contract.
• UAE residence visa page, if you already live in the UAE, and an NOC from your current sponsor if your visa is not as an investor, partner or managing director.
• For a corporate shareholder: its incorporation documents and a recent certificate of incumbency, notarised and legalised by the UAE Embassy in Pakistan, unless DMCC can verify them on an official online registry.

If you live in Pakistan: State Bank of Pakistan rules

Equity investment abroad by Pakistani residents is governed by Chapter 20 of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Foreign Exchange Manual. Outside a few general permissions, such as the routes SBP opened in 2021 for exporters, IT companies and start-ups, investing in a foreign company generally needs SBP approval through your bank. Approved investments are now reported through SBP’s digital reporting system.

Talk to your bank in Pakistan before you remit. Overseas Pakistanis who are non-resident and invest from earnings held abroad are in a different position, and their setup is usually simpler.

Tax: UAE and Pakistan

A DMCC company can benefit from the UAE’s corporate tax regime, including 0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person; see DMCC corporate tax. Pakistan and the UAE have a double taxation agreement. Pakistan taxes its residents on worldwide income, so if you remain resident in Pakistan, take Pakistani tax advice on how profits and dividends from the DMCC company are treated.

Travel and your residence visa

Pakistani passport holders need a UAE visa to travel. Visa approvals are always at the UAE immigration authorities’ discretion, so we prepare the file carefully: clear passport copies, consistent names across documents and a genuine business activity. Much of the DMCC process runs online with e-signatures. You need to be in the UAE for the residence visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics; we arrange the entry permit once your licence is issued.

How we set it up

1. Plan: we confirm your activity, package and visa count, and check whether Pakistan’s rules affect how you fund the company.
2. Name and approval: we reserve a name that meets the DMCC name rules and file the application with DMCC.
3. Licence: shareholders e-sign, fees are paid and DMCC issues the licence and establishment card.
4. Visa and bank: entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and residence visa, then a corporate bank account.

FAQs for Pakistani nationals