By the Pro24 DMCC Advisory Team — DMCC-focused business setup specialists in JLT, Dubai. Last reviewed August 2026.
Choosing the right licence is the single most important decision in your DMCC setup, because it defines exactly what your company is legally allowed to do. DMCC offers more than 1,000 approved activities across some 20 sectors, but they all sit under a handful of core DMCC licence types. Here is what each one covers and how to pick correctly the first time.
The four core DMCC licence types
1. Trading licence
The workhorse of DMCC. A DMCC trading licence lets you import, export, store, distribute and re-export physical goods — from general merchandise to commodities, gold, diamonds and food. General trading variants allow a broad basket of products under one licence. Most trading activities carry a declared minimum share capital (commonly around AED 50,000) and require leased space within the free zone.
2. Service licence
For consultancy and professional work — management consulting, marketing, IT services, logistics coordination, advisory and similar. A DMCC service licence is popular with founders and freelancers because it is lean and does not involve holding physical stock.
3. Industrial licence
Required when you manufacture, process or transform goods — for example refining precious metals, processing agricultural commodities or light assembly. A DMCC industrial licence typically needs larger physical facilities and can carry higher capital and approval requirements.
4. Commercial licence
The zone’s most common authorisation for straightforward trading, distribution and logistics. It lets you import through any UAE sea or air port, warehouse inventory and sell wholesale or retail worldwide.
Specialised DMCC licences
On top of the core categories, DMCC runs dedicated ecosystems for high-growth sectors. These include the Crypto Centre for Web3 and virtual assets, a Gaming Centre for studios and esports, and trade-specific hubs for gold and diamonds and coffee and tea. These sit under the relevant core licence but add regulatory approvals specific to the activity.
How to choose the right licence
Start from what you will actually invoice for, not what sounds broadest. List your revenue activities, match them to DMCC’s approved activity list, and group them under one licence where possible to avoid paying for activities you will not use. If you trade physical goods, you need a trading or commercial licence; if you sell expertise, a service licence; if you make or process something, industrial. Mixing incompatible activities on one licence is a common and costly mistake — when in doubt, have a specialist map your activities before you apply.
Rules that apply to every licence
Regardless of type, DMCC requires a workspace within the free zone (a flexi desk satisfies this for smaller companies) and your visa quota is tied to that space. All licences also fall under UAE Corporate Tax, so audited accounts and proper substance are needed to protect the 0% qualifying free zone position.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have multiple activities on one DMCC licence?
Yes, provided the activities are compatible and fall within the same licence category. Combining unrelated categories usually requires either a dual licence or a licence amendment.
Which DMCC licence is cheapest?
Service and freelance licences are generally the most affordable because they need less capital and no goods storage. See our DMCC cost breakdown for figures.
Can I change my licence type later?
Yes. Activities can be added or changed through a DMCC company amendment, subject to approval and fees.
Not sure which licence fits your model? Ask our DMCC team to map your activities before you apply.
Official reference: DMCC — Complete Guide on DMCC Licences.
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