Dubai CommerCity (DCC) Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai CommerCity (DCC) Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is a new-generation free economic zone strategically located near Dubai International Airport. It is the first zone in the region to be fully focused on e-commerce and digital trade, which immediately sets it apart from others. It is rapidly gaining popularity among international companies, logistics operators and start-ups that need to quickly enter the Middle East market.

It is convenient to start a business here: registration is done online, no presence is required, and a company can be opened in a few days. There are no hidden fees, packages are transparent, and there are flexible solutions, from smart workspaces to offices. Up to 20 types of activities are allowed under one licence, and there is a well-developed logistics infrastructure.

About Dubai CommerCity (DCC) Free Zone

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is the first free economic zone in the MEASA region specialising exclusively in digital commerce and e-commerce. It was officially launched in 2020 as a joint venture between the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and Wasl Properties, with an investment of approximately AED 3.2 billion, covering approximately 2.1 million square feet. DCC is part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), which brings together DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai CommerCity itself. The complex offers integrated infrastructure: offices, logistics and social clusters, as well as simplified registration, tax incentives, 100% foreign ownership and a strategic location near the airport.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai CommerCity (DCC) Free Zone

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) permits a variety of activities, including trade, services, industry, and e-commerce. Licences are available for: e-commerce (online trade in goods and services), trade (import, export, distribution, storage), service (provision of services), industrial (light manufacturing, packaging, packing), general trading, as well as a Dual Licence with DED for operating on the mainland. Up to 20 types of activities under ISIC 4 from different groups can be included under one licence (basically three activities from one group, additional ones for a fee). Specialised activities, such as the role of ‘Portal’ (intermediary between sellers and buyers), are available here and are not always found in other zones. Convenient infrastructure is provided, including clusters: business, logistics, social, with pre-integrated e-commerce and logistics solutions. Some types require prior approval from the relevant authorities - standard for DCC, but should be clarified individually.

Step-by-Step Dubai CommerCity (DCC) Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

Registering a company in the Dubai CommerCity (DCC) free economic zone is a structured and relatively quick process aimed at international investors, e-commerce projects and IT companies. Thanks to government support, fully digital procedures and flexible infrastructure, DCC offers businesses unique conditions for entering the Middle East market.

Required Documents and Timeline

To register a company in Dubai CommerCity (DCC), a standard set of documents must be submitted in digital format. The main ones are:

• a copy of the international passport of each founder and director (must be valid for at least 6 months);
• a colour photo on a white background;
• proof of address - for example, a utility bill or bank statement no older than 3 months;
• CV of the owner/director;
• business plan - especially important for non-standard types of activity;
• copy of visa or entry permit to the UAE (if available);
• in the case of a corporate shareholder - company documents with an apostille and certified translation.

To obtain a residence visa after registration, you may need a medical certificate, an Emirates ID, and an entry stamp.

The business registration process from application to licence issuance usually takes 5–10 business days, depending on the complexity of the structure, the type of licence selected, and the completeness of the documents submitted. The process of obtaining a residence visa takes an additional 7–14 days.

Remote Registration Option

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) offers fully remote company registration, making the process convenient for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who are not located in the UAE. Thanks to its digital infrastructure, all stages, from submitting an application to receiving a licence and incorporation documents, can be completed online without the need for a personal visiting the country.

The main steps include:

• Remote document signing. Documents are sent to the applicant by email and can be signed electronically or by hand, depending on the requirements.
• Identity verification. This is done via video call, during which a representative of the zone verifies the applicant's passport data, and photo.
• Payment of fees. This can be done online via bank transfer or payment gateway.
• Receipt of an electronic licence - after registration, the documents are sent to your email.

In addition, DCC cooperates with licensed agents who can represent the client's interests by power of attorney, including submitting documents and coordinating the visa process. This allows you to start a business in the UAE even without visiting the country.

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Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai CommerCity Free Zone

Dubai CommerCity offers flexible and well-thought-out licensing options tailored to the nature of your company. Among the available forms are:

• E-commerce Licence permits exclusively online trading.
• Trade Licence allows for the import, export, storage and distribution of goods.
• Service Licence is intended for service companies.
• General Trading Licence is an extended trading licence covering a wide range of operations.
• Freelance Licence is designed for individual entrepreneurs.

A Dual Licence with DED is also available, which allows you to operate both in the Free Zone and on the mainland of Dubai through the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

Each licence is designed for different business models. It is important to choose the type that strictly corresponds to your activities.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) offers well-designed visa packages that combine resident visa processing, flexible office solutions (flexi-desk) and transparent annual costs. Options vary in terms of visa quotas and workspace types, ranging from basic workstations to fully equipped offices. Additional costs for excess visas and e-channels should be taken into account when planning your budget.

Visa packages and annual costs in DCC is based on available sources:

Smart Desk package (flexi-desk, 2 visas)

• Flexi-desk with an area of ~7.5 m².
• Includes up to 2 visas.
• Total cost: ≈ AED 21,995.

Fitted Office package (25 sq. m., 3 visas)

• Space: furnished office with an area of 25 sq. m.
• Includes 3 visas.
• Total cost: ≈ AED 61,870 (includes office rent, licence, registration, P.O. Box, Establishment Card, Knowledge & Innovation fees)

Additional costs

• Extra visas. The cost may vary, but visas in other zones cost approximately AED 3,000–5,000 per visa. Similar rates may apply for DCC. It is recommended to check the current rates.
• E‑channel (electronic channels). The exact rates for e‑channel services at DCC are not publicly disclosed. These costs may include automated procedures and access to the zone's internal digital systems. To obtain this information, it is logical to send a request directly to DCC or through a consultant.

In addition to the cost of the licence, investors should consider the tax regime. The UAE has imposed a corporate income tax (CIT) of 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year. However, companies registered in Dubai CommerCity and conducting activities within the scope of qualified free zone activities are exempt from CIT (0% rate)

Dubai CommerCity Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Dubai CommerCity is a zone focused on e-commerce and digital trade. It is suitable for online businesses and logistics. But also, it has restrictions for certain sectors and categories of companies.

Suitable for:

• e-commerce projects and marketplaces;
• international online sellers (B2C, B2B);
• IT companies, logistics operators, digital start-ups;
• distributors, importers and exporters;
• service and consulting companies;
• entrepreneurs wishing to work remotely with Dubai as a jurisdiction;
• companies planning logistics integration with the DXB airport.

Not suitable for:

• manufacturers with heavy/high-tech equipment (limited infrastructure);
• freelancers who do not wish to rent a workspace (no freelance licence as in other zones);
• Companies operating only in the local UAE market without a Dual Licence;
• Residents of countries with high sanction risk (nationality restrictions);
• Individuals expecting automatic VAT registration - registration is carried out separately and is not included in the basic package.

DCC is a zone specialising in cross-border trade and digital business. It is attractive for scalable models and B2B/B2C projects, but requires a conscious approach to documents, structure and target markets.

Conclusion

Dubai CommerCity (DCC) is a strategically planned free zone created specifically for the needs of digital business, e-commerce and global logistics. It offers government support, integration with DXB International Airport, advanced digital infrastructure and remote registration. Easy registration process, flexible visa packages and licences covering up to 20 types of activities make DCC particularly attractive for start-ups, international trading companies, IT structures, and consulting agencies.

If you are looking for an affordable alternative to busier zones such as DMCC or IFZA, but do not want to sacrifice reliability and digital capabilities, DCC is worth considering first.

We recommend contacting experienced consultants. Professional support will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the launch of your business in Dubai.