Sergey Dimitrov 
08.10.2025 Why Choose Dubai Maritime City Free Zone for Business Setup?
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone is a unique cluster located on the coast between Rashid Port and Sheikh Zayed Highway. Its strategic location provides direct access to maritime infrastructure and convenient transport links to other parts of Dubai.
Today, DMC is gradually gaining popularity as a modern business hub with an international profile. Residents enjoy key advantages: 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital. At the same time, corporate tax is quite favorable. It is 0% if all the requirements of QFZP (Qualified Free Zone Person) status are met.
The flexibility of formats allows you to choose a virtual office, co-working space or a full-fledged workspace. The registration process can be completed remotely, without the need for a personal visit to the UAE, which greatly simplifies the startup. All of this makes Dubai Maritime City a practical choice for companies looking for a combination of strategic location, economy and scalability.
About Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone was established as a specialised project of the UAE government to develop the maritime industry and related sectors. The zone was officially launched in 2004 and became part of a large-scale strategy to transform Dubai into a world centre for shipping and maritime logistics. DMC is positioned as a government-backed cluster, which brings together shipbuilding, repair, logistics, maritime law, insurance and consultancy. It is located close to main ports and transport arteries, making it part of the emirate's wider logistics ecosystem. This positioning has made DMC a point of attraction for companies operating in international markets.
Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone offers a wide range of licensed activities centred around the maritime industry and related sectors. Shipbuilding and repair services, marine logistics and forwarding, port management, marine insurance, brokerage and consultancy services are permitted here. Additionally, licences are available for maritime-related education and research centres.
Some areas require prior approval from the relevant authorities, such as ship maintenance, environmental inspections or storage of dangerous goods. The uniqueness of the zone lies in the fact that it is here that it is possible to register projects focused on innovations in shipping and ‘green’ technologies. This positioning makes DMC an attractive platform for companies seeking to combine traditional maritime business with modern eco-friendly solutions.
Step-by-Step Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Company Formation and Registration
The company set up in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone is a structured process designed for entrepreneurs who value transparency, timelines and scalability. Below we break down the process step by step: selecting the type of business, preparing the paperwork, submitting the application and issuing the licence. We will show timelines, risks and bottlenecks in advance.
Required Documents and Timeline
To register a company in the Dubai Maritime City Free Zone, a standard set of documents will be required to confirm the identity and address of the applicant, as well as the compliance of the chosen activity with the requirements of the zone. Basic papers include:
- Passport copy of all shareholders and directors (photo and signature pages).
- Passport size photograph (light coloured background, up to date).
- Proof of residential address - recent utility receipt or bank statement (no older than 3 months).
- Copy of visa or UAE entry stamp if the applicant is already in the UAE.
- Application for registration stating the legal form, type of business and company name.
- Resume or summary of the business (for certain licences).
- Separate statutory documents for the company to be established and for the parent company
The steps are straightforward. Name and activity approval takes a day or two, and the licence is normally ready within the next week. Submitting everything online without errors means the whole process is wrapped up in 7-10 days, making the launch quick and predictable.
Remote Registration Option
One of the key advantages of Dubai Maritime City Free Zone is the possibility to complete the registration procedure completely remotely. This is especially convenient for foreign investors who want to save their time and avoid the additional costs of travelling to the UAE.
The process is designed so that all stages can be completed online, from application to obtaining a licence and corporate documents. After selecting a name and package, the applicant uploads scans of the required documents to the free zone system. Identity verification then takes place - usually in the format of a video call, where DMC staff confirm passport details and do a brief interview. This replaces physical attendance and fulfils the regulator's requirements.
Additionally, the applicant can utilise the services of accredited agents. In this case, the agent helps to complete the forms, complete the identification and interact with the registration authority on behalf of the client.
Once approved, the applicant receives digital versions of the licence and certificates, and the originals are sent by courier. In this way, a company can start operations without leaving its home country, making DMC the most flexible and modern jurisdiction for business.
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Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
The Dubai Maritime City Free Zone offers different categories of licences to cover a wide range of activities, from shipbuilding and logistics to consulting and educational projects. This approach gives entrepreneurs flexibility and the ability to combine several services under one licence. The cost of packages depends on the type of activity and number of visas, while maintaining a transparent tariff structure, which simplifies budget planning and business start-up.
Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone offers flexible packages that include workspace, licence and visa quotas. This approach allows companies to choose the best solution depending on their scale and budget.
In DMC you can choose from four licence types. Commercial licences are designed for trade and import/export. Service licences fit consultants, law firms, brokers and logistics providers. Industrial licences are issued for shipbuilding, repairs and maintenance. Those planning academies or training centres can apply for an Educational or Training licence.
Visa and cost packages (approximate):
- Flexi-desk with one visa quota - AED 15,000 to 18,000 per year.
- Two visa spaces - around AED 20,000-22,000, with basic workspace.
- Three visas - between AED 25,000-28,000, an option for smaller companies.
- Five visa package - from AED 35,000-40,000, with the option to expand office solutions.
Additional costs:
- E-channel registration is near AED 2,000-2,500 (one-off payment).
- Medical examination and Emirates ID is approximately AED 3,500-4,000 per applicant.
- There may be fees for additional visas on top of the package.
Thus, launching a company in DMC can be customised to suit any purpose, from a startup with minimal investment to a large-scale project with a team and a full-fledged office. Transparency and flexibility of prices allow entrepreneurs to calculate their budget in advance and eliminate hidden costs.
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?
The Dubai Maritime City Free Zone was created specifically for companies operating in the maritime sector and is gradually becoming a centre of attraction for international players. Nevertheless, the zone is not suitable for everyone - it is worth assessing its benefits and limitations beforehand.
The Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
- Companies in shipbuilding, repair and maintenance.
- Logistics operators and freight forwarders.
- Consultancy agencies specialising in maritime law and insurance.
- Educational centres and training programmes on maritime topics.
- Freelancers and small teams who just need a virtual office.
DMC is not suitable for:
- Manufacturers outside the marine industry who need a large industrial space.
- Retailers focused on mass merchandising in the UAE (restrictions on licence types).
- Start-ups that need quick VAT registration - DMC does not provide for this.
- Citizens of high-risk countries where visas may be refused.
Thus, the zone is a niche solution: optimal for maritime business and consulting, but less favourable for mass trade or classic manufacturing.
Conclusion
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone is gradually building a reputation as a specialised centre where shipping traditions and modern business solutions come together. The main advantages of the zone are its strategic location near key ports, access to developed infrastructure, flexible visa packages and simplified registration, including a fully remote format. This creates a favourable environment for both multinational corporations and small teams focused on the maritime industry.
Dubai Maritime City is best suited for businesses involved in shipbuilding, logistics, insurance and professional consultancy. Start-ups benefit from reasonably priced flexi-desk packages with the option to expand as the team grows. For educational initiatives, the free zone offers an industry-focused platform with recognised status.
If the business involves mass trade or manufacturing outside the offshore industry, alternative jurisdictions are worth considering. In any case, before making a decision, it is useful to consult with experts who will help select the right licence, forecast costs and speed up the registration process. This approach will allow to start operations in the DMC without unnecessary risks and with a clear development strategy.
Yes, a company can be set up without travelling to the UAE. The application is handled online, with identity checks usually completed by video call. After approval, digital copies of the licence and incorporation documents are issued, and the originals are delivered by courier.
In some cases, the zone administration or accredited agents offer instalments, but more often these conditions depend on the package chosen and the agreement with the consultant. Usually, minimum packages are paid at once, while larger ones can be divided into two or three instalments over the course of a year.
The DMC licence works well for cross-border trade. You can deal with overseas partners, use UAE banks and handle shipments via Dubai’s ports. But if your goal is to sell directly inside the UAE, you’ll need a local distributor to comply with the rules.
What activities require pre-approval in the Dubai Maritime City Free Zone?
Prior approval is required for activities related to ship maintenance, storage of dangerous goods, environmental audits and educational programmes. Such projects are subject to additional review by the relevant authorities or ministries. This is necessary to comply with safety standards and industry regulations.
How does Dubai Maritime City compare to other zones like DMCC or IFZA?
