Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Company Formation
Simplified business setup process and licensing in Dubai Maritime City with Solutions FZCO.
The Dubai Maritime City Free Zone (DMC) is the world’s most comprehensive maritime development, located on a manmade peninsula between Port Rashid and Dubai Dry Docks on the Arabian Gulf. It is a member of the Dubai World Group of Companies.
Dubai Maritime City Free Zone (DMC) is a specialized maritime business district designed to promote and support the maritime industry in Dubai. DMC is an ongoing project with access to over 2.16 million sq m access to the open sea, making it a hub for maritime activities.
The free zone spans over 249 hectares of supreme real estate and is ranked as the fourth largest port operator in the world. If you wish to set up your mark in Dubai’s maritime industry, the DMC Free Zone is a great place to start a business. Let’s take a look at its multitude of benefits and facilities.
Why Set Up a Business in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone?
Setting up a business in DMC offers unparalleled advantages due to its strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and comprehensive support services. It provides businesses with a prime location within Dubai’s maritime hub, offering easy access to regional and global markets.
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is the main regulatory body in DMC overlooking all the operations in the zone. It offers plenty of incentives for businesses, along with continuous support.
Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Dubai Maritime Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax-friendly environment
- Global connectivity
- No currency restrictions
- Fast business setup
- Advanced infrastructure
- Full repatriation of capital
- No customs on exports and imports
- Modern communication infrastructure
- Liberal labor regulations
- Great amenities
- Access to the open sea
Types of Licenses Offered by Dubai Maritime City Free Zone Authority
DMCA offers a number of licenses for different businesses to cater to the diverse needs of the maritime city. Here are some of the business licenses available at DMC:
- Trading License: For businesses involved in the import, export, and trading of goods. It allows you to establish a trading hub in the zone.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing, production, assembly of maritime products, and other industrial activities.
- Service License: For service-oriented businesses including ship management, insurance, finance, logistics, training, and more.
- Maritime Commercial License: For maritime-related commercial activities. It allows you to engage in various maritime service and trade activities in DMC.
- Branch Office License: For international companies or UAE companies who wish to branch their business in DMC.
Business Activities Permitted in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
DMC supports a diverse range of business activities related to maritime and other sectors, including:
- Maritime and Shipping Services
- Marine Engineering and Consultancy
- Ship Building and Repair
- Yacht Manufacturing and Maintenance
- Marine Equipment Trading
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Marine Insurance
- Legal Services
- Offshore Gas and Oil Exploration
- Fishing and Agriculture
- Real Estate
- Cargo and Freight Management
- Construction and Contracting Services
- General Trading
- Hospitality and Tourism
Facilities Offered at Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
DMC Free Zone continues to evolve with futuristic facilities to help foster business growth in the region and attract international maritime investors. Here are some of the high-quality facilities offered at the Dubai Maritime City:
- Office Spaces: Flexible office solutions including furnished offices and co-working spaces.
- Industrial Units: High-quality industrial facilities for manufacturing and production.
- Warehousing: Advanced warehouse facilities for storage and distribution.
- Maritime Services: Comprehensive maritime services including ship maintenance, dedicated dry and wet berths, and advanced cargo handling facilities.
- Business Centers: Equipped with meeting rooms, conference facilities, and administrative support.
- Customs and Immigration: Streamlined customs and immigration services to facilitate business operations.
Types of Business Entities in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone
Following are the main types of legal entities that you can choose while setting up a company in the DMC Free Zone:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A single shareholder limited liability company with a 1 million AED minimum share capital requirement to be paid during company registration.
- Free Zone Company (FZC): A multiple shareholder limited liability company. It may include one individual owner or corporate shareholders. It has a 500,000 AED minimum capital requirement.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: An extension of an existing foreign company that is registered in a country outside the UAE. The Branch Office will only be allowed to engage in activities that are similar to its parent company.
- Branch of a UAE Company: An extension of an existing UAE-based company, carrying out the same activities in the Free Zone in the name of its parent company.
Process of Setting Up a Company in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone (Steps)
Setting up a company in Dubai Maritime Free Zone is quite similar to other free zones in the UAE. Here is a brief overview of the steps required for formation in DMC:
Highlight Your Business Activity
Determine the main business activity you would like to undertake in the free zone. It could be related to maritime, or other allowed activities in the DMC.
Select a License Type
Choose the appropriate license based on your business activity. The free zone authority issues licenses for all kinds of ocean-related businesses and other close industries.
Submit Application
Complete and submit the business setup application form. Provide all necessary documents including passport copies, business plan, and other relevant paperwork.
Get Initial Approval and Register Your Company
Once you get the initial approval from the free zone authority, complete the business registration process.
Bank Account Opening
Open a corporate bank account and deposit the minimum required capital according to your legal entity.
Lease Agreement
Sign the lease agreement for office space or industrial units. You need a physical office in the DMC for the business license and registration.
Receive License
Once all formalities are completed, receive your business license and commence operations.
Apply for Visas
Apply for appropriate visas for shareholders and employees of the company. Solutions FZCO offers assistance with immigration facilities and work permits/ Iqama.
Get Started in DMC With Solutions FZCO!
Ready to embark on your business journey in the DMC Free Zone? Contact us today and let us simplify the entire process for you.
Leverage our local contacts with the authorities to speed up your business registration process. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the setup process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
From licensing applications to business registration and visa processing, our team will guide you through every step of the way, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Get in touch with our company formation team in Dubai and let us help you achieve your business dreams in UAE!
