If you’re someone who owns multiple businesses, properties, intellectual assets, or investments across different regions or sectors, managing everything under one umbrella can get complicated. That’s where a holding company comes in—and if you’re planning to structure your business efficiently, there’s no better place than Dubai.
More specifically, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) offers a dedicated and structured Holding License that lets you control and manage your investments, subsidiaries, and assets through one central entity.
Whether you’re a startup investor, a family office, or an international enterprise, this guide will explain in detail how a DMCC Holding License in Dubai, UAE can help you organize, secure, and grow your portfolio.
What Is a DMCC Holding License?
A DMCC Holding License is a special type of license that allows you to own, manage, and control shares in other companies. It is used to form a holding company, which doesn’t conduct commercial activities like trading or manufacturing—but instead owns shares, investments, assets, real estate, or intellectual property.
This license is offered by DMCC Free Zone, a globally recognized jurisdiction known for transparency, efficiency, and business-friendly regulations.
Who Should Consider a DMCC Holding License?
This license is not for everyone—it’s designed for individuals or companies that want to hold assets or control subsidiaries in a tax-efficient and legally protected environment.
Ideal for the Following:
- Entrepreneurs who own multiple businesses
- Foreign investors setting up joint ventures or subsidiaries in Dubai
- Business owners managing regional/international companies
- High-net-worth individuals creating family holding structures
- Companies that hold intellectual property rights or real estate assets
- Venture capitalists or firms investing in startups
If you fall into any of these categories, the DMCC Holding License provides the perfect vehicle for control, protection, and growth.
Benefits of Having a DMCC Holding License
There are several advantages to setting up a holding company in DMCC, especially compared to traditional business structures.
100% Foreign Ownership
You can own the holding company entirely, with no need for a local partner or sponsor.
0% Corporate and Personal Income Tax
You get full benefit of the UAE’s tax-free structure, making it ideal for capital preservation and reinvestment.
Asset Protection
A holding company shields your personal assets from liabilities and risks associated with operating businesses.
Ownership Simplification
Instead of having your name or several companies attached to various assets, you can consolidate everything under one legal entity.
Easy Investment Structuring
Perfect for holding shares in startups, SMEs, or international companies. You can raise capital, manage returns, and control subsidiaries efficiently.
Strategic Estate Planning
Families and high-net-worth individuals can use the holding structure for succession planning, making inheritance and wealth transfer much easier.
Access to Global Banking
A DMCC holding company can easily open a corporate bank account and access financial services both in the UAE and internationally.
Activities Allowed Under a DMCC Holding License
This license is primarily passive in nature, meaning the holding company does not offer services or products to the public—it simply holds ownership or control.
Permitted Activities Include:
- Holding shares in other companies
- Owning intellectual property rights
- Holding real estate assets (subject to approval)
- Controlling corporate groups or subsidiaries
- Owning joint ventures or equity stakes
You’re not allowed to perform commercial trading, manufacturing, or service delivery unless those activities are conducted by the subsidiaries you own.
Structure of a Holding Company in DMCC
When you set up a holding company in DMCC, you’re essentially creating a parent company that controls one or more child (subsidiary) companies. The structure is lean, scalable, and secure.
Key Components of the Structure:
- Parent Entity: The DMCC-registered holding company
- Shareholders: Individuals or corporate entities
- Directors: Responsible for managing the holding company’s decisions
- Subsidiaries: Other companies or assets owned by the holding company
- Bank Account: To manage investments, dividends, and holding company expenses
You can hold 100% of shares in one or more UAE or international companies using this structure.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a DMCC Holding License
Setting up a holding company in DMCC is a smooth and straightforward process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – Choose Your Entity Name
Select a name that reflects your holding purpose. Avoid commercial-sounding terms like “trading” or “consultancy” if they don’t apply.
Step 2 – Decide on the Shareholding Structure
Will it be an individual shareholder holding the company? Or a corporate entity? You’ll need to decide on:
- Shareholder(s)
- Director(s)
- Manager(s)
Step 3 – Apply for Initial Approval
You’ll submit the application form with:
- Proposed company name
- Chosen license activity
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Business plan or ownership declaration
Step 4 – Secure Office Space
Even though a holding company does not operate daily business, DMCC requires a physical address. You can choose:
- Flexi Desk (cost-effective)
- Shared Office
- Private Office (if you plan to hire staff or expand)
Step 5 – Submit Legal Documents
Prepare and submit:
- Passport copies
- Proof of address
- Signed company incorporation forms
- MOA (Memorandum of Association)
- Lease agreement
Step 6 – Make Payment
DMCC will issue a payment voucher for registration, licensing, and office rent. Pay the fees to proceed.
Step 7 – Receive Your License
Once everything is approved, you’ll receive:
- DMCC Holding License
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Share Certificates
- Company Stamps
- Establishment Card (to apply for visas)
Your holding company is now ready to begin operating as a legal entity in Dubai.
Office Requirements for a Holding License
Though a holding company doesn’t conduct daily business activity, it still needs a registered address within DMCC.
Options Include:
- Flexi Desk: Shared desk, includes mail handling and meeting room access
- Serviced Office: Shared office space with admin support
- Private Office: Full control and branding, ideal for family offices or growing entities
If you don’t plan to hire staff or meet clients regularly, the Flexi Desk is usually enough to fulfill legal requirements.
Visa Eligibility and Staff Setup
A DMCC holding company can apply for UAE residence visas, though it usually doesn’t require many employees.
You Can Apply For:
- Investor/Owner Visa
- Manager Visa
- Dependent Visas (spouse, children, parents)
- Office admin or finance roles (if needed)
Visa Quotas Depend On:
- Size of your office
- Purpose of the visa
- DMCC’s internal evaluation
Visas are typically valid for 2 years and renewable.
Corporate Bank Account for DMCC Holding Company
Opening a business bank account in Dubai is essential for holding companies to manage their funds, investments, and ownership stakes.
What You’ll Need:
- DMCC trade license
- Company MOA and share certificate
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Business plan or ownership structure
- Bank application form and KYC documentation
Most local and international banks in the UAE welcome DMCC-holding structures, provided that documents and activities are clear.
Compliance and Renewals
Even holding companies need to stay compliant with UAE laws and DMCC regulations.
Annual License Renewal
You must renew your license, lease, and establishment card yearly. This ensures your company stays in good legal standing.
Financial Audit
If required by DMCC or your bank, submit audited financial statements from a certified UAE auditing firm.
AML/KYC Compliance
Ensure that your company follows anti-money laundering regulations, especially if your holding structure includes international ownership.
Cost of Setting Up a DMCC Holding Company
While prices may vary depending on the office type and number of visas, here’s a general overview:
Initial Setup Costs
- License Fee: AED 10,000 to AED 15,000
- Registration Fee: AED 9,000
- Flexi Desk Office Rent: AED 8,000 to AED 12,000/year
- Visa Fee (per visa): AED 3,500 to AED 5,000
- Establishment Card: AED 1,800
Annual Renewal Costs
You’ll need to renew your license, lease, and establishment card each year. Budget around AED 18,000 to AED 25,000/year depending on your setup.
Why Choose DMCC for Your Holding Company?
Dubai has several free zones—but DMCC stands out for holding structures because of its reputation, flexibility, and compliance.
Here’s Why:
- Recognized by international banks and jurisdictions
- High-level business ecosystem and facilities
- Flexible setup options
- Transparent rules and no hidden fees
- Strong compliance and reputation safeguards
For high-net-worth individuals, venture capitalists, and corporate groups, DMCC is a smart, stable, and secure choice.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about long-term growth, control, and protection of assets, the DMCC Holding License in Dubai, UAE offers a powerful structure. Whether you’re managing shares, properties, subsidiaries, or intellectual property, a DMCC holding company gives you the flexibility to grow with peace of mind.
And the best part? You don’t have to go through the process alone. Incorpyfy is a leading Business Setup Company in Dubai, UAE, helping entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders register and manage their holding companies in DMCC. From paperwork to banking, from licensing to renewals—we guide you every step of the way.
Let Incorpyfy simplify your setup so you can focus on growing your portfolio.
FAQs
Can I operate multiple companies under one holding license?
Yes, you can hold and manage multiple companies or subsidiaries under your DMCC holding entity.
Do I need to hire employees for a holding company?
No. A holding company is often operated without staff. You only need to hire if your business structure demands it.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my holding company?
Yes. Most UAE banks accept holding companies from DMCC, especially with clear ownership documentation.
Can I own property through my holding company?
Yes, with the right approvals, your holding company can legally own real estate or intellectual property.
What office space do I need for a holding company?
A Flexi Desk or shared office is typically enough to fulfill legal requirements for DMCC holding licenses.
Is the license renewable?
Yes. The DMCC holding license must be renewed annually along with your lease and establishment card.
Can a holding company engage in commercial activities?
No. It is a passive structure meant to hold ownership, not conduct business. Commercial activities must be done through subsidiaries.
