Tax Agency Number (TAN) 30004113
DMCC Approved Auditors: A DMCC Member Company has to upload the auditor's signed and stamped Audited Financial Statements Summary Sheet. The company also needs to upload the Audited Financial Statements Report from auditors like Saif Chartered Accountants, the most trusted Dubai Auditors. Both must be sent through a special online service request in the member portal. This must be done within 90 days after the end of every financial year.
Based on the Approved Auditors Rules (AAR) issued by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCCA) on 12th January 2017, every DMCC member company is responsible for ensuring that their chosen auditor appears on the official DMCC Approved Auditors List . The auditor must also be registered as an Approved Auditor with DMCCA. These rules do not apply to auditors assigned to DMCC member companies registered as a branch company, provided the branch company already has a designated group auditor.
The DMCC activity list is a full catalogue of business activities allowed in the DMCC free zone. This list shows what types of businesses can set up and work under dmcc regulations. It has a big impact on business setup in Dubai. Companies need to pick their business activities from the DMCC activity list when they register. This helps them follow all rules and get the right licenses for trading activities, general trading, and other allowed activities in the dmcc free zone.
Note: The company should keep the original Company Audited Financial Statements Summary Sheet in a safe place. The DMCC Inspection Team may ask to see it when needed.
| Account Number | Auditor Name | U.A.E. Address | Email Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148497 | Saif Chartered Accountants | 1106, The Prism, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE – 34927 | [email protected] | 04 4518600 |
Operating in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) free zone means your company needs to follow some rules. A DMCC company has to choose an auditor listed on DMCC's Approved Auditor List. You also have to know what type of licence fits your business. The auditor will check and report on your company's financial statements.
Using an auditor that is not approved is not allowed. DMCC will reject audit reports from firms that are not approved. This can cause delays and may lead to penalties for not meeting rules. There may also be trouble with renewing the license. A good business plan can help to avoid these problems.
When you pick Saif Chartered Accountants, you get a trusted team that meets DMCC’s rules. They also give you high-quality audit services that follow UAE and global standards.
Setting up in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) offers a tax-efficient environment with 0% personal income tax and 0% import/export duties. Under the UAE’s Corporate Tax framework, free zone companies that meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions can still benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%; see the Federal Tax Authority’s Corporate Tax Guide for Free Zone Persons.
DMCC is in a vibrant destination in Dubai. At this location, businesses have direct access to important markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This makes DMCC a good place for trade and business setup.
There is an important rule to follow when it comes to financial statements. DMCC companies must choose auditors who are on the DMCC approved list. Auditors from outside the UAE, if not listed for DMCC, cannot audit DMCC firms.
When you select your business activity using the DMCC activity list, you should think about your key operations. Know your target market. Use your long-term goals to help make a good decision. Checking the complete dmcc activity list can help you see which choice matches your products or services.
Get help from a DMCC-approved business setup advisor or legal consultant. A professional can help find a suitable and legal activity for your business setup needs in DMCC and make sure you stay compliant.
Besides the financial benefits, DMCC has a strong setup that helps with many business needs for business owners. The free zone has more than 25,000 companies. This adds energy and makes it easy for people to meet others and work together. It is a good place for new ideas and helps businesses to grow well. DMCC gives a wide range of help, the kind you need for licensing, office space, and banking options.
If you want to see if your auditor is approved by DMCC, you can go to the official DMCC website and look at their list of registered and approved auditors. You can also reach out to DMCC customer support, and make sure your auditor meets DMCC’s rules.
One of the main advantages of starting a business in the DMCC Free Zone is its highly tax-efficient framework. DMCC companies enjoy 0% personal income tax and 0% import and export duties, creating a business-friendly environment that supports both investors and entrepreneurs. Under the UAE’s Corporate Tax regime, DMCC entities that qualify as Free Zone Persons can still benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, while any non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. These incentives make DMCC a preferred choice for startups, SMEs, and international companies seeking a stable, low-tax base in Dubai’s leading free zone.
In Dubai, a “DMCC Approved Auditor” is someone or a firm that has been given the go-ahead by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. They handle official financial audits for businesses in the DMCC free zone. These auditors have to follow DMCC rules for quality and skill. They help companies stay open and follow the rules when reporting their finances.
DMCC's rules are set up to help businesses grow, and, at the same time, keep things clear and safe for work in global markets. The free zone has simple rules that make it easy for companies to follow regulatory requirements. It offers an easy way to get licenses and gives clear steps for checking and meeting rules. DMCC helps all companies feel ready to compete. Every DMCC company needs to get its yearly financial statements checked by an approved DMCC auditor. They must give these statements to the DMCC Authority within 90 days after the year ends. Because there is little tax and the rules are clear, DMCC is a good place for both local and foreign businesses.
DMCC gives member companies three main types of business licenses. These are made to fit different business needs.
A trading license is needed for all business activities where companies buy and sell goods. It lets people work in a wide range of fields. This includes import and export, retail, and many services connected to money transactions. A DMCC trading license lets people do things like business activities related to commodities trading, dealing in precious metals, food and drinks trading, and selling consumer electronics. It also covers many jobs in wholesale and retail.
A Trading License enables companies to buy, sell, distribute, or import and export goods throughout local and international markets. Trading Licenses applies to nearly all sectors, including commodities, electronics, food and beverages, and precious metals. It is suitable for businesses engaged in wholesale and retail and commercial activity everywhere, including in, or out of the UAE.
An Industrial License is provided for companies engaged with the manufacture, processing, or re-packaging of goods — the license permits the process of turning raw materials into finished or semi-finished products within approved facilities. Industrial Licenses applies to industries such as food production companies, jewelry manufacturers, and light manufacturers, under a DMCC approved operational standard.
A Service License allows firms or professionals to deliver consultancy, technical, or specialized services to their clients. Service Licenses apply to industries such as accounting, legal, IT, marketing, and management advisory services. All businesses must appoint a DMCC approved auditor to ensure annual compliance, transparent financials, and govern regulatory adherence.
Each license type in DMCC comes with its own rules and perks. This means every business can work in a legal way. People who want to start a business there can pick the license that fits their business activities. It helps them start and grow the company right in the middle of Dubai.
Let us help you with your DMCC audit and make it easy, follow all the rules, and keep things simple for you.
We’ll manage your audit end-to-end, keep you compliant, and make the process straightforward.
Dubai Office: 1106, The Prism, Business Bay, Dubai — Saif Chartered Accountants
Email: [email protected] |
Phone: +971 4 451 8600
We are also present in Abu Dhabi and other UAE locations.
DMCC is known as a leading free zone with direct access to many business services. It gives people and companies a full range of help in one place. This support is good for many types of industries. The free zone has office spaces and advanced setups for different businesses. You can always find the latest DMCC activity list, including what businesses are allowed, on the official DMCC website. The website keeps these updates easy to see for people and companies looking for new options.
Companies in DMCC get access to new, modern office spaces. These spaces work for all business sizes. A small startup can use a flexi-desk, and big real estate companies can have their own large offices. This flexible choice helps companies work better. It makes it easy for them to grow fast, so they can keep up with others in the market.
Saif Chartered Accountants help DMCC companies stay on track with all the regulatory requirements. They offer expert help, making sure each business follows the rules of DMCC. They give support for timely financial reporting and help everyone keep their documents in order. With their help, businesses avoid getting in trouble with any rules in the DMCC business world.
DMCC is known for having a friendly place where people work together. The free zone is an ideal destination for many. There are networking events, forums for different industries, and business clubs. In this place, people share what they know. You also get the chance to meet new people who may want to work with you, which is good for your business. Teaming up can help your business grow in the free zone.
When you set up your company, you must pick your business activity from DMCC's official list. You will need to get DMCC approval for each choice. There may be different rules or steps for each activity. It is important to always follow DMCC’s own standards so that everything goes well.
We offer a full audit process. This starts with planning and checking risks. We look at your accounting records, ledgers, and journals. We also test and check your transactions, assets, and debts. We check that your internal controls and rules are followed.
Keep in mind that our audit services follow all DMCC regulations. The DMCC activity list shows some things that are not allowed or are limited. These rules usually apply to areas or businesses that the DMCC feels are high-risk or do not follow the guidelines.
We know that you don’t have a lot of time. DMCC asks for audited financial statements to be sent in pretty quickly. Most of the time, you need to file them within 90 days after the end of your financial year. This shows how important Dubai’s foreign direct investment is.
We work with you from the start to gather the needed papers. We help handle questions that come up. Our team also makes sure you get your audit report when you need it and that DMCC accepts it.
We streamline documentation, manage your audit end-to-end, and submit everything via the DMCC Member Portal—so you can renew on time and stay penalty-free.
We assist in collecting and organizing all essential audit and banking documents in line with the latest DMCC activity and compliance guidelines.
Our audit team provides a structured plan with proactive communication and easy-to-understand reports to keep your DMCC audit smooth and compliant.
Once finalized, we prepare and submit your signed audit report through the DMCC Member Portal and guide you through any follow-up or renewal steps.
A practical guide to DMCC company setup covering step-by-step procedures, business activities & license types, name reservation, approvals, bank account opening, and office space requirements in Dubai’s leading free zone.
Setting up a company in DMCC follows clear stages: select the right activity and license, secure initial approval with documentation, lease an office in DMCC, open a corporate bank account and deposit share capital, then obtain your business license and complete any remaining regulatory requirements.
Reminder: Every DMCC company must submit audited financial statements annually using a DMCC-approved auditor, filed on the DMCC portal within 90 days after the financial year ends.
DMCC offers 550+ business activities across trading, manufacturing, and services. Your chosen activity determines the license type, visa eligibility, and compliance requirements. Start by reviewing the activity list and shortlisting the options that align with your operating model.
DMCC’s interactive setup wizard helps you compare packages and license types based on your preferred activities. It simplifies selection, clarifies costs, and outlines documentation so you can proceed confidently with filings.
Propose up to three names during your initial application. DMCC verifies availability and compliance with naming rules. A reserved name is typically held for 60 days while you complete incorporation and licensing.
Begin with your activity selection and prepare the required papers. DMCC reviews your application, including the proposed business name, visa quota, activity eligibility, and overall compliance readiness.
After initial approval, complete the office lease in DMCC, open the corporate bank account, and compile any external approvals (e.g., Ministry of Economy or sector regulators). Submit the final pack to obtain your license and commence operations.
Choose a UAE bank that fits your transaction profile and currency needs. Local and international banks support DMCC entities, with varying KYC depth and onboarding timelines. A bank account enables smooth operations, collections, and vendor payments.
Cost-efficient for startups. Satisfies licensing while keeping upfront commitments low, with the option to scale as your team grows.
Furnished suites with shared amenities in JLT/DMCC towers. Ideal for teams that need a professional address and fast move-in.
Best for growing or regulated firms that need privacy, custom fit-outs, and room to expand while meeting sector-specific standards.
You can add or amend activities after licensing. Closely related activities (up to six under a license, subject to DMCC rules) may be grouped. Cross-category additions may require a new license or external approvals. Submit change requests via the DMCC portal with supporting documents.
A redesigned, scannable layout for founders and CFOs covering shareholder/officer rules, special approvals, bank account opening, and office space requirements in DMCC.
Select activity & license. File initial approval with IDs and business plan (as required).
Propose up to 3 names. Reservation typically held for 60 days.
Lease in DMCC. Open a corporate bank account and deposit capital.
Submit final pack, obtain license, complete post-licensing compliance.
Setting up a company in DMCC means you need to follow some rules about shareholders and officers. To make a limited liability company, you have to have at least one shareholder. You also need a copy of your passport. There is no set upper limit for how many shareholders the company can have. The shareholders can be people or other companies. This lets you have more options in how you want to own the company.
For every DMCC company, there must be at least one director. This director can also be a shareholder in the DMCC company. Having the same person do both jobs can help make decisions faster and run the company well. Shareholders do not have any age limit set. However, any officers need to be at least 21 years old. These rules help make sure DMCC companies use a good and clear system while following all DMCC regulations.
The way a DMCC company is run follows clear rules for shareholders, directors, and officers. A DMCC company has benefits like no personal income tax. There must be at least one shareholder in the company. This person can be an individual or a business. Because of this, you can have one owner or several owners. This gives the business model more flexibility in who can own part of it.
The company has to have at least one director. This person can also be a shareholder at the same time. Having one person in both jobs can help run things more smoothly and let the company make decisions faster. There is no set limit on how many shareholders the company can have. But, it is good to keep the number of shareholders easy to manage. This helps with governance. The requirements of the business make sure DMCC companies have a clear structure. This clear setup helps people in the company be accountable and act in a way that others can see and trust.
When you talk about rules for shareholders and officers in DMCC, age matters. A person of any age can be a shareholder. But if someone is younger than 18, they have to be represented by their legal guardian. This helps keep young shareholders’ rights safe in the company. Shareholders—no matter their age—must also be connected to a registered physical office space in DMCC.
On the other hand, people who want to be officers, like directors or managers, need to be at least 21 years old. This rule is there to make sure that anyone in these important jobs has the right level of maturity and enough experience to handle the company’s work. The company also needs to meet the minimum share capital. This helps the company stay strong when it comes to money. By following the rules about age and minimum share capital, DMCC makes sure the companies have good leaders. These leaders can make good choices that are right for the goals of the company.
In DMCC, business owners have the flexibility to hold shares in more than one company. You can do this in the free zone or outside it. This opens up more ways to invest and helps people spread their interests. It is also good that DMCC lets you have full foreign ownership. You do not need a local partner to run your company. But, it is important for shareholders to follow DMCC regulations at all times. You need to check that all companies’ activities and licenses fit with what DMCC rules say.
The option to own shares in more than one company can help businesses work together. It can also create chances for them to join forces and share things like resources. This works well for multinational corporations. These companies can make brighter plans and build strong teams when there is easy sharing. DMCC invites this open approach. The group wants to see growth and fresh ideas in its business area. DMCC is a good spot for business owners who want to grow their projects.
Some sectors need external NOCs/permits before licensing. Plan sequencing early.
In DMCC, some trading activities need approval from outside authorities. This is because these activities are watched closely and must follow the law. Sectors like healthcare, education, and financial services often need extra checks. Businesses in these areas must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the right government offices before they can start to work in a legal way.
Companies need to know the rules for their business activities. If they do not get the right approvals, they may face penalties or need to stop work. DMCC gives a resource hub that shows which activities need outside authority approvals. This helps businesses plan, follow the rules from the start, and avoid problems.
When a business wants to get service licences in DMCC, it must think about the space it needs for its work. Some areas, like healthcare or retail, need certain spaces that follow the rules for safety and health. For instance, a pharmacy needs a retail space that is safe and healthy for people. A manufacturing business needs enough room to make its products.
DMCC gives clear advice on how much physical space is needed for different business activities. This helps companies get ready and meet all of the rules. If they set up their office spaces to match their business licenses, they can run their work in the best and easiest way. In this way, businesses can use the office spaces offered by DMCC to help their work grow.
Not every business activity needs a detailed business plan. Still, some areas may ask for one when you want to get a license. A good business plan will show the company’s goals, what it does, the market it will reach, and money plans. This gives everyone a clear path to follow, which is important when you work in a global hub.
For businesses that need a business plan, DMCC does not set a strict format. This means you can design your own ideal package proposal to fit what your business needs. But, there are some things you must include. A good business plan should have a SWOT analysis, an operational plan, and a clear financial model. This makes sure your business plan is complete. If you need help, DMCC offers support services. They can help you write a strong business plan that meets all the important rules and still matches your goals.
Yes. DMCC companies must have annual financial statements audited and signed off by a DMCC Approved Auditor to demonstrate compliance and accuracy.
Yes. The audit requirement applies to all DMCC-licensed entities, whether active or dormant.
DMCC will not accept the audit. License renewal may be delayed and fines can apply, along with other compliance issues.
Within 90 days after the end of your financial year. The same 90-day window applies even if your year-end is not 31 December.
Only if they are on the DMCC Approved Auditors List and meet all DMCC/UAE requirements. Offshore or unlicensed firms are not permitted. Always verify the firm is currently approved before appointing them.
On the official DMCC website. Check the Approved Auditors directory and the business activity list pages for the most up-to-date information.
That’s fine. Choose a suitable financial year-end for your business. Your audit filing is due within 90 days from that chosen year-end.
Trial balance and ledgers, bank statements/confirmations, fixed asset & depreciation schedules, invoices/receipts/inventory records, VAT/Tax returns with reconciliations, incorporation and license papers, and lease/tenancy documents.
Trading, consulting, logistics, technology, import-export, financial services (subject to approvals), manufacturing and more—mapped to the DMCC activity list and license types.
Yes. You can amend or add activities via the DMCC portal. Related activities (often up to six under one license, subject to rules) may be grouped; cross-category changes may require a new license and/or external approvals.
Yes. Each selected activity must be approved and reflected on your license. Some activities also require pre-approvals/NOCs from external authorities.
Yes. Certain regulated or sensitive activities have restrictions or require additional approvals. Consult the DMCC activity list and guidance notes before applying.
Periodically. DMCC revises the list through the year. Always refer to the current activity list and circulars on the DMCC website when planning filings or amendments.
Map your actual operations to the closest activity definition, review license implications and external approvals, and use the DMCC setup wizard for guidance. An approved auditor can also advise on documentation and compliance impact.
Look for firms on the current DMCC Approved Auditors List with strong free-zone experience, ISA/IFRS capability, timely delivery, and clear communication—plus sector knowledge aligned to your activity.
Onboarding: Engagement letter, document list, and timeline. Fieldwork & review: Testing, discussions, and draft findings. Final report & submission: Signed reports and DMCC portal filing. Post-audit support: Clarifications and next-year planning.
DMCC Approved Auditors review and validate financial statements under IFRS and ISA, ensuring submissions meet DMCC’s compliance standards. Only firms registered on the DMCC Approved Auditors list may audit member companies—safeguarding quality, integrity, and transparency for auditing firms in Dubai and across UAE free zones. This independent assurance supports licensing, renewals, banking, and stakeholder confidence.
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