DMCC vs JAFZA: Side-by-Side Comparison
JAFZA sits next to Jebel Ali Port and the airport — unbeatable for physical import/export, warehousing, and logistics. DMCC is office-focused in JLT, better for trading houses, commodities, and companies that don't need port-side warehousing.
- Trading companies
- Commodities
- Professional services
- Import/export
- Manufacturing
- Logistics companies
- Global reputation
- Excellent banking
- Large business community
- Port connectivity
- Customs advantages
- Huge warehouse options
- Higher cost than alternatives
- Minimum share capital required
- Slower than newer zones
- Premium pricing
- Far from city center
- Not ideal for service-only businesses
Still not sure which fits your business?
Take our 2-minute quiz and get personalized matches ranked by your budget, timeline, and activity.
Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| DMCC | JAFZA | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 15,000/yr | AED 15,000/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 15,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Setup time | 3-5 business days | 5-7 business days |
| Min share capital | AED 50,000 | None |
| Established | 2002 | 1985 |
| License types | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce | trading, service, industrial |
| Office options | flexi desk, shared office, private office, warehouse | private office, warehouse, industrial unit, land lease |
Cost breakdown
DMCC
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 5,750
- 3 visas
- ~AED 15,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 25,000
- Min share capital
- AED 50,000
JAFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 3 visas
- ~AED 12,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 20,000
- 10 visas
- ~AED 30,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick DMCC if
You run a professional services firm, trade commodities, or don't need warehousing.
See full DMCC profilePick JAFZA if
You import/export physical goods and need port and customs access.
See full JAFZA profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, DMCC or JAFZA?
JAFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 15,000/year vs AED 15,000/year for DMCC — a difference of AED 0 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at DMCC vs JAFZA?
DMCC advertises 3-5 business days and JAFZA advertises 5-7 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What's the minimum share capital for DMCC vs JAFZA?
DMCC requires AED 50,000 in share capital. JAFZA requires no minimum. For most activities, the capital only needs to be declared — not physically deposited upfront — but rules vary by license type.
What license types does each offer?
DMCC issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce licenses. JAFZA issues trading, service, industrial licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.