Yes. A DMCC company can trade in Dubai mainland. Provided it follows the applicable licensing. Also permit requirements. Dubai introduced a major regulatory change in October 2025. Through the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. Which gives eligible Dubai free-zone companies a structured way. To conduct business on the mainland. Without establishing a separate mainland company.
For businesses registered in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). This may create a valuable opportunity. A company will retain the advantages of its DMCC setup. While accessing customers. Suppliers and commercial opportunities across mainland Dubai. But the exact route will depend on the licensed activity. The nature of the transactions. Also whether the business qualifies for the mainland operating permit.
How Can a DMCC Company Do Business in Dubai Mainland?
Free-zone companies faced tighter restrictions. When they were selling directly into the UAE mainland. Businesses dealing in physical products. Worked through locally licensed distributors. Agents or mainland entities.
However, Dubai’s regulatory framework has changed significantly. Under the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, eligible free-zone companies with a Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) can apply to conduct approved activities within mainland Dubai. Consequently, qualifying DMCC companies may no longer need to create a separate mainland company simply to explore the local market.
The permit will cover selected non-regulated activities. This includes trading. Technology. Consultancy. Professional services and design. Regulated sectors will still require additional approvals. Or a different licensing structure.
DMCC Mainland Trading Options at a Glance
|
Option |
Suitable For |
Key Requirement |
|
Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit |
Eligible DMCC companies entering mainland Dubai |
Dubai Unified Licence and approved activity |
|
Mainland company/branch |
Businesses requiring permanent or broader mainland operations |
DET licensing and relevant approvals |
|
Local distributor or agent |
Product companies using an established UAE sales channel |
Commercial agreement with licensed distributor |
|
Dual licensing structure |
Companies needing regular operations in both jurisdictions |
Approval from relevant licensing authorities |
Dubai DET also recognises licensing structures that allow companies to operate across free-zone and mainland environments where the relevant approvals apply.
What Is the Cost of the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit?
According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. The mainland operating permit will cost AED 5,000 for six months. This can be renewed for another six-month period. For the same fee. So it can offer a low-cost method. For eligible DMCC businesses to test. Or expand into mainland Dubai.
|
Permit Detail |
Current Framework |
|
Permit fee |
AED 5,000 |
|
Validity |
6 months |
|
Renewal |
Every 6 months |
|
Application route |
Invest in Dubai platform |
|
DUL requirement |
Yes |
|
Separate mainland employees required |
No, subject to permit conditions |
In addition, companies using the permit can use their existing employees for permitted mainland activities rather than automatically hiring a separate mainland workforce.
Can a DMCC Trading Company Sell Products Directly to Mainland Customers?
Potentially, yes. Trading activities are included within the initial scope of Dubai’s Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, although eligibility must be confirmed for the exact activity shown on the DMCC licence.
For instance. A company involved in general commodities. Electronics. Food products. Or specialised goods will face additional customs. Product-registration. Municipality. Or sector-specific requirements. So businesses must not assume. That holding a DMCC trading licence alone. This automatically authorises every type of mainland retail. Or wholesale transaction.
Companies importing goods into the mainland UAE. This needs to consider customs clearance. VAT. Importer-of-record arrangements. Also product approvals where applicable. Get details on Business Setup in Dubai.
DMCC Company vs Mainland Company: Which Is Better?
The right structure depends largely on where your customers are located.
A DMCC company will be attractive. For international trading. Consulting. Commodities businesses. Also companies that seek Dubai’s established free-zone ecosystem. Whereas a Dubai mainland company will offer greater simplicity. For businesses. Whose core operations involve local retail outlets. Mainland offices. Government contracts. Or widespread domestic trading.
The new mainland permit. This will create a middle ground. Instead of immediately establishing two separate entities. An eligible DMCC business will expand into mainland Dubai. Under the permit framework.
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Corporate Tax Considerations for Mainland Activities
Tax treatment will require attention. DET states. That revenue is generated through activities. Covered by the mainland operating permit. It is subject to 9% UAE corporate tax. Businesses should maintain separate financial records. For relevant mainland activities. In accordance with applicable Federal Tax Authority requirements.
Companies must review the tax implications. Before expanding. From DMCC into mainland operations.
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» How Many Visas Can I Get With a DMCC Company?
» How Long Does It Take to Get a DMCC Business License?
» DMCC Free Zone Cheapest License with Residency Package
» How to Submit Financial Statements in DMCC Portal?
» DMCC vs IFZA vs Meydan Free Zone
How GrowthX Can Help with DMCC Mainland Expansion
Expanding from DMCC to Dubai mainland. This will involve more. Than simply finding customers. The licensed activity. Permit eligibility. Corporate tax position. Customs requirements. Also additional approvals must align.
GrowthX will assist businesses. With evaluating their DMCC mainland trading options. Identifying the correct licensing route. Also determining whether a mainland operating permit. Distributor arrangement. Or separate mainland entity will make better commercial sense.
For companies planning to grow. Beyond the free zone. Getting the structure right from the start. This can reduce unnecessary licensing costs. Also compliance complications later.
FAQs: DMCC Company Trading in Dubai Mainland
Yes. Eligible DMCC companies will conduct approved mainland activities. Through Dubai’s Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. This is subject to licensing. Activity and regulatory requirements.
Not necessarily. When your business and activity qualify. For the mainland operating permit. You will be able to operate in mainland Dubai. Without incorporating a separate company.
The current Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. This costs AED 5,000 for six months. This can be renewed for the same fee.
Yes. Where the licensed activity is eligible. Also the company can obtain the required mainland permissions. Certain products. Or regulated industries will require government approvals.
The new permit framework was introduced. To expand opportunities. For eligible free-zone companies. This includes access to government tenders and mainland commercial contracts. This is subject to the tender and activity requirements.
