Freight Forwarding & Logistics License in Dubai Maritime City (DMC)

Choosing **Dubai Maritime City (DMC)** for **Freight Forwarding & Logistics** operations optimizes both initial licensing costs and subsequent corporate bank account opening procedures. The freezone profile aligns with regulatory requirements, streamlining banking onboarding in the UAE financial sector.

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✓ 7–12 days license turnaround✓ Physical office required✓ 0% tax under QFZP

from 26,000 AED

Starting authority setup fee

7–12 days

License turnaround time

Up to 12

Resident visa quota (Flexi)

Choosing Dubai Maritime City (DMC) for Freight Forwarding & Logistics operations optimizes both initial licensing costs and subsequent corporate bank account opening procedures. The freezone profile aligns with regulatory requirements, streamlining banking onboarding in the UAE financial sector.

1. Regulatory Requirements & Licensing Framework

Direct Freezone Licensing Track

This activity code does not require third-party government NOCs. The commercial license is issued directly by Dubai Maritime City (DMC).

2. Jurisdiction Specifications

Criterion	Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
Jurisdiction Type	FREEZONE
License Turnaround	7–12 working days
Physical Office	Flexi-Desk (dedicated office not required)
Visa Allocation	Up to 12 visas
Annual Audit	Mandatory
Digital Bank Onboarding	Express digital track (3–7 days)
Starting Base Tariff	from 26,000 AED

3. Setup Roadmap & Timeline

License Issuance

7–12 days

Document submission and digital license issuance. Timeline: 7–12 working days.

Establishment Card

2–3 days

Establishment Card registration via immigration portal to unlock visa allocations.

Medical & Emirates ID

4–6 days

VIP medical examination and biometric capture for Emirates ID residency card.

Corporate Bank Account

3–7 days

Corporate banking account activation via Digital Bank flow or Tier-1 bank.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Is a physical office mandatory for a "Freight Forwarding & Logistics" license in Dubai Maritime City (DMC)? ▼

Yes. UAE regulatory requirements for "Freight Forwarding & Logistics" mandate leasing a dedicated physical space with a registered Ejari or freezone lease agreement.

Can I open a digital corporate bank account for a "Freight Forwarding & Logistics" license in Dubai Maritime City (DMC)? ▼

Yes. Dubai Maritime City (DMC) licenses for "Freight Forwarding & Logistics" maintain high approval rates across UAE digital business banks. Remote onboarding takes 3–7 business days after Emirates ID issuance.

How many residence visas can be issued under a Dubai Maritime City (DMC) license? ▼

Standard license tiers in Dubai Maritime City (DMC) support from 0 up to 12 residence visas for shareholders and employees without requiring a physical office. Higher quotas are available with dedicated office space upgrades.

Do I need to travel to the UAE to set up a company in Dubai Maritime City (DMC)? ▼

License registration and document preparation in Dubai Maritime City (DMC) are fully remote - only a passport scan is required. A physical visit to the UAE is necessary for the residence visa stage: medical test and Emirates ID biometrics (4–6 working days).

Alternative Jurisdictions for Freight Forwarding & Logistics

17 zones

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)

5–8 days · from 28,000 AED

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

7–14 days · from 29,500 AED

Dubai South (DWC)

3–6 days · from 13,900 AED

Dubai Industrial City (DI)

7–14 days · from 24,000 AED

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)

4–7 days · from 9,450 AED

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)

5–8 days · from 16,000 AED

Abu Dhabi Ports Company Free Zone

5–9 days · from 15,500 AED

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

2–4 days · from 10,800 AED

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)

3–6 days · from 11,000 AED

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

2–5 days · from 6,000 AED

RAK Maritime City Free Zone

4–7 days · from 15,000 AED

Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)

4–7 days · from 12,000 AED

Dubai Mainland (DET)

1–3 days · from 18,500 AED

Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)

2–4 days · from 16,000 AED

Sharjah Mainland (SEDD)

2–5 days · from 14,500 AED

Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)

2–4 days · from 13,000 AED

Fujairah Mainland (Fujairah DED)

2–5 days · from 13,500 AED

Legal Disclaimer: All estimates are indicative and based on published jurisdiction tariff schedules. Final pricing is confirmed in service agreements. Bank account approvals remain at the sole discretion of respective bank compliance committees.