Business Setup in JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers)
DMCC free zone licensing, flexi-desks and visa support for entrepreneurs setting up across Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Setting Up a Business in JLT
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, universally known as JLT, is home to one of the world's largest single free zones, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Spread across more than 80 towers surrounding four artificial lakes and clustered around Almas Tower, JLT hosts thousands of companies in commodities trading, technology, media, consultancy and logistics, making it one of the most active free zone communities in the region.
Unlike Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, JLT businesses are not licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism. Instead, every company operating from a JLT tower is registered and licensed through DMCC, a free zone authority rather than the mainland DET system. This means 100% foreign ownership is standard for every entity, there is no requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or service agent, and company profits and capital can generally be repatriated in full, subject to your chosen legal structure.
DMCC licensing covers three broad categories — trading, service and industrial licences — and permits over 600 approved business activities, from precious metals and commodities trading to consulting, media production and crypto-related services. Companies wanting to also trade directly with mainland Dubai clients can apply for a DMCC dual licence, which lets a free zone company operate a linked mainland presence without setting up a fully separate legal entity, a structure DMCC has actively promoted for firms outgrowing a pure free zone footprint.
Office solutions in JLT are built around DMCC's own flexi-desk and flexi-office system: entrepreneurs can start with a shared flexi-desk inside a DMCC-managed business centre, move up to a private serviced office in towers such as Jumeirah Business Centre or Fortune Tower, or lease full floors in Almas Tower as the business scales. All applications, renewals and visa quota allocations run through the DMCC online portal, and IDOS manages that entire digital workflow on your behalf so you avoid portal errors and rejected submissions.
Our JLT services
Everything required to incorporate, staff and operate a compliant company in JLT — delivered by one team, on one timeline.
Company Formation
We incorporate DMCC free zone companies (FZCOs) and branches in JLT, selecting the right activity code and share structure through the DMCC portal from day one.
Company FormationTrade Licence Services
We prepare and submit DMCC trading, service or industrial licence applications, including dual-licence requests for clients who also want mainland reach.
Trade Licence ServicesPRO Services
Our PROs manage DMCC portal submissions, lease agreements for flexi-desks or offices, and any external approvals your JLT activity requires.
PRO ServicesVisa Services
We process DMCC establishment cards, investor and employee visa quotas, entry permits and status changes for your JLT-based team.
Visa ServicesEmirates ID Assistance
We book biometric appointments and track Emirates ID issuance for founders and staff registered under your DMCC company.
Emirates IDBusiness Setup & Compliance
We support ongoing DMCC compliance including annual licence renewal, share certificate updates, UBO filings and corporate tax registration with the FTA.
Business SetupWhy choose IDOS Business Services
Deep DMCC portal experience
We submit and track applications directly through the DMCC online portal daily, avoiding the delays that come from incomplete or mismatched submissions.
Dual-licence structuring
If you need to serve both free zone and mainland clients, we structure a DMCC dual licence instead of forcing you into a second, separate company.
Flexi-desk to full-floor transitions
We help you scale from a shared flexi-desk into a private office or full floor in towers like Almas Tower as your visa quota needs grow.
Sector-specific knowledge
From commodities trading to media and crypto-related activities, we know which DMCC activity codes and extra approvals each sector requires.
Clear AED cost breakdowns
You receive itemised DMCC registration, licence and visa costs upfront, with no hidden portal or amendment fees.
Dedicated account management
One advisor manages your DMCC file end to end, from incorporation through annual renewal reminders.
Benefits of starting a business in JLT
100% foreign ownership
Every DMCC company in JLT is fully foreign-owned with no requirement for a UAE national partner or local service agent.
No corporate or personal income tax exposure locally
DMCC free zone entities benefit from the standard UAE free zone tax framework, with qualifying income potentially taxed at 0% corporate tax subject to conditions.
Full profit repatriation
Capital and profits can be repatriated in full, giving international founders complete control over how earnings move across borders.
Dual-licence flexibility
DMCC's dual-licence option lets you access mainland Dubai clients without incorporating and maintaining a second full company.
Established business ecosystem
JLT's dense cluster of trading, media, tech and consulting firms around Almas Tower creates strong networking and B2B opportunities on your doorstep.
Scalable office infrastructure
DMCC's own flexi-desk, flexi-office and full-floor inventory across dozens of towers means you can grow your footprint without leaving the free zone.
JLT suits founders who want the ownership and tax structure of a major UAE free zone while staying close to Dubai Marina, Sheikh Zayed Road and the wider business community around the lakes.
8-step JLT business setup process
- 1
Free consultation
We review your activity, ownership structure and whether a dual licence or standard DMCC licence fits your plans.
- 2
Name reservation and activity selection
We reserve your trade name and match your business to the correct DMCC activity code from its approved list.
- 3
Application submission
We submit your incorporation and licence application through the DMCC portal along with passport copies and shareholder documents.
- 4
Office selection
We arrange your flexi-desk, flexi-office or serviced office lease in a DMCC-approved JLT tower to meet the physical presence requirement.
- 5
Licence issuance
Once DMCC approves your documents and fees are paid, your trade licence and establishment card are issued, typically within one to two weeks.
- 6
Visa quota allocation
We apply for your visa quota based on office size and process investor and employee visas through DMCC and GDRFA.
- 7
Emirates ID and medicals
We schedule medical fitness tests and Emirates ID biometric appointments for each visa holder in your company.
- 8
Bank account and go-live
We support your corporate bank account application and register for VAT and corporate tax where applicable before you start trading.
Most DMCC company formations in JLT are completed within seven to fourteen working days, with visas processed shortly after the licence is issued. See our full onboarding process for the milestones and documents at each stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is JLT a free zone or mainland jurisdiction?
JLT companies are licensed through DMCC, a dedicated Dubai free zone authority, not through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) mainland system.
Can I own 100% of my company in JLT?
Yes. DMCC free zone companies allow full 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a UAE national shareholder or local service agent.
What is a DMCC dual licence?
A dual licence lets an existing DMCC free zone company also operate a linked mainland activity through DET, avoiding the need to incorporate a separate mainland company.
Do I need a physical office in JLT?
Yes, DMCC requires every licensed company to hold a valid flexi-desk, flexi-office or leased office within its towers as part of licence issuance and renewal.
How much does a DMCC licence cost?
Costs generally start around AED 20,000 to AED 30,000 for registration, licence and a basic flexi-desk package, varying by activity and visa quota.
Can a DMCC company sponsor employee visas?
Yes, DMCC allocates a visa quota based on your office type and size, and IDOS manages the full visa and Emirates ID process for your team.
How long does DMCC company formation take?
With complete documentation, most DMCC incorporations in JLT are approved and licensed within one to two weeks.
Can I trade directly with mainland Dubai clients from JLT?
A standard DMCC licence covers free zone and international trade; to invoice mainland clients directly for certain activities, a dual licence or mainland branch is usually the right structure, which we can arrange.
Business setup in other Dubai locations
IDOS supports company formation across every major Dubai business district. Compare the options before you choose your registered address.
Set up your company in JLT
Talk to IDOS about setting up your DMCC company in JLT today.