DMCC vs Hamriyah Free Zone
Head-to-head comparison of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (Dubai) and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (Sharjah). Costs, visa caps, banking, and who each zone is built for.
Quick answer: Pick DMCC if you want trading. Pick Hamriyah Free Zone if you want industrial.
💰 Cheaper Option
Hamriyah Free Zone
AED 10,500 starting
👥 More Visas
DMCC
Up to 100 visas
| Feature | DMCC | Hamriyah Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Hamriyah Free Zone Authority |
| Emirate | Dubai | Sharjah |
| Established | 2002 | 1995 |
| Starting Cost | AED 34,000 | AED 10,500 |
| Flexi-Desk Cost | AED 18,000 | AED 6,000 |
| Max Visas | 100+ | 50+ |
| Banking Support | Excellent - preferred by most UAE banks | Good |
| License Types | Trading, Service, Industrial | Industrial, Trading, Service |
DMCC is built for
- ▸Trading
- ▸Commodities
- ▸Crypto
- ▸Gold & precious metals
Hamriyah Free Zone is built for
- ▸Industrial
- ▸Oil & gas services
- ▸Trading
- ▸Warehousing
Who Should Pick DMCC?
DMCC is the UAE's largest and most prestigious free zone. Best suited for trading companies, commodities businesses, and firms needing strong international credibility.
- ✓Most recognized UAE free zone internationally
- ✓Strong trading ecosystem
- ✓Prime JLT location
- ✓Active business community
Who Should Pick Hamriyah Free Zone?
Hamriyah Free Zone offers deep-water port access and is a major hub for oil & gas services, industrial operations, and trading.
- ✓Deep-water port access
- ✓Industrial plots
- ✓Established 1995
- ✓Oil & gas ecosystem
Cost Breakdown: DMCC vs Hamriyah Free Zone
| Item | DMCC | Hamriyah Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| License fee | AED 34,000 | AED 10,500 |
| Flexi-desk | AED 18,000 | AED 6,000 |
| Est. annual renewal | AED 28,900 (est.) | AED 8,925 (est.) |
| Year 1 with 1 visa | AED 37,500 (est.) | AED 14,000 (est.) |
Renewal and visa estimates based on industry average. Actual costs vary by package.
Which Should You Choose?
If cost is the primary driver, Hamriyah Free Zone has the lower starting cost at AED 10,500 versus AED 34,000 for DMCC, a difference of AED 23,500 per year.
DMCC is built for: trading, commodities, crypto, gold & precious metals. Hamriyah Free Zone is built for: industrial, oil & gas services, trading, warehousing. The right zone is determined by your industry and the type of clients, partners, or regulators you need to deal with, not just the license cost.
Both zones offer 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and potential corporate tax efficiency under the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) rules. The practical differences lie in prestige, banking ease, visa flexibility, and the activities each zone supports.
Use the Business Setup Cost Calculator to model your total Year 1 cost including visas and office fees at either zone.
DMCC vs Hamriyah Free Zone: Common Questions
Can I switch from DMCC to Hamriyah Free Zone later?
Yes. Switching requires a new license at the destination zone, a fresh bank account, and transfer of visas. Plan 4–6 weeks of overlap to maintain operations. Existing contracts may need to be re-papered under the new entity.
Which zone is cheaper to start in?
Hamriyah Free Zone starts at AED 10,500, while DMCC starts at AED 34,000. That is a difference of AED 23,500 in initial license fees alone.
Which zone allows more visas?
DMCC supports up to 100+ visas. Hamriyah Free Zone caps at 50+. If you are planning to scale headcount past 50, DMCC gives more runway.
Do both zones allow 100% foreign ownership?
Yes. DMCC and Hamriyah Free Zone, like all UAE free zones, allow 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.
How long does setup take?
Both zones typically issue licenses within 2–4 weeks of clean documentation. UAE bank account opening adds another 4–8 weeks. Total realistic timeline: 6–12 weeks from decision to fully operational.
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