When an investor considers starting a business in Dubai, the first question that arises is where to begin the process of forming the company and what requirements must be met before they can begin doing business. You will also need to look into additional approvals needed to start a business in Dubai, such as registering your business with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
What is the Dubai Chamber of Commerce?
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) bolsters Dubai’s standing as a global business hub, supporting and promoting growth within the emirate’s business sector. Founded in 1965 by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Makhtoum, the Dubai Chamber started with 450 members and now includes over 245,000 businesses. Its establishment aimed to represent the Dubai business community and safeguard their interests locally and internationally.
Why Register My Business with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce?
Free zone companies in the UAE, while enjoying a relaxed business environment, must still get certain approvals like membership in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for participation in trade events. Meydan Free Zone offers business licenses certified by the Dubai Chamber and MOFA-recognized LLC licenses. For business setup in Dubai, we offer expert guidance with a dedicated representative to assist you.
Register Your Business With Meydan Free Zone Now
Benefits of Being a Member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Having a membership with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has a number of advantages, which are discussed in more detail below:
- Smart Commerce: Streamlines trade operations with standard and electronic services like Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnets.
- Events and Networking: Provides access to events like the Global Business Forum, workshops, and business matchmaking meetings.
- Business Voice: Facilitates business feedback to government agencies, offering resources such as market intelligence via their Business Voice Portal.
- Mediation and Arbitration: Helps resolve commercial disputes using best global practices.
- Market Insights: Delivers economic data, market trends, and credit ratings.
- Discounts and Facilities: Provides members competitive advantages with various discounts and modern facilities.
- CSR and Sustainability: Promotes CSR through its CSR Label program, providing CSR guidelines and toolkits.
- Support for Startups: Offers startup resources and services through the Dubai Startup Hub.
- International Market Access: Assists in global expansion, identifying opportunities in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Business Excellence: Encourages best practices via awards like the MRM Business Awards and tools like the Dubai Innovation Index.
- Business Facilitation: Assists in forming business councils and groups, promoting interaction within Dubai’s business community.
Who is Eligible?
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit public entity dedicated to creating a favourable business environment in Dubai that promotes the business formation and growth. The organization’s primary goals are to create a business-friendly environment, assist with business development, promote Dubai as an international business hub, and achieve efficient resource management and institutional excellence.
Whether you’re a Sole Proprietorship, Free Zone Company, Foreign Company, Representative Office, or Local Company, you can apply for membership at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Fees & How to Apply
DCCI’s Membership service is responsible for registering mainland and free zone companies licensed to engage in all commercial, industrial, and professional activities. The service enables customers to carry out their economic activities while also taking advantage of Dubai Chamber’s numerous other services and programmes aimed at promoting business growth.
Fees
The fees are determined by the legal form of the establishment/company, the nationality of the owners, or the type of activity of the establishment/company. These annual fees are divided into the following categories:
- National establishments (practising specific activity): AED 700
- General trading: AED 1200 – AED 2200
- Banks, insurance companies, building contractors, branches of international foreign companies, companies and establishments in free zones: AED 2,200
- Hotels, related financial services and insurance brokers: AED 2000 – 2,200
- Lawyers, auditors and consultancy engineers: AED 1000 – AED 2,200
- Various simple trade: AED 500
- Handicraft, e-traders and Intelaq license: AED 300
- Simple handicrafts: AED 50
- Branches holding principal’s trade name: AED 100 – AED 2,200 (according to activity)
- AED 100 to be collected in the case of membership modification based on the license
- 5-year exemption for Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small And Medium Enterprises members.
How to Apply
Once you have secured your trade license, you must register with Commercial Authorities such as DCCI, which guarantees verifying your business’ position in the market.
The service procedure is simple, and will only take 2 minutes through the website, or 6 minutes if you visit one of the Customer Happiness Centers.
- Submission of all required documentation through Customer Happiness Centers, the website, or via email
- Acceptance of the request
- Service fee payment
- Collection of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate
Companies wishing to set up a business within the Meydan Free Zone benefit from a simplified application process. Apply for Dubai Chamber of Commerce certified business license from Meydan Free Zone, when you register on its award-winning portal, which enables end-to-end applications, permissions, and transactions.
