What documents does a Chinese national need to start a insurance brokerage business in the UAE?

You will need a valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in China, attested documents via Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT, and a business plan for your insurance brokerage venture.

How long does it take for a Chinese citizen to set up a insurance brokerage company in DMCC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

What documents do I need to set up an Insurance Brokerage business in DMCC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Insurance Authority. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

How much does it cost to set up an Insurance Brokerage business in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre?

The total setup cost for an Insurance Brokerage business in DMCC starts from approximately AED 15,300 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 5,200 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What business activities can I include on my DMCC licence?

Your DMCC licence can include insurance brokerage as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

What are the tax implications for an Insurance Brokerage business in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DMCC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Dubai Multi Commodities Centre good for insurance brokerage start-ups?

DMCC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate and income tax. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 6,300 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Insurance Brokerage in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre for Chinese nationals

Free ZoneFinancialRegulated Activity

Insurance Brokerage in DMCC

Starting From

AED 15,300

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Insurance Brokerage

The UAE continues to attract Chinese entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DMCC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for insurance brokerage operations. Rapidly growing community in the UAE (~300,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Multi Commodities Centre gives your Insurance Brokerage business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Insurance Authority before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up insurance brokerage businesses in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why DMCC for Insurance Brokerage?

Choosing DMCC for your insurance brokerage business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers 100% foreign ownership, which is particularly valuable for insurance brokerage operations. Additionally, zero corporate and income tax ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 6,300 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Strategic JLT location further enhances the appeal of DMCC for insurance brokerage professionals. Furthermore, world's leading free zone positions your insurance brokerage business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DMCC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established financial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Chinese nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Chinese business community.

100% foreign ownership

Zero corporate and income tax

Strategic JLT location

World's leading free zone

Access to commodities market

Visa Requirements for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. Once your insurance brokerage licence is issued by DMCC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Chinese Business Owners

Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations. Several UAE banks have dedicated Chinese business desks and Mandarin-speaking staff. For your insurance brokerage business in DMCC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Chinese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any China-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for insurance brokerage), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DMCC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid China passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Signed application form from DMCC authority

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Insurance Brokerage is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Insurance Authority is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	15,300
Visa Package (per visa)	5,200
Flexi Desk	6,300
Shared Office	12,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,800

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your insurance brokerage business plan and the best DMCC licence options for Chinese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from China through Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs / CCPIT and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the insurance brokerage licence application to DMCC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DMCC trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Chinese nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Chinese entrepreneurs benefit from strong UAE-China trade relations.

Start Operations

Your insurance brokerage business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DMCC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Chinese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Insurance Brokerage in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000