What documents does an Italian national need to start a warehousing business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your warehousing venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a warehousing 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 a Warehousing 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. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

How much does it cost to set up a Warehousing business in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre?

The total setup cost for a Warehousing 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 are the tax implications for a Warehousing 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.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Warehousing business in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre?

The annual licence renewal for a Warehousing DMCC company costs approximately AED 15,300, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DMCC Warehousing licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DMCC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Warehousing in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre for Italian nationals

Free ZoneTransport

Warehousing in DMCC

Starting From

AED 15,300

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Warehousing

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DMCC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for warehousing operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), 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 Warehousing business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. The Warehousing activity does not require any special regulatory approvals beyond the standard trade licence, simplifying the setup process considerably.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up warehousing 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 Warehousing?

Choosing DMCC for your warehousing 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 warehousing 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 warehousing professionals. Furthermore, world's leading free zone positions your warehousing 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 transport enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your warehousing 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 Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your warehousing business in DMCC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for warehousing), 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 Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

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)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

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

8Signed application form from DMCC authority

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 warehousing business plan and the best DMCC licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the warehousing 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. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your warehousing 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 Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Warehousing in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750