Dubai’s leading free zone, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), has announced two new license categories for company formation: the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) license and the Holding Company license.
These options give businesses more flexibility to structure their investments and oversee assets, without the burden of renting physical office space.
The addition of SPV and Holding licenses reinforces DMCC’s appeal as a competitive global hub for trade and investment.
Expanded Licensing Options in DMCC
DMCC, a bustling free zone with over 25,000 member companies, is evolving its offerings to meet modern business needs. From May 2025, firms can apply directly for an SPV or Holding Company license through DMCC’s streamlined process.
These licenses are ideal for entities that need to manage investments or group structures more efficiently. According to DMCC, this includes multinationals, family offices and investment firms looking to consolidate ownership, limit risk, and scale efficiently.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) License
The SPV license is designed for businesses focused on holding assets or conducting structured finance. A company with this license can own specific assets (like real estate, patents or securities) separately from its operating business.
This separation simplifies asset transactions — for example, buying, selling or securitising property can be done smoothly without affecting the parent company’s operations.
An SPV’s structure reduces risk by isolating those assets: if one investment performs poorly, it will not negatively impact the entire company.
Holding Company License
The Holding Company license lets a single company own and supervise multiple subsidiaries and investments under one corporate umbrella.
By centralising ownership, a holding company improves governance and strategic oversight across its businesses. For example, a multinational firm could form a DMCC holding company to manage all its regional branches.
Because the holding company itself does not conduct trade, the structure faces fewer regulatory obligations, simplifying compliance and reducing administrative overhead.
Benefits for Businesses
Adopting an SPV or Holding Company license can yield significant cost and operational benefits. Neither license requires a physical office or extensive local staffing, which means lower setup and running costs.
This leaner structure translates into faster, more affordable company formation. It also enhances risk management: isolating assets or subsidiaries protects the rest of the business from potential losses or liabilities in one area.
From a strategic standpoint, these licenses also align with UAE tax incentives. DMCC license holders meeting certain criteria can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate.
In short, DMCC’s new licenses give businesses more freedom to structure their operations effectively, combining flexibility with Dubai’s supportive business environment.
For entrepreneurs aiming to leverage these new frameworks, expert guidance is key. Leading UAE company formation consultants understand DMCC’s processes and can streamline your application.
In particular, Corporate Business Services is highly regarded as a top Dubai business setup consultancy. Their experienced team can help determine whether an SPV or Holding Company is right for your goals, handle the registration paperwork, and ensure your application meets all requirements.
Consider exploring DMCC’s SPV and Holding Company licenses as part of your expansion strategy. Contact Corporate Business Services to discuss how to take advantage of these new licensing options. With expert support, you can secure the right structure and propel your Dubai business forward with confidence.
