DMCC New SPV and Holding Company Licenses: Greater Flexibility for Business Structuring
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – the UAE’s leading international free zone for global trade and investment – has officially launched two new license categories:
✅ Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
✅ Holding Company
These new frameworks are designed to offer maximum flexibility for investors, family offices, and multinational groups seeking to manage assets, hold equity, and oversee subsidiaries efficiently — without needing a physical office lease.
Affinitas DMCC is proud to be among the first registered SPV and Holding Company agents accredited under this new framework, assisting clients in structuring their entities in full compliance with UAE Corporate Tax and Free Zone regulations.
New DMCC SPV and Holding Company Licenses: An Overview
| License Type | Ideal For | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) | Investors, holding entities, structured finance firms | To hold assets, manage investments, or execute financing transactions without active trading. |
| Holding Company | Multinational groups, family offices, investment firms | To consolidate ownership of subsidiaries, manage equity holdings, and streamline corporate governance. |
Both license types are non-operational structures, providing a cost-effective and tax-efficient way to hold assets, shares, and intellectual property while maintaining compliance with UAE’s evolving Corporate Tax regime.
Why DMCC Introduced These Structures
According to Ahmed Hamza, Executive Director – Free Zone, DMCC:
“With the launch of our SPV and Holding Company licenses, we’re offering flexible, internationally recognized frameworks that make it easier to manage investments, protect assets, and oversee operations across markets.”
These licenses respond to increasing regional demand for simplified, low-maintenance corporate structures that support asset protection, wealth planning, and cross-border investments.
Key Benefits of the New DMCC SPV and Holding Company Licenses
🏢 1. No Physical Office Required
SPV and Holding Company entities can now be registered with no mandatory office lease, significantly reducing set-up and maintenance costs.
💰 2. Lower Operating Costs
Only minimal overheads apply — ideal for entities designed purely for asset management, equity ownership, or family governance.
🧾 3. Tax and Compliance Efficiency
While UAE Corporate Tax (9% on profits above AED 375,000) applies to all UAE entities, including Free Zone companies, DMCC members can maintain a 0% rate on Qualifying Income if they meet FTA conditions.
The SPV and Holding structures help businesses segregate assets and qualifying activities to remain tax-efficient.
🌍 4. International Recognition & Credibility
Both licenses follow global best practices for corporate governance, mirroring jurisdictions like ADGM, DIFC and RAK ICC — but with a simpler process and lower cost base.
🧠 5. Asset Protection & Risk Mitigation
By holding subsidiaries and investments under an SPV or Holding Company, owners can isolate liabilities, protect assets, and create clear ownership chains for succession planning.
How Affinitas DMCC Supports SPV & Holding Company Formation
As one of the first registered SPV and Holding Company agents under DMCC, Affinitas DMCC provides end-to-end support for structuring and registration, ensuring your entity is compliant and optimized from day one.
Our Services Include
✅ Strategic advisory on SPV vs Holding Company structures
✅ Full DMCC entity registration & licensing process
✅ Corporate Tax & FTA registration for SPVs and Holding Companies
✅ Accounting, audit readiness & substance reporting
✅ Ongoing compliance and renewal management
✅ Assistance with shareholder agreements and group structuring
Affinitas DMCC has successfully helped regional and international clients create multi-jurisdictional structures linking DMCC entities with Malta, Georgia, and Luxembourg for cross-border asset holding and investment management.
DMCC’s Broader Vision
The launch of these licenses is part of DMCC’s ongoing commitment to simplify business operations and attract foreign investment.
With over 25,000 member companies across commodities, finance, tech and services, DMCC continues to enhance its position as the Middle East’s leading hub for business structuring, trade, and innovation.
SPV and Holding Company Setup – Quick Comparison
| Feature | SPV License | Holding Company License |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Asset holding / Investment vehicle | Managing subsidiaries & group investments |
| Operational Activities | Non-operational (financial holding only) | Strategic oversight & corporate governance |
| Office Requirement | None (required correspondence address only) | None (required registered address only) |
| Corporate Tax Treatment | 9% CT on non-qualifying income; 0% on qualifying income under FTA conditions | Same criteria applies (0% on qualifying income) |
| Best For | Family offices, investment vehicles, financing structures | Multinational groups, regional head offices, equity holding |
| Managed By | Registered SPV Agent (Affinitas DMCC) | Registered Holding Agent (Affinitas DMCC) |
Why Choose Affinitas DMCC
- First-wave registered SPV & Holding agent under DMCC
- Global expertise in multi-jurisdiction structuring (Malta, Georgia, Switzerland & UAE)
- Full service suite – from company setup to accounting and tax advisory
- Confidential and compliant service, trusted by family offices and HNW clients
📞 +971 (0) 4 576 2903
📧 in*******@af***********.com
🌐 https://affinitasdmcc.com/contact/
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The introduction of SPV and Holding Company licenses by DMCC marks a new chapter in Dubai’s business structuring landscape.
These licenses combine simplicity, efficiency, and global credibility, helping companies manage assets and subsidiaries with minimal cost and maximum protection.
As one of the first registered agents approved to incorporate SPVs and Holding Companies within DMCC, Affinitas DMCC stands ready to guide businesses through the entire process – from initial licensing to tax compliance and beyond