DMCC SPV & Holding Company Licenses 2025: Streamlined Asset Holding & Investment Control

10 May 2025

Shuchi Goel

The DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) offers flexible corporate structures designed for operational efficiency and cost savings. The DMCC Regulations 2020 simplified share classifications. Lawyers in the UAE evaluate the benefits of corporatizing asset ownership, like business interests and company shares. The DMCC aims to provide businesses with enhanced flexibility through its offerings.

Dubai: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has unveiled two purpose-built license categories—Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Holding Company licenses—designed to supercharge flexibility, cut costs and simplify governance for businesses structuring assets or regional investments.

1. Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) License

Ideal for one-off projects or isolated asset pools, the SPV license offers:

·       Passive Holding Structure: Set up as a private company (limited by shares or guarantee) to ring-fence risks and centralize specific investments.

·       Lean Administration: No requirement for a company secretary, annual general meetings or a physical office—only a registered address (often provided by DMCC-approved corporate services).

·       Cost Savings: Lower setup and running expenses thanks to governance and premises exemptions.

·       Global Best Practice: Aligns with international SPV frameworks, supporting remote management and cross-border capital flows.

2. Holding Company License

For groups seeking consolidated oversight, this license delivers:

·       Strategic Headquarters: Operate as a non-trading head office, employ key staff and coordinate subsidiaries under one roof.

·       Ownership Consolidation: Streamline shareholdings and dividend flows across multiple entities.

·       Operational Flexibility: Maintain full control over group policies, funding rounds and board appointments without transactional activity in the license itself.

3. Who Should Consider These Licenses?

·       Multinationals: Centralize GCC or MENA regional operations and boost group governance.

·       Family Offices & Asset Managers: Segregate property, securities or private-equity holdings in bespoke legal entities.

·       Project Investors: Isolate project risks and protect key assets during development or disposal phases.

·       Fintech & Investment Funds: Leverage DMCC’s global connectivity and legal clarity for fund-raising and portfolio management.

4. What to consider?

When structuring your existence in the UAE you should consider the below main basics: 

·       Jurisdiction Selection & Vehicle Design: Align your objectives with the optimal license (SPV vs. Holding Company).

·       Incorporation & Licensing: Prepare and file all documentation with DMCC, handle regulator queries and secure your license swiftly.

·       Corporate Governance Setup: Draft memoranda, bylaws and board-charters to meet both DMCC rules and international standards.

·       Ongoing Compliance & Restructuring Advice: Manage renewals, board changes and equity adjustments as your business evolves.

Conclusion

DMCC’s new SPV and Holding Company licenses unlock powerful tools for cost-efficient asset holding, risk isolation and regional investment oversight. By partnering with experienced counsel, you can streamline incorporation, reduce administration, and tap Dubai’s world-class business ecosystem with confidence.

ALKETBI TOUCH

Ready to structure your next project or consolidate your group under a DMCC SPV or Holding Company? ALKETBI team offers end-to-end support. Contact us today for a tailored setup plan and compliance roadmap.