The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the world’s flagship free zone and a leading trade and enterprise hub, has launched two new business licence categories:
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Licence
Holding Company Licence
These licences are designed to offer businesses, investors, and family offices greater flexibility in asset protection, investment structuring, and regional control without the burden of operational infrastructure.
With this announcement, DMCC continues its commitment to building innovative, globally aligned business structures that support long-term scalability.
🔗 Source: DMCC Official Announcement
What is an SPV Licence in DMCC?
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a legal entity created for a specific purpose typically used for:
- Holding assets
- Isolating financial risk
- Conducting securitisation or structured finance deals
What makes the SPV licence from DMCC unique?
- No requirement for office space or employees
- Lower cost of setup and maintenance
- Flexible ownership structures
- Ideal for real estate, IP, shares, or investment holding
This makes it highly attractive to global investors and holding entities looking to simplify governance while protecting high-value assets in a compliant jurisdiction like the UAE.
What is a Holding Company Licence in DMCC?
A Holding Company is designed for businesses and families looking to manage multiple entities or investments under one consolidated structure.
Benefits include:
- Centralised management of subsidiaries
- Enhanced strategic oversight
- Optimised tax planning and reporting
- Improved succession planning for family businesses
This licence is beneficial for:
- Multinational groups
- Investment firms
- Family offices
- Regional head offices
With no physical office required, this is a lean yet powerful structure that supports operational efficiency and global compliance.
Why These Licences Matter in 2025 and Beyond
As regulatory frameworks and market demands evolve, so must your corporate structure.
The SPV and Holding Company licences launched by DMCC are aligned with:
- International business practices
- The UAE’s competitive corporate tax regime (0% tax applicable if qualifying conditions are met)
- Modern-day business needs such as cross-border investments, risk isolation, and strategic governance
These structures enable better capital protection, ownership transparency, and regional scalability, making them a strong fit for today’s ambitious business owners.
In Simple Terms: SPV vs Holding Company
| SPV Licence | Holding Company Licence |
| Transaction-specific | Strategic and long-term |
| Typically owns one asset or deal | Owns multiple companies or assets |
| No operational role or governance intent | Designed for oversight and consolidation |
| Fast to set up, close, or restructure | Ideal for regional/international growth |
Use an SPV Licence when you want to:
- Hold specific assets (real estate, shares, IP)
- Isolate financial risk
- Set up a short- to mid-term investment vehicle
- Avoid unnecessary operational complexity
Use a Holding Company Licence when you want to:
- Control multiple subsidiaries under one structure
- Centralised decision-making and reporting
- Improve tax efficiency and corporate governance
- Build a long-term, succession-ready corporate model
Who Should Consider These Licences?
These licences are ideal for:
- Cross-border investors and asset managers
- High-net-worth individuals and family offices
- VCs and private equity firms
- Entrepreneurs scaling in the GCC
- Multinationals planning UAE regional headquarters
Final Thoughts: Structure Drives Scalability
In my advisory work with entrepreneurs, family offices, and finance leaders, one principle remains consistent:
The way you structure your business determines how well it scales.
With the introduction of these new licences, DMCC has unlocked efficient, cost-effective vehicles for those who want to grow smartly and sustainably in the UAE.
Next Steps
Thinking about setting up an SPV or Holding Company in DMCC?
Let’s evaluate your business goals and tailor a structure that supports you today and in the long run.
📩 Reach out for a strategic consultation.
FAQ’s
An SPV is typically used for holding specific assets or managing a single transaction, while a Holding Company is designed to manage multiple subsidiaries and long-term investments under one entity.
No, both licence types allow you to operate without a physical office or operational infrastructure, making setup more cost-effective and flexible.
Yes, both SPV and Holding Company licence holders can qualify for the 0% corporate tax rate in the UAE if they meet the regulatory requirements set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Ideal for investors, multinational groups, family offices, and business owners looking to structure assets, protect capital, or manage regional subsidiaries efficiently.
DMCC offers a streamlined setup process, and depending on documentation, the structure can typically be established within a few business days.
