Free Zones
DMCC Employment Guide: HR Compliance in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre 2025
Complete DMCC employment guide for employers. WPS compliance, visa quotas, contract registration, and HR requirements in JLT free zone.
Published: January 23, 2026
12 min read read
8 topics covered
Quick Summary: Complete DMCC employment guide for employers. WPS compliance, visa quotas, contract registration, and HR requirements in JLT free zone.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the UAE's largest free zone and a global leader by FDI. Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, it hosts over 25,000 companies across commodities, trade, tech, and services. This guide covers everything employers need to know about HR compliance in DMCC.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai |
| Companies | 25,000+ registered |
| Governing Law | Federal Law + DMCC Regulations |
| WPS | Mandatory since January 2024 |
| Visa Quota | Based on license/office type |
About DMCC
Understanding DMCC and why companies choose this free zone.
Overview
DMCC is headquartered in Almas Tower in JLT and covers commodities, trade, technology, and more. It offers 100% foreign ownership with no currency restrictions, global connectivity, and a strong business ecosystem.
Why Companies Choose DMCC
Key advantages include strategic location in Dubai, business-friendly environment, strong infrastructure, networking opportunities with 25,000+ companies, and cost-effective options for SMEs.
Employment Regulations
Legal framework governing employment in DMCC.
Legal Framework
DMCC follows Federal Decree-Law 33/2021 as the primary labor law with DMCC Employment Regulations for zone-specific rules, DMCC Member Rules for compliance requirements, and immigration laws for visa and residency.
Key Principle
DMCC follows Federal UAE Labor Law with zone-specific administrative procedures for contract registration, visa processing, compliance reporting, and initial dispute resolution.
WPS Compliance (Mandatory)
Wage Protection System requirements for DMCC companies.
Since January 2024
DMCC made WPS mandatory for all member companies. All salary payments must go through WPS with monthly SIF file submission by end of month. Registration is through an approved bank.
Setting Up WPS
Open a corporate account with a WPS-enabled bank. Register for WPS service. Add employees to the system. Generate SIF file monthly. Transfer salaries before the deadline.
Banks Serving DMCC
Most UAE banks serve DMCC companies including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, Commercial Bank of Dubai, and others with WPS capability.
Visa and Work Permits
Understanding visa quotas and the application process in DMCC.
Visa Quota
Flexi-desk licenses receive 3-6 visas. DMCC Business Centre allocations are based on package. Own office space allows approximately 1 visa per 9 square meters. Enterprise licenses have higher limits.
Visa Process
After employment offer, apply through DMCC portal in 1-2 days. Entry permit for those outside UAE takes 2-3 days. Medical test takes 1-2 days. Emirates ID application takes 5-7 days. Visa stamping takes 3-5 days.
Visa Costs
Approximate costs: Entry permit AED 500-1,500, DMCC processing AED 1,000-2,000, Medical AED 300-500, Emirates ID AED 370, Visa stamping AED 500-1,000. Total approximately AED 2,700-5,400.
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Employment offer | Signed offer letter | - |
| DMCC portal application | Submit through member portal | 1-2 days |
| Entry permit | If outside UAE | 2-3 days |
| Medical test | Required medical examination | 1-2 days |
| Emirates ID | Biometric registration | 5-7 days |
| Visa stamping | Final visa in passport | 3-5 days |
Employment Contracts
Contract requirements and registration process in DMCC.
Contract Registration
All employment contracts must be registered through DMCC Member Portal, compliant with UAE Labor Law, fixed-term (unlimited contracts phased out), and maximum 3 years duration.
Contract Requirements
Contracts must be in English and/or Arabic with full salary breakdown. Duration is fixed-term with maximum 3 years. Probation is maximum 6 months. Notice period is 30-90 days as agreed. Working hours must comply with law.
DMCC Contract Process
Prepare the contract using standard or custom template. Upload to DMCC portal. Submit for approval. Receive registered contract. Both parties sign the final document.
End of Service
Gratuity calculation and final settlement requirements.
Gratuity Calculation
DMCC follows Federal Law gratuity: 21 days per year for 1-5 years of service, 30 days per year for 5+ years. Calculation base is basic salary only. Maximum cap is 2 years total salary.
Final Settlement
Payment deadline is 14 days from last working day. Settlement includes salary, leave balance, and gratuity. Visa cancellation must be completed within 30 days.
Termination Procedures
During probation, 14 days notice is required. After probation, notice period is per contract (30-90 days). Payment in lieu of notice is allowed. Article 44 grounds allow immediate termination for gross misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
DMCC HR Compliance Made Easy
NeuralHR integrates with DMCC requirements for WPS compliance, contract management, and visa tracking.
Was this guide helpful?
NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
Related Guides
Free Zones
UAE Free Zone vs Mainland Employment: Complete Comparison 2025
Compare free zone and mainland employment in UAE. Understand differences in labor law, WPS, visas, leave entitlements, and gratuity between DIFC, ADGM, and mainland.
Read more
Free Zones
JAFZA Employment Guide: HR Compliance in Jebel Ali Free Zone 2025
Complete JAFZA employment guide for employers. Personnel Sponsorship Agreement, bank guarantee, WPS compliance, and HR requirements in Jebel Ali.
Read more
Free Zones
TECOM Employment Guide: DIC, DMC and Knowledge Park HR Compliance 2025
Complete TECOM employment guide for Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Knowledge Park. Visa process, freelance permits, and HR compliance.
Read more