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UAE – DMCC Mandates New FZCO Company Suffix
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced changes to company registration requirements. Effective the 2nd of January 2025, all newly registered companies must use the suffix “FZCO” (Free Zone Company) instead of “DMCC”.
This change represents a fundamental shift in corporate identification within the free zone and ensures alignment with broader United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal regulations.
Key Changes
The new requirements establish two primary changes to company identification within the DMCC:
1. All new companies must use the “FZCO” suffix
2. Branch establishments must operate under the “FZ Branch” suffix
This standardization creates consistency across free zone operations and aligns with UAE federal guidelines for corporate identification.
Applicability and Timeline
These requirements affect all DMCC registered entities. The implementation timeline includes:
- Effective Date: 2nd of January 2025, for all new registrations
- Transition Period: 18 months for existing companies
- Final Compliance Date: 30th of June 2026
Required Actions
Companies must take specific steps based on their registration status:
- New Companies: All companies registering from the 2nd of January 2025, must immediately incorporate using the FZCO suffix in their company name.
- Existing Companies: The 18-month transition period provides time to:
- Update corporate documentation
- Modify business materials
- Complete registry changes
Compliance Considerations
While the DMCC has not announced specific penalties for non-compliance, they strongly encourage all member companies to complete the suffix change within the designated transition period.
This proactive approach ensures companies maintain alignment with the DMCC’s latest regulatory framework and avoid potential future complications.
How Mercator® by Citco (Mercator) Can Help
Mercator provides comprehensive support to businesses navigating these new requirements. Our team of experts can assist with:
- Managing the complete suffix change process
- Updating all necessary corporate documentation
- Ensuring proper registration modifications
For assistance with implementing these new requirements or to learn more about Mercator’s comprehensive corporate services for multinationals operating in the UAE, please contact mercator@citco.com.
