Starting from 2 January 2025, all new companies in the DMCC Free Zone (Dubai) are registered with the suffix FZCO. Existing companies must update their names to include the FZCO ending by 30 June 2026. Previously, company names in this free zone ended with the suffix DMCC.
- Existing DMCC free zone companies must change their suffix from DMCC to FZCO by 30 June 2026.
- As of 2 January 2025, all new companies are automatically registered with the FZCO abbreviation.
- Only the suffix changes; company names and the name of the DMCC free zone remain the same.
- Name updates are processed via the DMCC portal. The service is free and does not require any document uploads.
What is changing?
The names of new DMCC free zone companies now include the abbreviation FZCO as a suffix (standing for “Free Zone Company”) from the outset. If the entity is not an independent company but a branch established within the free zone, the name must include the words “FZ Branch”.
For existing DMCC companies registered before 2 January 2025, an 18-month transition period has been provided—lasting until 30 June 2026. By this date, companies must amend their names by replacing the DMCC suffix with FZCO. During this transition period, names with the old suffix (DMCC) remain valid and do not incur any restrictions or penalties.
Changing the abbreviation from DMCC to FZCO is a purely technical adjustment. It will not affect the legal status or operating conditions of DMCC companies in Dubai. The primary part of the corporate name (preceding the abbreviation) does not need to be changed. The name of the free zone itself (DMCC) also remains unchanged.
Why is DMCC changing to FZCO?
The suffix FZCO in a company name indicates that it is a legal entity registered within a free zone (distinguishing it from “mainland” companies). This abbreviation is the standard convention used by the majority of free zones across the UAE.
DMCC is adopting this abbreviation to ensure a unified approach to identifying free zone companies and to comply with UAE federal regulatory requirements.
Action steps for DMCC entities
If you registered a company in the DMCC after 2 January 2025, no action is required: its name already contains the FZCO suffix (which can be verified on the Certificate of Registration).
If the company was registered earlier, the change to the name suffix can be completed online via the Member Portal on the DMCC website. The procedure is free of charge and does not require the submission of any documents. However, the company must hold a valid license to proceed.
To implement the change, the following steps must be completed by 30 June 2026:
- Log in to the DMCC portal using your username and password.
- In the Company Services section, select the service “Company Name Suffix Change.”
- Enter the user’s contact details (email and mobile phone number).
- Submit the Service Request.
- Once the request is verified and approved, the company will receive:
- E-Certificate of Company Suffix Change;
- E-License with the updated name.
Next steps
In addition to updating the suffix via the DMCC portal, companies will need to reflect the new name in their corporate and internal documents, contracts, letterheads, and marketing materials.
The updated name must be communicated to the servicing bank, business partners, and clients. The name appearing on official documents (such as the Establishment Card or Tenancy Contract Registration Certificate/Ejari) will be updated upon their next scheduled renewal.
About the DMCC
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is one of Dubai’s largest free zones and a premier destination for foreign investors—ranging from promising startups to major international groups and world-renowned brands.
The DMCC Free Zone has repeatedly ranked as the leader in the Global Free Zones of the Year awards. As of 2026, the number of DMCC-registered companies has surpassed 26,000.
If you have any questions regarding the name update, or if you are looking to set up a company in Dubai, other emirates, or UAE free zones, the Uniwide team will be happy to assist you.
