Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
15,020 AED
4 to 6 weeks
2 years
Free zone company formation in Dubai Internet City (DIC) can be done either personally by the company owners or with the help of a business consultant. While the license registration can be completed remotely without the physical presence of the shareholders, their presence will be required afterward to sign company documents and collect the office keys from the free zone. The entire formation process generally takes about 4-6 weeks. To register a company in DIC, you must lease an office facility, with the smallest option being a hot desk that includes 1 visa quota.
Identify the business activities your company will engage in and the appropriate license type. This step is crucial for a smooth business setup, as selecting the wrong activities or license type can lead to issues during company registration, including difficulties with opening a bank account or obtaining residency visas for you and your employees.
Determine the legal status of your company in Dubai Internet City. The available legal entities for company formation at DIC include an FZ-LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company) or a branch of an existing local or foreign company.
Gather and submit the required documents along with the application form. For FZ-LLC company formation at Dubai Internet City (DIC), the following documents are required:
Passport copy
Business plan
Personal bank statement for the last 3 months (required for Lebanese and Syrian nationals)
For registering a branch of an existing company at DIC, the following documents are needed:
Scanned passport copies (Shareholders and General Manager)
Passport-size photos
Mobile number (Shareholders and General Manager)
Address (Shareholders and General Manager)
Email address (Shareholders and General Manager)
CV of General Manager
Emirates ID (if applicable)
Trade name document of the foreign entity
Business activities description
Business plan
Company profile
Memorandum and Articles of Association (notarized by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)
Board resolution (notarized by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)
Certificate of registration for the foreign entity (notarized by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)
Certificate of good standing for the foreign entity (notarized by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)
Proof of physical address of the foreign entity
While the issuance of the DIC business license takes about 48 hours, the overall company formation process includes a pre-approval period of 5-7 working days and the issuance of office lease documents (3-4 weeks). Registration and processing fees must also be paid at this stage.
Secure the license and registration documents for the company, including:
Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes. The issuance process takes 3-5 working days.
Submit your application for an entry permit. If you are outside the UAE during the processing of the entry permit, you must travel to the UAE within 60 days of issuance to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. If you are already in the UAE when the entry permit is issued, your status will be updated from your current tourist or residency visa to the new one. The entry permit issuance process typically takes 5-7 working days.
Complete a medical checkup and submit the required documents for your residence visa, along with biometric scanning for your Emirates ID. The number of visas available for owners and employees may vary depending on the registration package. Both the medical checkup and biometric scanning typically take 1 day each.
Complete a medical checkup and submit the required documents for your residence visa, along with biometric scanning for your Emirates ID. The number of visas available for owners and employees may vary depending on the registration package. Both the medical checkup and biometric scanning typically take 1 day each.
Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card. The issuance process for an Emirates ID takes 5-7 working days after the submission of biometrics.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. Once you receive your account details, you are free to start running your business.
The basic cost for a Dubai Internet City license is AED 15,020. However, for certain business setup packages that include leasing a dedicated desk, the license fee is reduced to the registration fee of AED 3,520. Additionally, a Freelancer license is available for AED 7,500.
| ITEM & DESCRIPTION | COST |
|---|---|
| License and registration cost | 3,520 AED |
| Dedicated desk lease | 36,000 AED |
| Lease VAT | 1,800 AED |
| Lease refundable deposit | 5,000 AED |
| Establishment Card | 2,000 AED |
| Total | 48,320 AED |
| ITEM & DESCRIPTION | COST |
|---|---|
| License cost | 15,020 AED |
| Registration fee | 3,520 AED |
| 190 sq.m. office lease cost | 150,000 AED |
| Lease VAT | 1,800 AED |
| Lease refundable deposit | 15,000 AED |
| Establishment Card | 2,000 AED |
| Total | 187,340 AED |
Additional costs not included in typical packages:
Yes
If you’re seeking a business setup in a well-established and renowned free zone in Dubai, DIC is the largest information and communications technology hub in the MENA region.
If your business is related to media or technology, as DIC specializes in IT, multimedia, and telecommunications.
If you are a freelancer or an independent tech specialist, as DIC offers freelance permits with a single visa quota.
If you prefer a free zone with top-tier infrastructure, DIC provides a wide range of facilities, including offices in business centers, commercial spaces, and event venues.
If you or your team are from high-risk countries (such as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Turkey, etc.), you will likely face fewer challenges in obtaining resident visas or opening bank accounts in DIC.
You can also consider alternatives like Dubai Media City or Dubai Silicon Oasis, which are also media and IT-focused.
No
If you prefer a remote business setup, as DIC requires personal presence for company formation. In that case, Ajman Digital Media City (ADMC) or IFZA would be better options.
If your business is related to heavy industry or logistics, as DIC is primarily focused on tech and media fields. For such activities, SAIF or JAFZA would be more suitable.
Dubai Internet City primarily caters to technology companies, offering a comprehensive platform for startups, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations. DIC’s extensive list of business activities spans a wide range of categories, including software development, data centers, IT consultancy, telecommunications, multimedia, and Internet-based solutions.
List of business licenses supported by DIC
Start your IT business in the UAE’s growing market, whether it’s software development or IT consulting.
A Commercial License enables you to start a business in retail, wholesale, or import-export, providing access to both local and international markets.
With a Professional License, you can offer specialized services in fields like consulting, management, education, real estate, and more.
Offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.
Launch your online store or digital marketplace in the UAE and tap into the region’s fast-growing e-commerce sector.
Trade multiple products across various industries with a single license, offering maximum business flexibility.
Run your own restaurant, café, or food outlet and serve the UAE’s diverse and food-loving population.
Document processing services are in high demand in the UAE due to the large expat population. Open your Typing Center and help people with paperwork.
Provide financial services, including accounting, auditing, and tax consulting.
An Oil Trading License in the UAE gives you access to profitable operations and international partnerships.
Quality food is in ever-growing demand in the UAE. A Foodstuff Trading License will allow you to import, distribute, and sell food products.
Create and distribute content with a Media License, covering fields like advertising, media, PR, and marketing.
Offer educational services, private tutoring, or professional training in one of the world’s fastest-growing learning hubs.
Start a travel agency, tour operator, or adventure tourism business in the UAE’s booming tourism sector.
Become a registered real estate professional in Dubai and legally buy, sell, or lease properties in a lucrative market.
Dubai Internet City also supports freelance professionals by offering a dedicated freelance permit. This permit allows you to operate under your personal name, rather than a brand name, positioning you as an independent expert in your field.
Dubai Internet City provides a wide range of facilities for businesses of all sizes, including:
Commercial and retail spaces
In5 centers
D/Quarters
Light industrial units (LIU)
Warehouses
To establish a company in DIC, you are required to lease a premises within the free zone. The type of space you rent will depend on your company’s business activity and size. Please note that the lease is subject to a 5% VAT. Additionally, desk space requires an AED 5,000 security deposit, while private quarter spaces require an AED 10,000 security deposit.
A fully equipped dedicated workspace. It offers privacy, essential support services, and a professional environment for business growth.
A facility for companies needing storage space for goods and materials, often equipped for light industrial use.
A space designed for businesses involved in light manufacturing, testing, or repairing.
A reserved workspace with a dedicated desk, chair, and basic facilities, allowing you to leave your computer and belongings securely.
Spaces designed for businesses selling various types of services or products and adaptable to different business models.
| FACILITY TYPE | ANNUAL RENT | NUMBER OF VISAS |
|---|---|---|
| DIC Business Center | ||
| 2-seater office | 72,000 AED | 3 |
| 3-seater office | 96,000 AED | 4 |
| 4-seater office | 120,000 AED | 5 |
| D/Quarters | ||
| Hot desk | 12,000 AED | 1 |
| Dedicated desk | 36,000 AED | 2 |
| Private quarter – Type 2 | 54,000 AED | 2 |
| Private quarter – Type 3 | 66,000 AED | 3 |
| Private quarter – Type 4 | 81,000 AED | 4 |
| Private quarter – Type 5 | 97,500 AED | 5 |
| Private quarter – Type 6 | 114,000 AED | 6 |
| Commercial space | 175-190 AED per sq.ft. | 1 visa per every 60 sq.ft. (minimum office space available is 700 sq.ft.) |
As a part of the TECOM Group, Dubai Internet City offers a diverse range of venues suitable for events of all sizes. Whether you’re organizing a concert, gala dinner, exhibition, brand activation, meeting, or conference, DIC provides the ideal space to host your event.
| VENUE TYPE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Amphitheaters | Amphitheaters, located in DIC and Dubai Media City, offer exceptional venues for hosting memorable events. With seating capacities of 1,000 and 15,000 respectively, they provide the setting for concerts, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations, combining functionality with a remarkable ambiance. |
| Auditorium and conference facilities | The Dubai Knowledge Park Auditorium for 275 seats as well as conference halls and meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology, making them perfect for conferences, business meetings, workshops, and trainings. |
| Outdoor spaces | TECOM offers a variety of outdoor spaces that can be used for events, exhibitions, and brand activations. These spaces include lakeside locations, courtyards, and gardens. |
| Sound stages and studios | Dubai Studio City is a key filming location and offers a variety of sound stages and multipurpose studios that can be used for events, gala dinners, fashion shows, and product launches. |
Opening a company in Dubai Internet City grants you, your employees, and dependents eligibility for residence visas. DIC offers various visa packages depending on the type of office space selected. After the business license is issued, the process for obtaining residence visas is straightforward and includes the following steps:
Establishment Card for the company
Entry permit
Status adjustment
Medical checkup
Emirates ID
Visa costs in DIC depend on the chosen office space and the number of visas required.
| ITEM | DIC FEE |
|---|---|
| Visa | 4,220 AED |
| Emirates ID | 390 AED |
| Refundable visa security deposit per applicant | 2,500 AED |
| Medical checkup (result in 24 hours) | 760 AED |
| Total | 7,870 AED |
Visas issued through Dubai Internet City are valid for two years, and the company license must be renewed annually to maintain the validity of the resident visa. Additionally, the visa holder must enter the UAE at least once every six months to keep the visa active.
To sponsor dependents under your visa, you will need the following documents:
Marriage certificate (attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legally translated into Arabic)
Birth certificate (for your child, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legally translated into Arabic)
Tenancy contract for a residence in the UAE
Companies in Dubai Internet City must undergo annual renewal. The process includes:
Renewal of the office lease
Renewal of the business license
This means that the renewal will incur costs similar to the initial registration, including license fees and office rent. Additionally, an annual financial audit of the company must be conducted.
| FEE | COST |
|---|---|
| DIC license renewal (minimal cost, does not include other associated fees like lease, etc) | 15,000 AED |
To renew your business license in Dubai Internet City, follow these steps:
Submit the application form along with the required documents to the free zone authorities.
Sign the renewed lease agreement.
Pay the renewal fees.
Wait for the renewed license to be issued.
If you’re not in Dubai, a representative can handle the renewal process on your behalf.
Once the renewal is complete, it’s crucial to inform your bank about the license extension. You need to bring the renewed license to any bank branch. Business consultants in Dubai can assist with this process.
Dubai Internet City allows company owners to make necessary amendments. The costs vary based on the type of amendment, which can be categorized as either Registry Amendments or License Amendments.
Registry Amendments may include:
Company name change
Operating name change
Parent company name change
Addition or removal of Directors
Financial year change
License Amendments may include:
Manager name change
Change of location/address in the license
Change of business activity/addition of activity within the same segment
Removal of an existing segment
Removal of activity within a segment
Adding a new publishing segment
Adding new channels
Most amendments do not require the presence of the company owner and can be handled by specialized business consultants.
If you wish to cancel your company and deregister it with Dubai Internet City, the following steps are required:
Provide the mandatory documents:
Board resolution signed by the shareholders stating the reason for liquidation
Deregistration documentation
Business license and all other company incorporation documents
Auditor Liquidation Certificate
Audit report
Pay the cancellation fees and settle any outstanding payments. The liquidation process will then begin.
Cancel all residence visas and other immigration-related documents issued under the company.
Once the liquidation process is complete, you will receive the necessary documents confirming the closure.
If you fail to renew or cancel your license, the DIC authority will initiate the liquidation process. If any refundable deposits were made to the authority, these will be refunded upon company deregistration.
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Since its establishment in 1999, DIC has become home to over 1,600 companies, including global technology leaders and Fortune 500 firms like Oracle, Visa, Google, and Microsoft. Managed by the Technology Electronic Commerce and Media Group (TECOM), a division of Dubai Holding, DIC provides a dynamic environment for businesses to thrive.
As a key destination for tech-based enterprises, Dubai Internet City offers IT companies—from startups to multinational corporations—a prime platform to showcase their products, services, and innovations. Companies can connect with global technology leaders and regional tech enterprises, making it an ideal place to launch or expand your business.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small or medium-sized enterprise, or part of a global corporation, DIC offers the resources, infrastructure, and support to help your business succeed.
The brand name Visa Kings Global is used under licence by Visa Success Limited. Visa Success Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Visa Success Limited does not give financial, legal or tax advice.
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