Dubai Internet City Free Zone Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai Internet City Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai Internet City is one of the region's leading technology hubs, located in the centre of Dubai, close to key transport arteries and infrastructure-rich areas. Founded to support IT companies and start-ups, the zone attracts the attention of major international brands and fast-growing teams.

Advantages of Dubai Internet City Free Zone company registration include 100% foreign ownership, business-friendly taxes, flexible licence terms, advanced digital infrastructure and the possibility of fully remote company incorporation. With an open business climate, support for innovators and access to a wide talent pool, DIC provides a convenient launch platform for both international players and start-up teams. It is a great choice for those focused on growth in technology and digital solutions.

About Dubai Internet City Free Zone

Dubai Internet City Free Zone is a specialised economic zone established in 1999 with the support of the UAE government to develop the ICT sector. It is part of the TECOM Group and is part of the Dubai Holding structure, which guarantees government support and strategic stability. DIC is positioned as the largest technology cluster in the MENA region, bringing together international corporations, startups and incubators. The zone is actively integrated into Dubai's smart city ecosystem, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation and cross-border IT expansion.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Internet City Free Zone

The Dubai Internet City Free Economic Zone allows a wide range of business activities related to ICT, digital services and technology:

• Software and mobile application development.
• Design and digital marketing.
• Hosting, cloud solutions and data centre management.
• IT consulting, systems integration, cyber security.
• E-commerce, fintech and digital media production - including AR/VR, AI, Big Data.
• Academic and training centres in the technology sector.

Certain specialised areas, such as data centre operators, AR/VR studios or fintech platforms, require special prior approvals from the DIC administration. This ensures that high standards of technological safety and environmental compliance are maintained.

Step-by-Step Dubai Internet City Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

Company registration in the Dubai Internet City Free Economic Zone is a structured and relatively quick process designed with a focus on the convenience of technology companies. With government support and digital infrastructure, DIC offers transparent processing procedures, minimal bureaucratic barriers and flexible conditions for foreign investors. Below is a step-by-step algorithm for launching a business in this zone, including key steps, timelines, and documentation.

Required Documents and Timeline

To set up a company in the Dubai Internet City Free Zone, a standard package of documents is required, which may vary depending on the type of licence, but in most cases includes:

• A copy of the passport of all shareholders and directors.
• Passport-size photograph.
• Proof of residential address (e.g. utility bill or bank statement no older than 3 months).
• CV of the beneficiaries and the director.
• Business plan (for some activities).
• Proof of payment of share capital (if required).
• Entry Visa or Entry Permit - for resident registration.
• Power of Attorney (if registering through a representative).

The company registration process in Dubai Internet City usually takes 10 to 15 working days. First pre-approval is obtained (3-5 days), then documents are submitted (2-3 days), followed by licence issuance and final registration (another 5-7 days).

Remote Registration Option

Dubai Internet City offers the possibility of remote company incorporation without the need for a personal visit to the UAE, which is especially important for international entrepreneurs and startups.

The procedure of Dubai Internet City Free Zone company registration starts with the selection of a business activity and preparation of a standard set of documents, including passport copies, proof of address and photographs. All documents can be submitted electronically through an accredited registration agent or corporate representative.

After successful verification and payment of registration fees, the documents are legally verified and the company licence is issued digitally. In the case of a resident visa, the entry permit is also processed remotely and the client can come back later for biometrics. Thus, you can get a fully legally incorporated company without leaving your country.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Internet City Free Zone

Dubai Internet City Free Zone offers different types of licences, focusing on IT business, digital, consulting, and media. The choice of a licence depends on the planned activity of the company and its format. The cost of a licence is based on the type of activity, number of visas, and rent. Here you can find the main types of available licences, their purpose, and approximate costs for registration and maintenance.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

To register a company in Dubai Internet City Free Zone, you can obtain one of the following licenses:

• Software Licence - a licence to develop, modify, and distribute software, including mobile and web applications.
• IT Service Licence - allows you to provide IT consulting, systems integration, technical support, and training.
• Telecom & Network Licence - suitable for companies working with network infrastructure, cloud services, and telecommunications.
• E-Commerce Licence - gives the right to sell goods and services over the Internet, including marketplaces and proprietary platforms.
• Internet & Multimedia Licence - intended for creating, publishing and distributing digital content: video, media, streaming.

Dubai Internet City Free Zone offers flexible visa packages to suit the number of employees and workspace requirements. A Shared Desk (one workstation) costs around AED 12,000 AED + AED 5,000 deposit, which includes 1 visa (sponsored by a partner or employee).

The Exclusive Desk solution costs around AED 36,000 + AED 5,000 deposit and, again, 2 visas are included.

In addition to the cost of rent and deposit, companies pay for a licence, registration, and a possible Establishment Card. For example, a basic licence costs approximately AED 15,000, a registration fee of AED 3,500, and a freelance licence costs AED 7,500. Visa fees, medical examination, Emirates ID and e-channel fees are also mandatory, which can add on ~ AED 1,000-1,500 per visa.

As for subsequent costs, annual packages include lease, licence and visa renewals. If you wish to get additional work visas or connect e-channel (access to automated immigration channels), separate fees are incurred.

The total cost depends on the choice of package: Shared Desk + 1 visa - from ~20,000 AED/year including all fees; Exclusive Desk + 2 visas - approximately from AED 30,000-40,000; Executive Office + 4 visas - can reach AED 120,000 and higher. Additional visas and e-channel will increase costs but provide full flexibility and ease of staff management.

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Dubai Internet City Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

Dubai Internet City Free Zone is focused on digital businesses, IT companies, and media. However, its opportunities and limitations are not suitable for all types of entrepreneurs.

DIC is suitable for:

• Freelancers and individual software developers.
• IT companies specialising in SaaS, AI, big data.
• Digital marketing agencies and media companies.
• Business consultants and technology start-ups.
• Major international brands in telecoms and digital solutions.

DIC is not suitable for:

• Trading companies with physical goods (no warehousing infrastructure)
• Manufacturers (no manufacturing space)
• Citizens of high-risk countries (restrictions on registration and account opening)
• Companies seeking mandatory VAT registration (FTA thresholds to be met).

DIC offers prestige, digital infrastructure and a world-class business environment, but is less flexible on licensing and more expensive than universal zones like IFZA or SHAMS.

Conclusion

Dubai Internet City Free Zone is one of the leading specialised zones in the UAE, ideal for IT companies, startups, software developers, freelancers and digital consultants. Its main advantages are full foreign ownership, low corporate and income tax, advanced infrastructure, and the ability to register remotely without a visit to Dubai. The licences offered by Dubai Internet City Free Zone are clearly focused on the technology and digital sphere, making the zone an ideal environment for innovative businesses.

Suppose you are in the technology sector and are planning to enter the Middle East market or expand your global presence. In that case, the Dubai Internet City Free Zone company is a strategic solution. We recommend contacting professional consultants who will help you select the right package, prepare documents and avoid legal errors. Expert support will significantly reduce registration time and risks, allowing you to focus on business growth and development.