Dubai Outsource City Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai Outsource City Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai Outsource City Free Zone is a specialized zone in Dubai created for companies working in the fields of outsourcing, customer support, IT, and business processes. It is located in a strategic part of the city, close to major transport arteries and residential areas, making it attractive to both international corporations and medium-sized companies.

The zone's popularity is growing thanks to its favorable conditions: 100% foreign ownership, tax regime (0% for those who meet QFZP requirements), and simplified registration rules. The business registration process can be done remotely, without a personal visit to the UAE, which significantly saves time and resources.

About Dubai Outsource City Free Zone

Dubai Outsource City Free Zone was established in 2007 as part of the large TECOM Group cluster, confirming its government support and strategic importance. From the outset, the zone has focused on developing the outsourcing and business process sector, providing companies with the infrastructure to work with clients around the world. It is positioned as a specialized platform for IT services, call centers, and support centers, offering a modern digital ecosystem. Thanks to its inclusion in Dubai's network, Outsource City fits seamlessly into the emirate's logistics and business landscape.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Outsource City Free Zone

Dubai Outsource City Free Zone permits activities related to outsourcing and business process support. Companies can open call centers, data processing centers, provide IT services, engage in accounting and HR support, and offer management and customer service consulting. Recruitment, staff training, and business support services are also permitted here.

For some areas, such as HR agencies or educational programs, additional approvals from relevant government agencies may be required. The specificity of this zone is that it focuses on service and operational processes rather than trade or manufacturing. Thus, Outsource City provides a unique platform for companies wishing to develop outsourcing models and service projects in the UAE.

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

Starting a company in Dubai Outsource City is easier than it seems if you break the process down into clear steps. Below, we will outline where approvals are required, what documents to prepare in advance, and how to reduce the time frame by submitting your application remotely. The goal is to guide you through the actual registration process in this specialized zone without unnecessary theory.

Required Documents and Timeline

To open a company in Dubai Outsource City Free Zone, an entrepreneur must prepare a package of documents in advance. It is fairly standard, but errors or incomplete information can slow down the process.

Main documents:

• Passports of all shareholders and directors (color copies, valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photo of each participant.
• Proof of residence.
• Resume or brief biography of the owners (required for certain types of activities).
• Application for company registration and choice of legal form.
• Constituent documents of the new company, as well as constituent documents of each corporate shareholder (articles of association, registration certificate, resolution of the board of directors).
• Visa or entry permit (issued in parallel with registration).

Terms:

• Document verification and preliminary approval: 3-5 business days.
• Issuance of license and registration certificates: on average 7-10 business days after submission of the complete package.
• Total duration from submission to ready license: usually 2-3 weeks, provided that the documents are correctly prepared and there are no additional approvals required.

Remote Registration Option

One of the main advantages of Dubai Outsource City Free Zone is that you can set up a company here completely remotely, without flying or being physically present in the Emirates. For foreign entrepreneurs, this is a real godsend.

The procedure is simple: all documents are submitted electronically via an online portal. After a preliminary check, the applicant undergoes online identity verification, which is usually done via video call. At this stage, the identities of shareholders and directors are confirmed, and passports and other data are verified. This format is recognized by the regulator as official and replaces a visit to the office.

Additionally, you can use our services of accredited registration agents in Dubai. They take care of preparing and submitting documents, interacting with the authorities of the zone, as well as the subsequent delivery of ready-made licenses and certificates.

Thanks to this approach, the process becomes flexible: the entrepreneur obtains the legal status of a company in the UAE while remaining in their own country. This saves not only time but also money.

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Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Outsource City Free Zone

In Dubai Outsource City Free Zone, entrepreneurs can choose different types of licenses depending on the nature of their business. The main options include:

• Commercial License is suitable for those who want not only to provide services but also to sell goods related to outsourcing or related products.
• Service License is the choice for consultants, IT teams, call centers, recruiting and training companies.
• Trade License is more oriented towards those who see themselves in trade: wholesale, retail, or resale of specialized solutions.

In addition, companies can be registered as FZ-LLCs (Free Zone Limited Liability Companies), independent legal entities with limited liability, or as subsidiaries of foreign organizations acting on behalf of their parent companies. The second option does not require a minimum authorized capital, which simplifies the process of entering the market.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

When registering a company in Dubai Outsource City Free Zone, it is important for entrepreneurs to determine in advance the number of visas that will be required for owners, employees, and family members. The license is directly linked to the visa package: the more visas included, the higher the total cost of annual company maintenance.

The basic package provides for company registration with one visa. It includes a license, access to a flexi-desk and basic administrative services. The average cost of the option starts at AED 18,000-20,000 per year.

Packages for 4-6 visas are aimed at companies planning a more active presence. In addition to flexi-desk, additional office rental options are often offered. Annual costs can reach AED 28,000-35,000.

Additional considerations:

• The cost of obtaining a visa for one employee ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 (including medical examination and Emirates ID).
• E-channel registration is paid separately and usually costs AED 2,000-2,500.
• If necessary, the visa quota can be increased for an additional fee.

Thus, the final budget depends on the number of employees and the chosen office format, which makes the system quite flexible and adaptable to any business.

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

Dubai Outsource City Free Zone is a specialized platform for service and outsourcing companies. It is well-suited for certain categories of entrepreneurs, but it also has limitations that should be taken into account.

Who it is suitable for:

• Freelancers and consultants working in IT, HR, marketing, or customer support.
• International companies, wishing to open call centers, data centers, or back-office divisions.
• Startups and small teams that value remote business launch and minimal administrative barriers.
• Consulting agencies and service companies focused on the B2B segment.

Who it is not suitable for:

• Manufacturing companies. The zone is not created for factories or warehouses.
• Trading companies whose priority is active distribution of goods.
• Businesses for which VAT registration is important, as the zone does not always provide this option.
• Owners from high-risk countries, where additional checks or refusals may arise.

Thus, Dubai Outsource City is ideal for service and outsourcing models, but is not a universal platform for all types of businesses.

Conclusion

Dubai Outsource City Free Zone is now considered one of the most convenient locations for companies operating in the outsourcing, IT, and customer service sectors. Key advantages include the possibility of full foreign ownership of the business, no income or profit taxes, and a fast and transparent registration process, including a remote format. An additional advantage is the variety of office solutions available: from flexi-desks for start-ups to full-fledged offices for expanding teams, making business development as flexible and practical as possible.

The next step for an entrepreneur is to determine the appropriate package, calculate the budget, and consult with relevant consultants. Their support will help you avoid mistakes, take into account the nuances, and launch your company as quickly as possible and without unnecessary risks.