Dubai Production City Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai Production City Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai Production City is a free zone located in the Dubai Land area, close to key transport hubs and residential clusters. It is popular among companies working in the media, publishing, printing, and design industries due to its narrow specialization and ready-made infrastructure. It is convenient to start a business here: everything can be done remotely, without visiting the UAE. Flexible office solutions are available, from flexi-desks to full-fledged workspaces. Registration is quick, licenses are transparent, and there are no hidden fees. The zone offers total foreign ownership, favorable income tax and a simplified visa system. It is a practical solution for entrepreneurs looking for an environment with minimal bureaucracy and a focus on creative industries.

About Dubai Production City Free Zone

Founded in July 2003 as the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), Dubai Production City (DPC) was positioned as a specialized free zone for media production, printing, publishing and packaging. Managed by the state-owned Dubai Development Authority (DDA), it serves as part of Dubai's broader strategy to create a favorable environment for creative industries. DPC is well integrated into the UAE market, offering a specialized infrastructure and supporting operations within the concept of specialized clusters, which strengthens its position in the region's logistics and media segments.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Production City Free Zone

Dubai Production City (DPC), managed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), specializes in licensing and regulating business activities in the fields of media production, printing, publishing and packaging. Permitted activities include: printing equipment, consumables, printing, sign and exhibition stand manufacturing, packaging, publishing and related services, promotional services, as well as warehousing and logistics operations. Specific media-oriented segments (e.g., publishing, broadcasting, social media platforms) require additional registration and approval from the relevant regulatory authority (e.g., NMC). Thus, DPC offers a clear, specialized set of business opportunities focused on the full cycle of media production and promotion.

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

Setting up a company in the Dubai Production City free zone is an organized process adjusted to the needs of media, publishing and printing businesses. The zone offers transparent conditions, flexible office solutions and government support through the Dubai Development Authority. Below you can find a step-by-step overview of company registration in DPC, including key stages, document requirements and features of interaction with the regulator. The process is available to both residents and foreign investors.

Required Documents and Timeline

To register a company in the Dubai Production City (DPC) free zone, a standard bunch of documents is required, applicable to both individual entrepreneurs and corporate applicants. The main documents include:

• a copy of the valid foreign passport of the founder(s) and manager;
• a passport-sized photograph;
• proof of residence, for example, a utility bill or bank statement (not older than 3 months);
• the beneficiary's resume (CV), especially if a professional license is required;
• if available, the parent company's founding documents (for a corporate founder), with an apostille;
• resident visa (if available) or entry stamp in the passport;
• for remote registration, a notarized power of attorney for the representative.

A business plan or description of the planned activities may also be required, especially for non-standard or licensed areas (media, publishing, broadcasting).

As usual, the registration of a company in the Dubai Production City free zone can last from 5 to 10 working days. The accurate duration of the process can depend on various factors, for example, the completeness of the document package, the type of office selected and the need for preliminary approvals. For remote applications, the time may increase for additional days, especially if a corporate founder is involved in the process.

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Remote Registration Option

Company registration in Dubai Production City (DPC) can be completed entirely remotely, without the need to visit the UAE. This format is particularly appropriate for foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to optimize time and logistics costs.

The process begins with the submission of scanned copies of the needed documents: passport, photo, proof of address, and others, depending on the legal structure. After a preliminary check, the applicant undergoes remote identity verification, usually via a video call with a representative of the free zone or an authorized agent. During the call, agents will ask some questions. They can verify the passport details, confirm the identity of the applicant, and clarify the business activity details

After the application is approved and the fees are paid, an electronic license is issued and, if necessary, scanned copies of the constituent documents. Thus, the client can open a business in the DPC from anywhere in the world without leaving their country.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Production City Free Zone

In Dubai Production City Free Zone, most licences cost AED 15,000 (~US $4,084). The exceptions are as follows:

• Packaging licence (including packaging production and processing) - AED 25,000 (~US $6,807).
• Publishing licence - AED 20,000 (~US $5,445).
• Signs and exhibitions licence (including manufacturing and installation) - AED 25,000 (~US $6,807).

Thus, for standard licenses in Dubai Production City Free Zone, the costs remain moderate and predictable, while for specialised licenses, they are slightly higher, reflecting the scale and nature of the activity.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Dubai Production City offers entrepreneurs several visa packages that vary in terms of the number of resident visas, office rental format, and total cost. Below are the approximate categories and prices that are relevant for most startups and small companies:

• Office type: Flexi-desk (flexible workspace)
• Cost: from 18,000 to 22,000 AED per year
• Suitable for: freelancers, individual entrepreneurs
• Features: minimal obligations, quick start, remote registration

• Office type: Flexi-office or shared desk
• Cost: from 25,000 to 32,000 AED per year
• Suitable for: small creative agencies, designers, editorial offices
• Features: scalability and the ability to add employees

• Office type: full office (from 20–25 sq. m)
• Cost: from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 per year
• Suitable for: teams working on a permanent basis in the UAE
• Features: dedicated workspace, possibility to install corporate identity

• Visa processing: AED 3,500–5,000 per employee
• Medical examination, Emirates ID, and fees are included in the specified amount
• Registration in the e-channel system:
  • Initial fee: approximately AED 2,500
  • Annual renewal: from AED 1,000

Visa limit extension is possible when increasing the leased area or switching to a more expensive package

This format allows you to flexibly select a solution for specific business tasks, with the ability to quickly scale and optimize costs without having to change the location or structure of the company.

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

The Dubai Production City free zone is not suitable for everyone. It was originally created as a specialized cluster for media, publishing and printing companies. Below are the main categories for which this zone may be suitable or, conversely, unsuitable:

The zone is suitable for the following people:

• Freelancers in the fields of design, printing, content, and marketing.
• Media companies, studios, publishers, and printing houses.
• Consultants working in the creative industries.
• International projects requiring representation in Dubai.

At the same time, it is not suitable for:

• Trading companies, requiring warehouse infrastructure.
• Manufacturing companies (except for light packaging).
• Financial and legal consultants - licenses are limited.
• High-risk nationalities - prior approval is required.

In addition, the DPC does not provide the option of direct registration in the VAT system until a certain turnover is reached, and does not always allow for flexible changes to the business model.

Conclusion

Dubai Production City is a specialized free zone that is ideal for companies working in the media, printing, publishing, design, and related creative industries. The main advantages of the zone are government support through the Dubai Development Authority, the possibility of 100% foreign ownership, low corporate or income tax, flexible lease terms (including flexi-desk), and the availability of remote registration without a personal visit to the UAE.

Registering a company in Dubai Production City free zone is particularly beneficial for freelancers, creative agencies, production studios and publishing houses looking for a decent platform with specialized infrastructure and the ability to get started quickly. Thanks to a simple and transparent registration process, agent support, and customized licensing packages, entrepreneurs can concentrate on growing their business without wasting time on bureaucracy.

If you are planning to open a business in Dubai and work in the creative economy, DPC may be the optimal solution. Contact our experienced consultants to go through the registration process quickly, correctly and with all the nuances of UAE legislation taken into account.