Dubai Studio City Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose Dubai Studio City Free Zone for Business Setup?

Dubai Studio City Free Zone is attracting more and more entrepreneurs, and there are good reasons for this. First, this place is a synthesis of modernity and cinematic charm: studios, sauna design, Hollywood-level infrastructure, but at the same time, in the center of Dubai. Its reputation is growing, especially among creative startups, producers, and media professionals. The location is advantageous: a developed transport network, access to airports, and proximity to Media City and Downtown make life and business easier.

The Free Zone is business-friendly: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax for those who meet QFZP requirements, protection from capital repatriation, simplified licenses, and fast-track start-up. What's special is that everything can be done remotely, from application to opening, without travel or red tape. This really saves your time and money.

Flexibility is evident in the selection of licenses, from media activities to consulting, and in scaling: expand, transform, and respond to the market instantly. This is the ideal platform for those who value efficiency and freedom.

About Dubai Studio City Free Zone

Dubai Studio City Free Zone was established in 2005 as part of the Dubai government's initiative to develop the media sector. The zone is part of the TECOM Group and is a specialized cluster for companies in the film, television, radio broadcasting, and content production industries. It provides world-class studios, pavilions, office spaces and appropriate infrastructure. Government support makes it stable and attractive to investors. Integration with other creative clusters enhances synergy in the development of the industry. Thus, Studio City is positioned as a strategic media center in the UAE.

Business Activities Allowed in Dubai Studio City Free Zone

Dubai Studio City Free Zone offers a wide range of business activities focused on the film, TV, and media industries. Licenses are available for film studios, television production companies, radio stations, recording companies, post-production studios, as well as casting and crew agencies. In addition, marketing and advertising services, media content distribution, equipment rental for filming, and event organization are permitted. Certain areas related to broadcasting, the publication of printed materials, or work with content involving religious and cultural aspects require prior approval from the National Media Council (NMC). A unique feature of Dubai Studio City is the availability of licenses for film production and television series using specialized pavilions and post-production complexes, making this area indispensable for global projects.

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

Step-by-step company registration in Dubai Studio City Free Zone is a clear sequence of actions: choosing a license and legal form, checking the name, submitting an application with a package of documents, preliminary approval, a workplace agreement, issuing a license, opening an account, and visa procedures. Below, we will lay out the route without embellishment.

Required Documents and Timeline

To register a company in Dubai Studio City Free Zone, you will have to gather a standard set of documents and take into account the approximate processing times:

Required documents:

• Copy of the founder/director's foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-size photo in digital format.
• Copy of entry visa or entry permit (if the applicant is already in the UAE).
• Document confirming the address of residence.
• Articles of association, resolution of the board of directors
• For corporate founders required company incorporation documents.

Processing times:

• Preliminary document review: 2-5 business days.
• Conclusion of a workspace lease agreement (flexi-desk or office) and signing of incorporation documents: approximately 5-7 business days.
• Issuance of a license and company registration: another 3-5 business days.

On average, with correctly compiled documents, the process takes 10-15 business days, allowing you to open your business within two to three weeks.

Want to learn more about UAE business setup services?

Book a consultation

Remote Registration Option

One of the main advantages of Dubai Studio City Free Zone is the ability to register a company entirely remotely. For entrepreneurs who are unable to travel to the UAE, there are clear mechanisms for remote identification and document submission.

In practice, it all starts with an online application and uploading scans of your passport, photo, and proof of address. After that, the zone administration organizes a video call - a short identity verification during which the applicant shows their passport and answers a few standard questions.

All paperwork is done electronically: incorporation forms, workspace lease agreements, payment receipts. They can be signed via a secure online platform. Entrepreneurs often engage a local accredited agent who interacts with the regulator, tracks the status, and expedites communication.

Thanks to this scheme, registration becomes accessible from anywhere in the world. There is no need to spend money on flights and accommodation, and the license and corporate documents have the same validity as if you were present in person. The result is savings in time and resources while fully complying with legal procedures.

Types of Licenses and Costs in Dubai Studio City Free Zone

Dubai Studio City Free Zone offers several types of licenses, mainly focused on the media production, movie creation, and creative industries, but not limited to them. Here you can obtain a permit for the production of films and television projects, distribution, consulting, IT services, and related activities. In the DSC Free Zone, it is possible to obtain either a commercial licence or freelance resolution. Companies can register in various formats: Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), a branch of a foreign company, or as an individual specialist with a freelance permit.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

Dubai Studio City Free Zone offers flexible packages for companies of all sizes, from small creative startups to international production teams. The basis remains the choice of the number of visas, workspace, and type of license.

The basic options start with a visa-free package: this is suitable for entrepreneurs who do not need resident visas but require a license and a legal address. Next are 1-2 visa packages with the use of a flexi-desk (virtual office or workspace), which are considered optimal for freelancers and small agencies.

The middle segment includes 3-6 visa packages: the cost includes flexi-desk rental, a license, and the ability to register several employees. This is convenient for companies planning rapid expansion. For large projects, 10+ visa packages are available, which include a full-fledged office and a higher limit on employees.

The minimum package (license + flexi-desk without visas) starts at an approximate price of AED 15,000-18,000 per year. Packages with 1-2 visas can range in price from around AED 20,000-25,000, and with an increase in the visa limit, the amount can reach AED 35,000-45,000 and above, depending on the office format and the chosen activity.

It is important to consider additional costs: each visa is paid for separately (usually AED 3,000-5,000 per person, including medical tests and Emirates ID). There is also a fee for e-channel registration and its annual renewal (approximately AED 2,000).

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

Dubai Studio City is geared toward companies in the film, television, music, and digital content industries. It is a specialized platform for those working in the entertainment and media industries.

Who is it suitable for DSC:

• Production studios, filmmakers, and television companies
• Music producers, recording studios, advertising agencies
• Media and communications consulting firms
• Freelancers in the fields of design, editing, screenwriting, or creative content
• International media brands opening representative offices in Dubai

Who is not eligible for DSC:

• Trading companies engaged in the import/export of goods. The zone's licenses do not cover this
• Manufacturing enterprises and factories. There is no relevant infrastructure here
• Startups from “high-risk” countries or with limited types of activities
• Businesses that require VAT registration

Thus, the zone is ideal for the creative industry and media-related projects. However, for trade and manufacturing, it is better to choose other free economic zones.

Conclusion

Dubai Studio City Free Zone has established itself as a specialized platform for companies working in the entertainment, film, television, and music industries. Its main advantage is its clear focus on creative projects, from production studios to independent freelancers. It has a ready-made infrastructure, pavilions, sound studios, and modern office solutions, which allow you to focus on the creative process rather than on finding basic working conditions.

The zone offers entrepreneurs a full set of benefits: 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal tax rates, no currency restrictions, and the ability to repatriate profits without restrictions. At the same time, the registration procedure is as simple as possible: documents can be submitted remotely, and the license is usually ready in a short time. An additional advantage is the flexibility of the packages: you can start small (flexi-desk and minimum visa limit) and expand as your business grows.

Dubai Studio City is ideal for producers, advertising agencies, music projects, and digital creators, but it is not a solution for trade or manufacturing.

The next step for entrepreneurs is obvious: determine the type of activity, compare the budget with available licenses, and consult with advisors. Professional assistance will help you avoid bureaucratic mistakes and launch your business faster, saving time and resources.