Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone
Setup from
5,555 AED
Registration from
5 DAYS
Bank Account
GUARANTEED
Residence Visas for
2 YEARS
Table of Contents
Dubai Media City is a specialized Free Zone dedicated to media, marketing, and broadcasting industries. It hosts global broadcasters, advertising agencies, publishers, and digital content creators, fostering a vibrant creative community.
With 100% foreign ownership, no taxes, and world-class infrastructure (studios, showrooms, event spaces), DMC provides an ideal environment for creative collaboration and networking. Licenses are available for freelancers, SMEs, and large media conglomerates alike.
Why Set Up in Dubai Media City?
✅ Specialized Free Zone for media, content, and publishing
✅ Home to top international broadcasters, ad agencies, and film studios
✅ Located in Dubai’s media corridor with world-class infrastructure
✅ Licensing available for freelancers, SMEs, and multinationals
✅ Collaborative community and networking opportunities
✅ 100% foreign ownership and repatriation of profits
✅ Access to talent, suppliers, and clients in the media industry
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
What Business Activities Can You Do in DMC?
DMC supports a wide range of media and creative business activities, providing specialized infrastructure for industry professionals.
Film & TV Production: Covers creating, filming, and editing movies, television shows, documentaries, and commercials. Involves securing permits, script approvals, and utilizing Dubai’s advanced production infrastructure and diverse locations.
Advertising & Marketing Services: Includes planning, designing, and executing promotional campaigns across various media. Covers creative concept development, media buying, digital marketing, and brand activation to reach targeted audiences.
Publishing & Journalism: Involves producing and distributing print and digital publications such as newspapers, magazines, and online news portals. Activities include content creation, editorial management, and investigative reporting under UAE media regulations.
PR & Communications: Focuses on managing public perception and building brand reputation through strategic communication, media relations, press releases, crisis management, and event coordination for clients across different industries.
Digital Media & Content Management: Covers content creation and distribution on digital platforms, managing social media personalities, coordinating brand collaborations, and using analytics to maximize online engagement and influence.
Broadcasting & Audio Production: Includes radio and television broadcasting, podcast creation, audio engineering, and live event coverage. Utilizes state-of-the-art studios and transmission facilities for content delivery to wide audiences.
Graphic & Motion Design: Involves designing visual content, animations, and motion graphics for digital, print, and broadcast media. Supports branding, advertising, and storytelling through creative visual communication and multimedia assets.
These diverse activities make DMC the preferred destination for media companies seeking to establish their presence in the Middle East’s thriving creative industry.
Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Media City (DMC)
1. Define Your Business Activity
Identify the specific business activity you wish to undertake, ensuring it aligns with DMC’s permitted sectors such as media, advertising, technology, or related fields.
2. Choose the Legal Entity and License Type
Select the most suitable legal structure (e.g., Free Zone Limited Liability Company, branch, or freelancer permit) and the appropriate license type (Media, E-Commerce, Consultancy, etc.) based on your business model.
3. Select and Reserve a Business Name
Choose a company name that complies with DMC’s naming conventions (no offensive language, no references to well-known organizations unless permitted, and use your full name if naming after yourself).
4. Submit Initial Application
Fill out and submit the initial application form to DMC, along with required documents such as:
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Business plan
- Proof of share capital (minimum AED 50,000 for most businesses; higher for TV/radio broadcasting)
5. Obtain Initial Approval
DMC authorities will review your application and provide preliminary approval if all requirements are met.
6. Prepare and Submit Final Documents
Submit finalized legal documents, which typically include:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Board Resolution
- Signed customer confirmation letter
7. Sign Lease and Sponsorship Agreement
Choose your office space (flexi-desk, serviced office, or commercial unit) and sign the lease agreement as required by DMC regulations.
8. Deposit Share Capital
Deposit the required share capital into a UAE bank account as specified by DMC (minimum AED 50,000 for most businesses; AED 2,500,000 for TV/radio broadcasting).
9. Pay Fees and Receive Trade License
Once your application is approved, you must pay the applicable license and registration fees to Dubai Media City (DMC). After payment and verification of all required documents, DMC will issue your trade license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone.
10. Apply for Visas and Emirates ID (if needed)
Apply for residency visas for shareholders and employees, undergo medical tests, and complete Emirates ID procedures.
11. Open a Corporate Bank Account
With your trade license and Emirates ID, open a corporate bank account in the UAE to conduct business transactions.
DMC (Dubai Media City) Licenses
Dubai Media City (DMC) offers a range of business licenses tailored primarily to the media, advertising, communications, and creative industries. Companies and individuals can select from several license types depending on their business activities and structure.
Media License
Designed for businesses in advertising, media production, publishing, and event management. Covers digital and traditional media production, broadcasting, content creation, and film production activities.
Service License
Includes businesses providing media-related services like consultancy, content creation, editing, public relations, and marketing. Suitable for companies offering support services to media organizations.
Commercial License
Permits businesses to engage in trading activities within the media sector, including sale and distribution of media products, equipment, and related services throughout the region.
Industrial/Light Industrial License
Event Leisure License
Designed for companies organizing events, exhibitions, conferences, and leisure activities. Allows businesses to host and manage large-scale gatherings, trade shows, festivals, and corporate events.
Freelancer Permit
Designed for independent professionals including media producers, designers, consultants, and specialists working on freelance basis. Enables individuals to operate legally within the media sector.
General Trading License
Permits businesses to trade a broad range of goods within the media sector, subject to DMC approval. Suited for companies distributing various media-related products.
DMC License Costs and Packages
Here is a tabular overview of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) license costs and packages based on the most recent available data:
Cost Component | Typical Range / Amount (AED) | Notes |
Company Registration Fee | 9,000 (one-time, from) | Paid at setup; varies by legal structure |
License Fee (annual) | 10,000 – 50,000 | Depends on license type (Trading, Service, Industrial, etc.) and activity |
Office/Flexi Desk Lease | 15,000 – 20,000 (annual) | Required; options include flexi-desk, serviced office, etc. |
Share Capital (refundable) | 50,000 (standard) / 1,000,000 (GT) | Required deposit; GT = General Trading License |
Total First-Year Estimate | ~50,000 | Includes registration, license, and basic office |
License Renewal Fee | 20,265 (Trading & Service License) | Excludes Business Centre, General Trading, Industrial licenses |
Other Permits/Fees | 515 – 5,000+ | For special permits (dual license, workstation, 24h operation, etc.) |
Office Space Requirement
Every DMC company must have office space within JLT. Options include flexi-desk (20–30 sqm), serviced offices, or full units (100–500 sq. ft.). Choice depends on employee count and business needs. External offices are not permitted.
License Validity and Renewal
DMC business licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal involves submitting documentation and paying fees through DMC’s online portal while maintaining current office lease and compliance requirements.
DMC’s comprehensive licensing options and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for media companies seeking to establish operations in Dubai’s thriving creative sector.
DMC Residency and Visas
DMC companies and freelancers can obtain UAE residence visas through business setup or freelance permits. The process involves document submission, medical tests, and Emirates ID.
Benefits include legal residency, family sponsorship, banking access, and zero personal income tax. Standard visas are valid for two years, with long-term options available for qualifying individuals.
Employment Visa
Issued to individuals employed by DMC-registered companies. Valid for two years, allows holders to live and work in Dubai exclusively for the sponsoring company.
Partner/Investor Visa
For business owners and shareholders in DMC companies. Valid for three years, requires proof of shareholding or capital investment in the business.
Freelance Visa
For independent professionals in media, technology, and creative industries. Valid for one to three years, enables freelancers to legally offer services within the UAE.
Student Visa
Golden Visa
Long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional talents. Valid for five or ten years with family sponsorship rights.
Green Visa
For skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors offering self-sponsorship for up to five years. Provides greater flexibility than standard employment visas.
Business Visit Visa
For short-term business visits sponsored by DMC companies. Valid for one month, non-renewable, intended for meetings, negotiations, or project work.
Visa Type | Cost / Requirement | Notes |
Employment Visa | AED 9,970 total; valid job offer from DMC firm | 2-3 years validity; company sponsored |
Freelance Visa | AED 4,600 (1 year) / AED 5,042 (2 years); AED 2,000 establishment card | For media/tech freelancers; solo practice |
Investor/Partner Visa | AED 5,000–10,000 (every 2–3 years); proof of shareholding required | For shareholders/owners; self-sponsored |
Residence Visa | AED 3,300–4,960 (3 years); medical test and Emirates ID extra | For owners/employees; cost varies |
Golden Visa | AED 5,010 total; significant investment or talent required | 5-10 years validity; for investors/professionals |
Green Visa | AED 4,500 total; skilled professional/freelancer/investor status required | 5 years validity; self-sponsored |
Dependent Visa | AED 3,000–5,000; proof of relationship and sponsor’s valid visa | For family members; income criteria |
Additional Information:
- All visa applicants must pass a medical fitness test and obtain health insurance.
- Visa costs may vary by processing time, authority, and additional services.
- Visa validity typically ranges from 1 to 3 years for standard types; Golden and Green Visas offer longer terms.
Conclusion
From freelancers to multinational corporations, DMC provides flexible business structures, modern facilities, and access to a thriving creative community. The free zone’s strategic location, tax benefits, and 100% foreign ownership make it an attractive choice for regional expansion.
Whether you’re planning film production, digital marketing services, or broadcasting operations, DMC’s supportive environment ensures your business can focus on creating exceptional content and building lasting success in the UAE market.
Ready to start your media business in Dubai? Contact MenaHerald today for expert guidance and seamless company formation.
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your DMC Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your company setup.
We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your DMC registration — from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a DMC Specialist Now!
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