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 Outsource City is built to serve outsourcing, BPO, call center, and back-office operations. Located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district, it offers purpose-built facilities for client support centers, HR outsourcing, data processing, and IT helpdesks.
The Free Zone provides 100% foreign ownership, zero taxes, and access to a large pool of skilled, multilingual talent. Flexible licensing packages support startups, scaling teams, and large enterprises with options for shared desks up to full office floors.
Why Set Up in Dubai Outsource City?
✅ Purpose-built Free Zone for outsourcing and back-office operations
✅ Ideal for customer support centers, HR services, data processing, and IT support
✅ Located in the heart of Dubai’s commercial district
✅ Access to large pools of skilled, multilingual talent
✅ World-class office infrastructure and technology setup
✅ 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits
✅ Flexible licensing and scalability for growing teams
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
What Business Activities Can You Do in Dubai Outsource City?
Dubai Outsource City (DOC) is a dedicated free zone hub designed to support a wide range of outsourcing and shared service business activities. Here are descriptions of the key business activities you can undertake there:
- Call Center Operations: DOC accommodates call centers that deliver 24/7 inbound and outbound customer support, telemarketing, order processing, and customer inquiry management. These centers utilize advanced technologies like predictive dialing, IVR, and multilingual support to enhance customer experience and brand loyalty.
- IT Helpdesk and Support Services: Companies can provide technical support and IT management services, including troubleshooting, remote assistance, and helpdesk functions to support clients’ IT infrastructure and software requirements.
- HR & Payroll Outsourcing: This encompasses managing payroll processing, employee benefits administration, recruitment, onboarding, compliance with labor regulations, and HR management software services. Outsourcing payroll ensures accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance while reducing internal workload.
- Finance & Accounting Services: Businesses can outsource bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, financial analysis, tax preparation, and compliance reporting. This helps maintain financial accuracy and allows companies to focus on core activities.
- Data Processing and Document Management: DOC supports services such as data entry, digitization, data cleansing, validation, and document management, ensuring efficient processing of business-critical information.
- Virtual Assistant & Admin Services: Administrative support functions like scheduling, email management, data entry, and other back-office tasks can be outsourced to virtual assistants or remote teams to improve operational efficiency.
- Recruitment & Talent Solutions: Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) services including candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding are available. DOC’s proximity to Dubai International Academic City provides access to a large talent pool for part-time and temporary staffing.
- Customer Experience Management: This encompasses managing customer interactions across multiple channels to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Services include quality assurance, feedback analysis, live chat support, and personalized customer engagement strategies.
Dubai Outsource City provides specialized infrastructure, advanced telecommunications, and a multicultural workforce to support these activities, making it an ideal location for companies focusing on outsourcing and shared services.
Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Outsource City
1. Conduct Market Research and Select Business Activity
Study the outsourcing landscape in Dubai and analyze customer demands, competition, and market trends. Choose your specific service offering (IT solutions, customer care, HR outsourcing) and select the appropriate legal structure (LLC, Branch, or Sole Proprietorship).
2. Reserve Trade Name and Prepare Documentation
Choose a business name that reflects your activity and follows UAE guidelines. Compile necessary documents including business plan, license application, MOA & AOA, passport copies, share capital proof, and certified translations.
3. Submit Application and Obtain Approval
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the DOC Free Zone Authority for review and initial approval of your business model and documentation.
4. Pay Fees and Sign Legal Agreements
Pay registration, license, and visa allocation fees based on company size and activity type. Sign key documents such as MOA/AOA and deposit required share capital into a UAE-based bank account.
5. Lease Office Space
Select appropriate commercial space within DOC from available options including flexi-desks, private offices, or full-floor units based on your team size and operational requirements.
6. Obtain Business License
Once all formalities, payments, and document verification are complete, the DOC authority will issue your business license for legal operation within the free zone.
7. Open Corporate Bank Account
Use your license and incorporation documents to establish a business bank account with a UAE bank for operational transactions and financial management.
8. Apply for Visas and Launch Operations
Apply for residency visas for shareholders, directors, and employees based on office space allocation. Register for applicable taxes, ensure compliance with UAE labor regulations, and officially launch your business operations.
Dubai Outsource City Licenses
Dubai Outsource City (DOC) offers a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses specifically designed for outsourcing and support service activities, enabling companies to establish legal operations within this dedicated free zone environment.
Commercial License
Enables businesses to engage in commercial activities including import-export operations, wholesale distribution, retail sales, and merchandise trading within the free zone framework.
Service License
Specifically designed for companies delivering professional services, consulting solutions, IT support operations, HR outsourcing functions, and other service-oriented business activities.
Industrial License
Accommodates companies involved in manufacturing processes, product assembly operations, or modification activities conducted within the designated free zone industrial facilities.
E-commerce License
Facilitates businesses conducting online sales of products and services through digital platforms, supporting modern electronic commerce and online business models.
Outsourcing License
Exclusively designed for companies providing specialized outsourcing services including call center operations, administrative support functions, and comprehensive IT service delivery.
Media License
Supports entities operating in media production activities, advertising campaigns, communications sectors, and related creative industry business operations within the zone.
These licenses support a wide range of activities aligned with DOC’s focus on outsourcing, shared services, and back-office operations. The free zone provides benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and streamlined processes for business registration, licensing, and visa issuance.
This makes Dubai Outsource City an attractive hub for companies aiming to establish or expand their outsourcing and service operations in the UAE and the wider region.
Dubai Outsource City Licenses Costs and Packages
Dubai Outsource City (DOC) offers specialized business licenses designed for outsourcing and service-oriented companies under three main categories: Commercial License for trading activities, Services License for service providers and professionals, and Trade License for industrial and manufacturing operations.
The licensing process involves submitting applications, legal documentation, signing the Memorandum of Association, and completing lease agreements.
DOC provides significant advantages including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, strategic location, and streamlined visa and registration processes, making it an attractive hub for outsourcing businesses seeking to establish operations in Dubai’s dynamic free zone environment.
Package Type | Price (AED) | Description |
Commercial License | Approx. 10,000 – 15,000 | For companies engaged in trading and commercial activities. Includes registration, trade name, and license issuance fees. |
Services License | Approx. 10,000 – 15,000 | For service providers and professionals offering outsourcing, IT support, HR, and related services. |
Trade (Industrial) License | Approx. 15,000 – 20,000 | For businesses involved in manufacturing, industrial activities, and production within the free zone. |
Office Space Packages | From 4,000 to 30,000+ | Options range from flexi-desks to private offices, essential for license issuance and visa processing. |
Additional Fees | Varies (few hundred to few thousand AED) | Includes trade license registration, innovation fees, commercial name advertisement, initial approval, and administrative costs. |
Additional Notes:
- The license fees begin at approximately AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 depending on the license type and business activity, making DOC competitive among Dubai free zones focused on outsourcing.
- Additional costs include office rent, visa fees, and other government charges.
- Costs may vary depending on the exact business activity, office size, and services required.
This pricing structure supports a variety of outsourcing activities such as call centers, IT helpdesk, HR outsourcing, recruitment, and data processing, aligning with Dubai Outsource City’s focus as a hub for shared services and outsourcing companies.
Office Space Requirement: In Dubai Outsource City, office space requirements depend on business activity type and employee count. Companies can select from various commercial spaces including flexi-desks (shared workspaces) starting around 20-30 sq. m., private offices, or larger multi-floor units, all equipped with high-speed internet and 24/7 security.
The typical space allocation per employee averages between 100 to 150 square feet, including workstations and shared areas.
Businesses should choose office space that aligns with operational needs and growth plans while ensuring compliance with local health, safety, and accessibility regulations.
License Validity and Renewal: Licenses issued by Dubai Outsource City are valid for one year from the date of issuance
Annual renewal is mandatory to maintain legal business operations within the free zone Renewal process requires submitting updated documents and paying applicable renewal fees
Companies must ensure continued compliance with regulatory and lease obligations Timely renewal is essential to avoid penalties or suspension of business activities
Dubai Outsource City offers streamlined renewal procedures for uninterrupted business continuity Renewal supports ongoing operations for outsourcing and shared service companies
DMCC Residency and Visas
Dubai Outsource City offers tailored visa solutions to support businesses and professionals operating within its free zone, enabling legal residence and work permits in the UAE. The main visa types applicable in this zone include:
Investor Visa
Granted to entrepreneurs investing in a Dubai Outsource City company, this visa allows full ownership, sponsorship rights, and is valid for 2 to 3 years.
Employee Visa:
Issued by DOC-registered firms, this visa permits full-time staff to work and reside in Dubai legally for a period of 1 to 3 years.
Freelancer Visa:
Ideal for independent professionals, this visa enables self-employed individuals to operate flexibly within DOC for 1 to 3 years.
Freelancer Visa:
Ideal for independent professionals, this visa enables self-employed individuals to operate flexibly within DOC for 1 to 3 years.
Remote Work Visa
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your Dubai Outsource City Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your outsourcing business setup. We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your registration — from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation for outsourcing businesses
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Specialized expertise in regulations and requirements
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a Dubai Outsource City Specialist Now!
Other Blogs
Get Expert Advice
Got a Question? Our expert is ready to Answer and Help!
We will contact you under 1 Minute to analyze your case, provide solutions, and calculate costs.
Get an Expert Support
Fill in your contact details, and we’ll get back to you soon