Dubai · Dubai Development Authority · Est. 2001
Dubai Media City (DMC) is the regional media capital, hosting major international networks such as CNN, BBC, Reuters, and Sony. Entry packages start from AED 12,542 for license fees, with full operational setups (including flexi-desks) starting around AED 30,000, supporting up to 6 visa allocations with moderate corporate banking access. Part of the TECOM Group, DMC is tailored for broadcasting, publishing, marketing, and media production agencies.
Fees last checked · Licensing authority: Dubai Development Authority. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the authority before you pay.
From
AED 12,542
Year 1
Quick facts
GoFreelance Permit + 1-Year Visa
AED 12,542
Freelancer Permit · None · 1 visa
Renews at AED 12,542
Zero Visa Package
AED 30,000
Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 0 visas
Renews at AED 30,000
1 Visa Package
AED 37,340
Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 1 visa
Renews at AED 33,000
2 Visa Package
AED 42,680
Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 2 visas
Renews at AED 34,000
3 Visa Private Office Package
AED 73,020
Standard Licence · Private Office · 3 visas
Renews at AED 60,000
Estimated
6 Visa Private Office Package
AED 124,040
Standard Licence · Private Office · 6 visas
Renews at AED 104,000
Estimated
Flexi desk or private office required for FZ-LLC visa eligibility; no virtual office option. GoFreelance permit does not require office space. Private office rents run roughly AED 1,200-1,800/sqm/year. Visa validity is 2 years, so visa renewal cost does not recur annually.
Features
Mainland trading
Dual licence allowed
Crypto-friendly
Shared ownership
Coworking available
Online portal
Audit required
Tax and compliance analysis
Substance
High
Audit risk
Moderate
Forensic ease
8/10
Creative Powerhouse; High Sensitivity to 'Mainland Service' Reclassification.
Dubai Media City is the region's leading hub for the creative economy. For 2026, the primary forensic hurdle is the 'Service Nexus.' Unlike goods-based trading, marketing and advertising services rendered to persons on the UAE mainland are often classified as 'Non-Qualifying Income.' DMC agencies must maintain a forensic split in their P&L to ensure that domestic service revenue does not bleed into and 'taint' the 0% Qualifying Income derived from foreign exports or other Free Zone persons.
DMC is a Non-Designated Zone. Article 18 QFZP status is strictly monitored for local physical CIGA. Compliance requires a granular audit trail to prove that the 'Core Income-Generating Activities' (creative direction, campaign management) are physically anchored within the zone.
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Tax and compliance
DMC tax status and QFZP rules →
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How much does it cost to set up in DMC?
The cheapest published package for Dubai Media City is GoFreelance Permit + 1-Year Visa at AED 12,542 for Year 1, renewing at AED 12,542. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.
How long does DMC setup take?
Typical processing time is 5–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.
Is banking easy to set up with a DMC licence?
Banking difficulty for DMC is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, RAKBANK.
How many visas can I get with a DMC licence, and what do they cost?
DMC allows 3 visas per desk. Published packages include up to 6 visas (6 Visa Private Office Package, AED 124,040 for Year 1). Visa validity is 2 years, so visa renewal cost does not recur annually.
How much is the DMC licence renewal each year?
Annual renewal runs from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the package, office and visa count.
What is the minimum share capital in DMC?
DMC sets no minimum share capital for a standard company, though some activities and entity types carry their own requirement.
Do I need a physical office in DMC?
Flexi desk or private office required for FZ-LLC visa eligibility; no virtual office option. GoFreelance permit does not require office space. Private office rents run roughly AED 1,200-1,800/sqm/year. The smallest office we hold for DMC is 18 sq m.
Can a DMC company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A DMC company trades inside the zone and abroad; selling to mainland customers usually needs a distributor or a separate mainland licence.