DMC company formation process
The registration process for DMC begins with an initial approval, which determines if your business model qualifies for the free zone. Usually it takes about 5-7 days. After the initial approval the registration process can be completed, making the total of 4-6 weeks. Visiting in person is not required in the initial stages of the company formation. The registration can be done remotely, however, you have to be present physically to sign the company documents and collect the keys for the office. Keep in mind that to open a company in DMC, you need to rent a premise within this free zone, whether it is a co-working space or a standard office, depending on your company’s business activity and size.
- Choose your business activities and license type. Determine which type of license and legal entity offered by the DMC free zone suits you. It is crucial to approach this question carefully, as choosing the wrong activity, registration authority, or location can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or getting a residence visa.
- Determine the legal entity of your business. In DMC you can form the following legal entities:
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
- Branch of a local company
- Branch of a foreign company
- Freelance permit
- Prepare and file the required documentation. DMC requires a minimal documentation package.
- passport with a 6-month validity
- business plan
- personal bank statement for the last 3 months (required for Lebanese and Syrian nationals)
- Collect the license and registration documents. They include:
- Certificate of incorporation
- License
- Lease agreement
- MoA and Articles of Association
- Secure your establishment card. Receive the establishment card containing information about your company and visa quotes. The timeframe of establishment card issuance is typically 3-5 working days.
- Apply for an entry permit. If you’re outside of the UAE during the processing of the entry permit, you will need to come to the country when the document is issued within 60 days to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. If you’re in the UAE when the entry permit is issued, a status change will be done from your previous UAE tourist/residency visa to the new one.
- Take a medical test and submit visa documents. Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company.
- Collect your Emirates ID. Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card. The processing and issuance of a visa and Emirates ID usually take 5-7 working days after the visa approval.
- Open a bank account. Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account in one of local or international banks in the UAE. After receiving the account details, you can start running your business in the UAE.
DMC license cost
Below is an estimated cost of registering a license in the Dubai Media City free zone with a dedicated desk facility.
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| License | 3,520 AED |
| Dedicated desk lease | 36,000 AED |
| Facility lease VAT | 1,800 AED |
| Lease refundable deposit | 5,000 AED |
| Establishment card | 2,000 AED |
| Total | 48,320 AED |
The cost of registering a company with a large executive office of 190 sqm will be around 203,000 AED.
Is DMC suitable for your business?
- Large media community and infrastructure in Dubai
- Freelance permit available
- Flexible immigration system
Yes
- If you are engaged in the media industry, in advertising, marketing, event management, or media consulting, the free zone is called Dubai Media City, which makes it clear which types of activities are predominant there. You will have the opportunity to present your products, services and interact with some of the best international marketing, entertainment, and advertising companies and many regional media companies.
- If your nationality is considered as high risk (Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Turkey, etc), it is advisable for you to opt for a Dubai free zone company formation as you will not encounter difficulties in obtaining resident visas or opening a bank account.
- If you are a freelancer or an independent media professional, the DMC free zone offers the advantage of registering a freelance permit through Go freelance here with a 1 visa package. You get to enjoy many business facilities as well as a prestigious office address and location.
No
- If you would like to have your set-up done remotely, Dubai Media City is not the best option as your personal presence is required at the final stage when you need to come to the free zone to sign the documents and collect office keys. In this case the alternative option would be Ajman Media City or Sharjah Media City FreeZone.
DMC licenses and business activities
Dubai Media City offers a wide range of business activities, catering to the diverse needs of the media and communication industry. Whether you are involved in advertising, marketing, event management, or media consultancy, Dubai Media City provides the ideal platform to thrive and grow your business.
- Freelance License in Dubai. Do what you love with a Freelance License in the UAE, offering you flexibility and freedom.
- Consultancy License in Dubai. With a Consultancy License offer professional advice to companies and individuals in areas like business, marketing, or finance.
- Media License in Dubai. Create and distribute content with a Media License, covering fields like advertising, media, PR, and marketing.
- Service license in the UAE. Offer professional services in sectors like consulting, marketing, or IT with a hassle-free setup process.
- Restaurant License in Dubai. Open your own restaurant in Dubai in 2026 - requirements, estimated cost, and cases.
Freelance permit
In addition to these exciting business opportunities, Dubai Media City also offers freelance permit options. Freelancers can operate under the TECOM authority within Dubai Media City, enabling them to work independently and establish their professional identity.
GoFreelance - this platform unites the freelancer community from the free zones of Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District, and Dubai Knowledge Park. It is managed by the TECOM Group. Here, you can obtain a freelancer license, apply for a visa, find like-minded individuals, and discover suitable projects. The entire process is conducted within a single platform.
Freelance activities available in the Dubai Media City include, but not limited to:
- Actor
- Artist
- Choreographer
- Content Provider
- Copywriter
- Graphic Designer
- Journalist
- Market Analyst
- Musician
- Social Media Specialist
- Translator
- Web Developer
The freelance permit allows you to operate under your birth name rather than a brand name, positioning you as a sole practitioner in your field. Furthermore, Dubai Media City freelance visa permits you to reside in the UAE and sponsor your family, providing a comprehensive solution for freelancers seeking stability and growth.
DMC facilities
Office facility rental is required during the registration process. The smallest facility is the hot desk which is eligible for 1 visa allocation.
Dubai Media City free zone offers a variety of facilities that you can choose from to satisfy your needs, including:
- Virtual office. Provides a business address and mail handling services without the need for a physical space.
- Dedicated desk. A reserved workspace with a dedicated desk, chair, and basic facilities, allowing you to leave your computer and belongings securely.
- Furnished office. Fully equipped office space with furniture and essentials, allowing you to move in and start working immediately.
Keep in mind that to open a company in DMC, you need to rent a premise within this free zone, whether it is a co-working space or a warehouse depending on your company’s business activity and size. Virtual office is only available under the freelance license. Normal licenses require the rent of an office.
DMC residence visas
Opening a company in the Dubai Media City free zone entitles you, your personnel, and your dependents for residence visas.
In the table below, you can find the DMC residence visa fees.
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | 4,220 AED |
| Refundable visa security deposit | 2,500 AED |
| Medical check | 760 AED |
| Emirates ID | 390 AED |
| Service fee for visa assistance | 2,100 AED |
| Total | 9,970 AED |
Sponsorship of dependents
To sponsor dependents under your visa, you will need the following documents:
- Marriage certificate (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE and legally translated to Arabic)
- Birth certificate (for your child) - (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE and legally translated to Arabic)
- Tenancy contract for an apartment in UAE
DMC company license renewal
If you are not present in Dubai, your representative can handle the company renewal process. The procedure includes:
- Renewal of the office lease
- Renewal of the license
After the company renewal, it is important to inform your bank about the license extension. You need to bring the license to any branch of your bank. Business consultants in Dubai can assist you in this process.
DMC company amendments
DMC allows company owners to make as many changes as required. The costs vary depending on the type of amendment. Amendments can be categorized as Registry Amendments or License Amendments.
- Registry Amendment. This includes Company name change, operating name change, parent company name change, adding or removal of Directors, Financial year change.
- License Amendment. This includes Manager name change, Location/Address on License change, Change of business activity/addition of activity within the same segment, removal of an existing segment, removal of activity within the segment, adding new publishing segment, adding new channels.
DMC company liquidation
Dubai Media City has simplified the liquidation procedure. The current fee for company closure stands at approximately AED 2,000. The process takes about 1 month. It consists of these major steps:
- Visa cancellation (7-10 working days) - if there is a visa in the company.
- Establishment card cancellation (7-10 working days) - if it was a visa eligible company.
- License cancellation.
If any business registered with Dubai Media City wishes to cancel their license and deregister the company, they have to approach the authority to complete the de-registration procedures.
In case you do not renew and do not cancel your license either, it becomes non-operational. Then the Dubai Media City authority will initiate company liquidation by itself.
If you made any refundable deposits to the authority, the refunds will be made upon company deregistration.
About Dubai Media City
It is managed by Technology Electronic Commerce and Media group (TECOM), which is a part of Dubai Holding.
TECOM free zone authority manages 11 free zones, referred to as “business communities”. Dubai Media City is one of them.
It provides an advanced infrastructure and supportive environment for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai. It is one of the most prestigious places of company registration in Dubai.