IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- Company setup from
12,900 AED
Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices
IFZA is a low-cost business setup solution in Dubai, perfect for startups and SMEs involved in trading, consulting, or services.…
In the UAE, obtaining a media license is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to conduct media-related activities, including influencers, bloggers, and advertising agencies. However, the obligation to obtain a license depends on several factors: the presence of monetization or advertising, the individual's status (resident or non-resident), the specific platform used, and the type of content. Most commercial media activities, such as production, paid content, advertising, and agency work, require a trade or freelance license plus, where applicable, a federal media or advertiser permit. Non-commercial hobby content is usually outside this regime but must still comply with the content standards set by the UAE Media Council.
Whether you are promoting products, running advertisements, or sharing paid content, having a media license is essential to operate legally. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines. In this guide, we provide detailed information on how to obtain a media license in your business setup in Dubai, the requirements you need to meet, and the associated costs, ensuring that you are fully prepared to navigate the process and avoid penalties.
What is a media license?
A media license is an official authorization required to engage in media-related activities within the United Arab Emirates. This includes the production, distribution, printing, and publishing of various forms of media content. The content can take multiple formats, such as audio, video and digital formats.
Why is it necessary for businesses?
If you are looking to operate legally in the media sector of Dubai, a media license is where you should start from. It ensures compliance with the UAE’s regulations and fosters a professional and transparent environment for media-related enterprises. Having this license not only legitimizes your operations but also provides access to a thriving media ecosystem in the region.
DAFZ company formation process
Free zone company formation in Dubai Airport Free Zone can be done personally by company owners or assisted by a business consultant. The formation process typically takes about 2-4 weeks. Note that at DAFZ, business licenses cannot be issued without renting an office.
Determine the business activities of your future company and the corresponding license type. This aspect is vital for a successful business setup, as choosing the wrong activity and license can cause errors during company registration, leading to problems with opening a bank account or obtaining residency visas for yourself and your employees.
Specify the legal status of your business in the Dubai Airport Free Zone. Available company formation types at DAFZ include an FZCO (Free Zone Company), a PLC (Public Limited Company), or a branch of an already existing local or foreign company.
FZCO shareholders may be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination of both. At DAFZ, such companies have the following specifics:
- 1-50 shareholders (individual, corporate, or both).
- Minimum share capital: AED 1
A PLC is aimed at business owners willing to list/offer the company’s shares on a securities market. This entity type comes with limited liability and an unlimited number of shareholders.
Company branches opened in DAFZ require no share capital and have to:
- Be fully owned by the parent company.
- Share the name with the parent company.
- Share the activities with the parent company.
Prepare and submit the necessary documents together with the application form. DAFZ requires the following documents for company formation:
- Passport
- Passport-size photo
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Latest utility bill as address proof
- NOC from a local partner
- Business plan
- Original bank reference letter
- Six months personal bank statement
Also, this step involves paying all the registration and processing fees.
Receive the license and registration documents for the company, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business license
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Investment Service Agreement
- Share certificate
- Lease agreement
Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
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.
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.
Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. Fortunately, DAFZ is highly recognized by UAE banks and has several of their offices in its territory, so you should have no problem opening an account. Once you receive your account details, you are free to start running your business.
With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.
DAFZ license costs
Dubai Airport Free Zone company registration starts from AED 15,020 as a license fee for most of the business activities allowed in the free zone. Company formation in DAFZ is not among the cheapest ones, but it has a variety of packages on offer.
Currently, DAFZ’s most cost-efficient setup is the Standard Office package with a 27 sq.m. office and 3 visa quotas priced at AED 84,630. This includes the License fee of AED 15,000, Registration fee of AED 7,000, Establishment Card fee (AED 2,000), PO box fee (AED 1,010), rent cost (AED 59,560.31), as well as Knowledge and Innovation fees (AED 30 each).
DAFZ’s 1-year licenses and packages
| TYPE OF LICENSE | COST |
|---|---|
| 1-year Trading/Service/Industrial license | 15,000 AED |
| Standard Office package (27 sq.m. office + 3 visa quotas) | 84,630 AED |
| Standard Office package (54 sq.m. office + 6 visa quotas) | 141,985 AED |
| Standard Office package (100 sq.m. office + 12 visa quotas) | 245,664 AED |
| Premium Office package (27 sq.m. office + 3 visa quotas) | 92,570 AED |
| Premium Plus Office package (54 sq.m. office + 6 visa quotas) | 160,070 AED |
Additional costs apart from the license fee include:
- DAFZ visa fees
- DAFZ registration fee
- PO box fee
- Knowledge fee
- Innovation fee
- DAFZ rent costs
- DAFZ Establishment Card
- Medical checkup
- Emirates ID
Elena O.
We'll find the ideal free zone for your business
DAFZ Company Formation
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