# Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

> DKP publishes a licence fee from AED 15,000 but no full package price and states incorporation in 7 days (checked 2026-10-24).

Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is a education and specialised free zone in Dubai, licensed by Dubai Development Authority (DDA), established in 2003.

- Emirate: Dubai
- Licensing authority: Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
- Official website: https://dkp.ae/
- Last checked: 2026-10-24
- Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/dubai/dkp

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Solo, no visa (year 1): one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity | Not published |
| Founder + 1 visa (year 1): one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office | Not published |
| Team, 3 visas (year 1): three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office | Not published |
| Lowest package of any size, without stated conditions (year 1) | Not published |
| Lowest licence fee | AED 15,000 |
| Largest visa quota in a package | Not published |
| Minimum office | Not published |
| Licence types | Education, Services / consultancy, Freelancer, Other |
| Minimum share capital | AED 10,000 |
| Incorporation time (stated) | 7 days |
| On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No |

## Packages

| Package | Year 1 | Renewal | Visa quota | Office | Includes | Excludes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GoFreelance (shared TECOM package; DKP education activities) | AED 7,520 | AED 7,520 | 1 | Flexi-desk | Freelance permit in the permit holder's own name; Flexible co-working workspace (choose a spot daily), 24/7 access; High-speed Wi-Fi, meeting room access, coffee; Community and networking events | Employment visa: AED 4,600 (1 year) or AED 5,042 (2 years); Establishment card AED 2,000; Medical insurance; Hiring or sponsoring staff (not permitted) |

## Identity and legal basis

- Official name (Arabic): قرية دبي للمعرفة
- Licensing / regulating authority: Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
- Parent group / government body: TECOM Group PJSC (district developer and operator); licensing and registration by Dubai Development Authority
- Zone type: Education, Specialised
- Year established: 2003
- Official website: https://dkp.ae/
- Online application portal: https://axs2.my.site.com/axslogin
- Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes

Physical locations / campuses: Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai (head office: Ground Floor, Block 2A; axs service centre: Block 8, Ground Floor). [1] Public contact phone: +971 4 390 1111. [1] Number of registered companies: 700. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/connect/contact-us) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/media/press-release/dubai-knowledge-park-marks-20-years-of-enriching-regional-knowledge-economy)

## Business activities

- Official approved activity list: https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf
- Licence types offered: Education, Services / consultancy, Freelancer, Other

Total number of approved activities: 47. [1] Activity categories offered: Professional and Management Development Training; Computer Training; Language Training; Fine Arts Training; Child Skills Development Training; Tutoring Services; Technical & Occupational Skills Training; Human Resources Consultancy; Research & Development; Content Development; Assessment and Testing; Executive Search; Freelancers; Association (Non Profit). [1] Activities included in base licence: 1. [1] Activities needing another authority's approval: Professional and Management Development Training, Computer Training, Language Training, Fine Arts Training, Child Skills Development Training, Tutoring Services, Technical & Occupational Skills (Segments 21.1-21.7) - KHDA No Objection Certificate before licence (LCD 5.5); Supplementary Education Services (21.6.1) - only curricula offered at approved UAE schools; approving bodies include MOE, KHDA, ADEC; Professional Association - Non-Profit (Segment 21.14) - prior approval from the Community Development Authority (LCD 6.1); Training institutes: KHDA Educational Services Permit (initial approval, then permit after trade licence); courses under other regulators need that regulator's approval, e.g. Dubai Health Authority for medical and cosmetic courses; Any activity: approvals/NOCs from relevant UAE authorities as applicable (LCD 2.12, 2.15). [1] Typical external approval time: 8 days. [2] Restricted activities: Assessment and Testing (21.11.1): recruitment and placement services are not included or allowed; Tutoring Services (21.6.1): only curricula offered at approved UAE schools; tutoring for curricula not approved for UAE schools excluded; Freelancer permits: sole practitioner only (LCD 9.1); freelancer cannot hire or sponsor staff or use a company name (GoFreelance FAQ); DKP licence: operation only within the free zone (DKP FAQ). [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/Services/Training-Institute-Permit-Services/Issuing-an-Educational-Services-Permit-for-a-Train)

## Cost - year one

- Lowest licence fee (zero-visa): AED 15,000

Establishment / immigration card fee: AED 2,000. [1] Visa fees: GoFreelance permit holders: employment visa AED 4,600 (1 year) or AED 5,042 (2 years); establishment card AED 2,000; requirements: passport photo, UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, original passport. Company visa costs not published. [1] Extras included: GoFreelance only: flexible co-working desk, 24/7 access, Wi-Fi, meeting room access, coffee, community events. [1]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/offerings/gofreelance)

## Cost - ongoing

Renewal costs more than the first-year price: no. [1] Visa validity: 2 years. [2] Late renewal penalty: Renewal more than 30 and up to 60 days after expiry: AED 2,500; 60-90 days: AED 5,000; more than 90 days: AED 10,000; the Authority may also refuse renewal. [1] Fee to add activity: AED 500. [3] Fee for shareholder change: AED 3,000. [4] Fee for name change: AED 2,000. [5] Deregistration / liquidation fee: AED 1,500. [6] Typical liquidation time: 4 days. [6] Current promotions and expiry: . [7]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/offerings/gofreelance) · [3] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/registration-and-licence-amendments/add-activity) · [4] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/registration-and-licence-amendments/adding-new-members-or-shareholders) · [5] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/registration-and-licence-amendments/change-company-name-fz-llc) · [6] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/license-cancellation/deregistration-fz-llc) · [7] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/)

## Visas and residency

Visa quota rule: One sponsored employee per 80 sq ft (about 7.43 sqm) of leased space; hot-desk freelancers: one visa. [1] Max visas without dedicated office: 1. [1] Employee visa available: yes. [1] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [1] Visa process can start before the founder arrives: yes. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/connect/faqs) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/offerings/gofreelance)

## Office and facilities

- Office / facility types: Flexi-desk, Serviced office, Private office, Retail unit

Flexi-desk access terms: Co-working available 24/7, 365 days; managing team 7:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. [1] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [2] Minimum sqm per visa: 7.43 sqm. [3] Premises outside the zone allowed: no. [4] Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Business Centre hot desks and small offices; Meeting rooms (GoFreelance); Auditorium, conference hall, courtyard and plaza event venues; Food court, cafes, retail and pharmacy; Outdoor sports facility. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/offerings/gofreelance) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/connect/faqs) · [3] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/connect/faqs) · [4] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)

## Legal structure and ownership

- Entity types available: FZ-LLC, Branch of a foreign company, Branch of a UAE company, Freelancer permit
- Legal system: UAE civil law
- Minimum share capital: AED 10,000

Minimum shareholders: 1. [1] Maximum shareholders: 75. [1] Corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [2] Share capital must be paid in: yes. [1] Courts and arbitration: Dubai Courts, or an arbitral body if all parties agree in writing (PCR 2016 reg. 108.1). [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/7342AF827E3643E68CAE10D72C883146.pdf) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/setting-up-a-business/free-zone-limited-liability-company/registration-fz-llc-with-corporate-person)

## Market access and customs

- Physical operations on the mainland allowed without an extra licence: No

Customs duty in the zone: Licensee chooses: (i) free zone customs code - import and re-export from the Zone, goods stored within the Zone bounded area; (ii) local customs code - customs duty paid on arrival of goods; or (iii) no customs code - no imports. [1] Customs duty exemption details: Goods imported under a free zone customs code can be re-exported duty-free if stored within the Zone bounded area; goods for local sale need a local customs code with duty paid on arrival. [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)

## Tax status

- VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list): No

## Compliance and reporting

- Annual audited financial statements required by the zone: Yes
- Beneficial-owner register filing required: Yes

Audit exemption threshold or conditions: No turnover threshold; all licensees must keep Audited Accounts. GoFreelance freelancers exempt from annual audit. [1] Audit submission deadline: Within seven days after the annual general meeting (PCR 65.5), and on demand by the Authority (LCD 2.8). [2] Annual return and renewal documents: Online licence renewal via axs before expiry; NOC from external authorities for licensed activities (if applicable, e.g. KHDA for training segments); Certificate of continuity/good standing or current trade licence for branches of onshore UAE companies (if applicable); Audited Accounts kept and supplied on demand. [3]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/7342AF827E3643E68CAE10D72C883146.pdf) · [3] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/license-renewal/commercial-license-renewal)

## Setup process and speed

- Typical incorporation time stated by the zone: 7 days
- Direct application without an agent: Yes

Documents for an individual shareholder: Application form; Valid passport copies of members, directors and General Manager (with residence visa page if any); Resolution for the incorporation of an FZ-LLC; Declaration of appointment as General Manager (if holding a valid visa); Power of attorney for legal representative (notarised and attested to UAE Embassy level), if any; KHDA NOC for training/tutoring segments (LCD 5.5). [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Corporate members provide certificate of incorporation, certificate of continuity/good standing and parent MoA/AoA; the incorporation resolution and power of attorney must be notarised and attested by the UAE Embassy. [2] Refund policy if rejected: GoFreelance: all application fees are non-refundable. No refund policy found for company registration. [3]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/setting-up-a-business/free-zone-limited-liability-company/registration-fz-llc-with-natural-person) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/setting-up-a-business/free-zone-limited-liability-company/registration-fz-llc-with-corporate-person) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/offerings/gofreelance)

## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility

Moving to larger premises: DKP suggests new partners start with a small Business Centre office for the first year and grow from there; commercial offices and Built-to-Suit buildings are available for larger needs. [1] Adding shareholders: Online via axs or DDA customer service centres (one at DKP Block 8); AED 3,000 per transaction + AED 500 AoA amendment + AED 20; about 5 working days. [2] Moving a company in or out (re-domiciliation): yes. [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dkp.ae/connect/faqs) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/registration-and-licence-amendments/adding-new-members-or-shareholders) · [3] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/other-services/continuation-of-company-into-the-zone)

## Freelancer and solo founder

- Freelancer permit available: Yes

## Industry-specific regulation

Healthcare and education approvals: KHDA is the education regulator. DKP training and tutoring licensees (Segments 21.1-21.7) need a KHDA No Objection Certificate before the DDA licence is issued (LCD 5.5). Training institutes in Dubai free zones apply through the KHDA e-services portal with the free zone trade name reservation and initial approval; KHDA Educational Services Permit fee AED 15,020 (1-2 activities), 18,020 (3-4), 20,020 (5-6) or 25,020 (more than seven), including AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee; 8 working days; KHDA initial approval valid six months. Courses under other regulators need their approval (e.g. Dubai Health Authority for medical and cosmetic courses). Higher education (Segment 22.1, DIAC) needs KHDA academic authorisation before licence (LCD 5.3). [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/Services/Training-Institute-Permit-Services/Issuing-an-Educational-Services-Permit-for-a-Train)

## Notes and history

- **Legal basis (2014-10-27):** Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is one of the business districts of the free zone run by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). The zone was created as the Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone under Law No. 1 of 2000 and is now governed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2014, issued on 27 October 2014, which renamed it the Dubai Creative Clusters and gave its authority the power to license and register businesses there. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/BAE2F2CC37134C81BEF31967C4E00193.pdf) [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)
- **History (2018):** The authority set up under Law No. 15 of 2014 was first called the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority; Law No. 10 of 2018 changed its name to the Dubai Development Authority. Several DDA rules still in force carry the older names, including the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Licensing Regulations 2003 and the Dubai Creative Clusters Private Companies Regulations 2016. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/40B654B2ED71469291C9F2A98C8C9EF9.pdf) [source](https://dda.gov.ae/en/legal-database/laws-and-regulations)
- **Good to know:** Companies in DKP are licensed and registered by DDA, not by the district itself or by TECOM Group, which operates the district (the district's website describes it as a member of TECOM Group). The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism's list of free-zone company registrars (updated 23 October 2026) names DDA as the registrar for DKP. [source](https://dkp.ae/) [source](https://www.moet.gov.ae/company-registrars-in-free-zones) [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)
- **History (2021-04-07):** DDA Decision No. 1 of 2021 on licence categories, issued on 7 April 2021, replaced Decision No. 1 of 2018. It lists the activity segments that can be licensed in each DDA district (DKP's are in Part Six), plus a General segment available in all of them. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)
- **History (2023-12-20):** DKP started in 2003 with 30 customers. At its 20th anniversary in December 2023 it reported more than 700 customers, including higher-education institutes, vocational academies and training centres. [source](https://dkp.ae/media/press-release/dubai-knowledge-park-marks-20-years-of-enriching-regional-knowledge-economy)
- **History (2025-09-25):** Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park together form TECOM Group's Education Cluster. On 25 September 2025 both districts signed a strategic partnership with Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to strengthen the higher-education sector. [source](https://dkp.ae/media/press-release/khda-diac-and-dkp-park-sign-strategic-partnership-to-reaffirm-citys-global-education-standing)

## FAQ

### How much does a DKP licence cost?

DKP publishes a licence fee from AED 15,000. Visa, office and registration costs are extra.

### How long does DKP company setup take?

DKP states about 7 days for incorporation. Visas take extra time after the licence is issued.

### Is DKP a VAT Designated Zone?

DKP does not appear on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones.

### What is the minimum share capital in DKP?

DKP states a minimum share capital of AED 10,000.

## Compare with

- [DKP vs DAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dafza&z=dkp)
- [DKP vs DHCC](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dhcc&z=dkp)
- [DKP vs Meydan Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dkp&z=meydan)

Rules that apply to every zone: [corporate tax](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person-corporate-tax.md), [VAT Designated Zones](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/vat-designated-zones.md), [mainland access](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/free-zone-vs-mainland.md)

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Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.
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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.