# Dubai Media City (DMC)

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

Dubai Media City (DMC) is a media free zone in Dubai, licensed by Dubai Development Authority (DDA), established in 2000.

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

## 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 | Media, Services / consultancy, Freelancer, E-commerce, Trading |
| 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: Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District) | AED 7,520 | AED 7,500 | — | Flexi-desk | Freelance permit in the holder's own name; Hot desk in a shared co-working space; 24/7 business centre access; Standard services pack: high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting room access, coffee; Community events; access to Marketplace project platform | Employment visa (1-year AED 4,600 or 2-year AED 5,042); Establishment card AED 2,000; Medical insurance |

## Identity and legal basis

- Official name (Arabic): مدينة دبي للإعلام
- Licensing / regulating authority: Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
- Parent group / government body: TECOM Group (district developer and operator); licensing and registration by Dubai Development Authority
- Zone type: Media
- Year established: 2000
- Official website: https://dmc.ae/
- Online application portal: https://axs.force.com/axslogin
- Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes

Physical locations / campuses: Dubai Media City, Dubai (DMC management office: Management Office Building 2). [1] Public contact phone: +971 4 391 4555. [1] Number of registered companies: 3,000. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/connect/contact-us) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/media/press-releases/dubai-media-city-celebrates-20-year-milestone)

## Business activities

- Official approved activity list: https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf
- Licence types offered: Media, Services / consultancy, Freelancer, E-commerce, Trading

Activity categories offered: Advertising & Communication; Media and Marketing Services; Media Support Services; Event Management; Event Support Services; Media and Marketing Consultancy; New Media; Business Information; Freelancers; Media Association (Non-Profit); Gaming & E-Sports. [1] Activities included in base licence: 1. [1] Trading and services on one licence: yes. [1] Activities needing another authority's approval: Social Media Platforms (18.2.8) - register with and follow requirements of the NMC (media regulator); Social Media Influencer (18.9.45) - NMC registration; E-Services (18.2.5) - NMC registration; News Distribution Service (18.3.4) - NMC registration; Interactive Services (18.7.5) - NMC registration; E-Commerce (Segment 25.6) - may need NMC registration if dealing in media-related content; Event Management (18.4) and Event Support Services (18.5) involving ticketing - DTCM e-ticketing rules (Decree 25 of 2013); Media Association (Non-Profit) (18.10) - prior approval of the Community Development Authority (CDA). [1] Typical external approval time: 3 days. [2] Restricted activities: E-Services (18.2.5): e-commerce, recruitment and placement services are not included or allowed; E-Services (18.2.5) excludes use of individuals' social media platforms; Language Interpretation (18.3.5): legal translations not included; Freelancer permits (18.9) only to individuals on a sole practitioner basis; Media Association (18.10) only for bona fide non-profit, non-commercial representatives. [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://www.nma.gov.ae/en/services/permit-for-an-individual-to-provide-advertising-or-media-content-on-social-media-and-other-digital-platforms)

## 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: freelance licence, establishment card, UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, original passport, photo. in5 licensees: AED 1,500 per visa (LCD Sch. 1). Company employee visa breakdown not published. [1] Extras included: GoFreelance: hot desk, Wi-Fi, meeting room access, coffee, 24/7 access, community events, Marketplace access. [1]

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

## 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, in addition to the next year's licence fee; the Authority may refuse renewal and government/sponsorship services. [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://gofreelance.ae/) · [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://dmc.ae/)

## Visas and residency

Visa quota rule: One employee per 80 sq ft of leased space (DMC FAQ); co-working: Open Quarters shared desk 1 visa, Desk Quarters 2 visas, Office Quarters 2 and above. [1] Max visas without dedicated office: 2. [2] How to increase quota and cost: Lease more space: quota is one employee per 80 sq ft of leased space; on co-working, move from Open Quarters (1) to Desk Quarters (2) or Office Quarters (2 and above). Cost not published. [1] Employee visa available: yes. [1] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [1] Visa process can start before the founder arrives: yes. [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/connect/faqs) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/offerings/coworking-space) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://gofreelance.ae/)

## Office and facilities

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

Flexi-desk access terms: D/Quarters co-working: 24/7 access (DMC coworking page); GoFreelance co-working 24/7, 365 days, managing team 7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. [1] Minimum sqm per visa: 7.43 sqm. [2] Premises outside the zone allowed: no. [3] Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Co-working: meeting rooms, lounges, gaming room, outdoor courtyard, prayer rooms, Wi-Fi and printers, lockers, cafe, pantry and micro kitchens, 24/7 access; Event venues: Amphitheatre, Courtyard, Sound Stages & Studios; in5 Media (incubator workspace; located in Dubai Production City). [1]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/offerings/coworking-space) · [2] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/connect/faqs) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/connect/faqs)

## 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 arbitration if all parties agree in writing (PCR 108.1); content disputes of broadcasters/publishers go to the DCCA Broadcasting and Publication Standards Tribunal (LCD 4.5). [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

Rules for selling/shipping to UAE consumers: Local sales of goods require a local customs code (customs duty paid on arrival); E-Commerce (25.6) licensees may need media-regulator registration if dealing in media content. [1] 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; or (iii) no customs code - no imports. [1] Customs duty exemption details: Goods imported under a free zone customs code may be re-exported duty-free if stored within the Zone bounded area; goods for local sale require 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. Freelancers (GoFreelance permit) 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] Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: Independent accountants and auditors; Dealers in precious metals and stones; Real estate agents and brokers; Trust and company service providers; Law firms and legal consultancy offices. [3] Annual return and renewal documents: Online licence renewal via axs before expiry; NOC from external authorities for licensed activities (if applicable); Media regulator licence/permit renewals within the specified dates for media activities (FDL 55/2023 Art. 6(1)(C)); Audited Accounts on demand. [4]

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/legal-database/laws-and-regulations) · [4] [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 GM holds a valid visa); Power of attorney for legal representative (if any), notarised and UAE-embassy attested. [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Corporate members provide certificate of incorporation, certificate of continuity/good standing, parent MoA/AoA; the incorporation resolution must be notarised and attested by the UAE Embassy; external NOCs per LCD Art. 8 if applicable. [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://gofreelance.ae/)

## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility

Moving to larger premises: Co-working Open Quarters (shared desk, 1 visa) -> Desk Quarters (2 visas) -> Office Quarters (2+ visas) -> commercial offices (1 visa per 80 sq ft). [1] Adding shareholders: Online DDA service: AED 3,000 per transaction + AED 500 AoA amendment + AED 20; 5 working days; UBO declaration and proof of paid-up capital required. [2] Moving a company in or out (re-domiciliation): yes. [3] Multiple licences under one group: yes. [4]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/offerings/coworking-space) · [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) · [4] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dmc.ae/connect/faqs)

## Freelancer and solo founder

- Freelancer permit available: Yes

## Industry-specific regulation

Media content licensing / filming permits: Dubai Media City licences are issued by DDA, but media activity is also subject to federal media law. Federal Decree-Law 55/2023 (Media Regulation) applies to media free zones (Art. 2); licences/permits for media activities in free zones are issued by the 'Competent Authority' (local licensing body, or the UAE Media Council where none) and are valid only within the free zone's borders (Art. 6); free zone authorities must share media licences with the Council, which may inspect free-zone media entities (Art. 22). LCD 2021 Art. 3.2: Social Media Platforms (18.2.8), Social Media Influencer (18.9.45), E-services (18.2.5), News Distribution (18.3.4) and Interactive Services (18.7.5) licensees, plus publishers and broadcasters, must register with the federal media regulator (NMC in the 2021 text); E-commerce (25.6) may need to. Broadcasters/publishers must register each channel/title with DDA and the regulator (AED 5,000 per channel/title, LCD 14.4) and fall under the DCCA Broadcasting and Publication Standards Tribunal and Code of Guidance 2016 (LCD 4.5). Individuals advertising on social media need a separate federal advertiser permit (free for first 3 years, then AED 1,000; 3 working days). Filming in the UAE needs a filming permit from the Council or competent authority (ground filming AED 500 per day, apply 15 working days ahead). [1]

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/FC851090038F4C97B352FBB5F0BD929F.pdf)

## Notes and history

- **Legal basis (2014-10-27):** Dubai Media City (DMC) 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 DMC 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 DMC. [source](https://dmc.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 (DMC's are in Part Three), plus a General segment available in all of them. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf)
- **History (2000):** Dubai Media City was announced in 2000, according to its 20th-anniversary press release of November 2020, and marked its 25th anniversary in January 2026. [source](https://dmc.ae/media/press-releases/dubai-media-city-celebrates-20-year-milestone) [source](https://dmc.ae/media/press-releases/dubai-media-city-marks-25-years-of-pioneering-innovation-in-the-middle-easts-media-and-content-creation-sector)
- **Good to know:** DMC forms TECOM Group's Media Cluster together with Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City; in January 2026 DMC reported more than 40,000 professionals across the cluster. [source](https://dmc.ae/media/press-releases/dubai-media-city-marks-25-years-of-pioneering-innovation-in-the-middle-easts-media-and-content-creation-sector) [source](https://dpc.ae/media/press-release/dubai-production-city-reveals-13-growth-as-innovation-takes-centre-stage-at-drupa)
- **Good to know:** Besides licensing rules, DDA's legal database lists content rules for media businesses in the zone, including the Broadcasting and Publication Standards Tribunal Regulations 2016, the Dubai Creative Clusters Code of Guidance 2016 and the Content Compliance and Sanctions Policy 2016. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/en/legal-database/laws-and-regulations)

## FAQ

### How much does a DMC licence cost?

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

### How long does DMC company setup take?

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

### Is DMC a VAT Designated Zone?

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

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

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

## Compare with

- [DMC vs DAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dafza&z=dmc)
- [DMC vs d3](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=d3&z=dmc)
- [DMC vs DCC](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dmc&z=dubai-commercity)

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.