# Dubai Production City (DPC) > DPC publishes a licence fee from AED 15,000 but no full package price and states incorporation in 7 days (checked 2026-10-24). Dubai Production City (DPC) is a media and industrial free zone in Dubai, licensed by Dubai Development Authority (DDA), established in 2003. - Emirate: Dubai - Licensing authority: Dubai Development Authority (DDA) - Official website: https://dpc.ae - Last checked: 2026-10-24 - Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/dubai/dpc ## 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, Industrial, Trading, Services / consultancy | | Minimum share capital | AED 10,000 | | Incorporation time (stated) | 7 days | | On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No | ## Identity and legal basis - Official name (Arabic): مدينة دبي للإنتاج - Licensing / regulating authority: Dubai Development Authority (DDA) - Parent group / government body: TECOM Group PJSC (district developer/operator); licensing by Dubai Development Authority - Zone type: Media, Industrial - Year established: 2003 - Official website: https://dpc.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 Production City, Dubai (management office: Publishing Pavilion building, Ground floor). [1] Public contact phone: +971 4 391 1122. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.ae/connect/contact-us) ## Business activities - Official approved activity list: https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf - Licence types offered: Media, Industrial, Trading, Services / consultancy - General trading licence available: No Activity categories offered: Printing & Packaging Machinery; Printing Consumables; Printing Press; Signage & Exhibition (except Fabrication and Production); Signage & Exhibition - Fabrication and Production; Packaging (except Paper Packaging and Recycling Product Manufacture); Packaging - Paper Packaging and Recycling Product Manufacture; Publishing; Publishing Support Services; Promotional Services; General Warehousing. [1] Activities included in base licence: 1. [1] Trading and services on one licence: yes. [1] Activities needing another authority's approval: Publishing (Segment 19.6): register with and follow the requirements of the NMC; titles registered with the Authority and NMC; General Warehousing (19.9.1): restricted to persons already licensed for this precise activity by relevant authorities in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE; Service Provider (Segment 26.1) and listed General-segment activities: approvals from DED, DHA, Dubai Municipality, RERA, DCAA, RTA etc. per LCD Art. 8. [1] Restricted activities: Publishers (Segment 19.6) may not open a branch within the UAE including other free zones (LCD Art. 4.1); Publishing (Segment 19.6) only as a free zone limited liability company (LCD Art. 4.2); Property Holding Company (26.7.6) issued on an exclusive basis (LCD Art. 3.10); Operating outside the free zone without a separate DED licence (DPC FAQ). [1] Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) ## Cost - year one - Lowest licence fee (zero-visa): AED 15,000 ## Cost - ongoing Renewal costs more than the first-year price: no. [1] Late renewal penalty: AED 2,500 if renewed more than 30 and up to 60 days after expiry; AED 5,000 if 61-90 days; AED 10,000 if more than 90 days; the Authority may also refuse renewal or government/sponsorship services. [2] Renewal grace period: 30 days. [2] 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] Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/license-renewal/commercial-license-renewal) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) · [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) ## Visas and residency Visa quota rule: One sponsored employee per 80-100 sq ft of leased space. [1] Employee visa available: yes. [1] Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [1] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.ae/connect/faqs) ## Office and facilities - Office / facility types: Private office, Light industrial unit, Warehouse, Retail unit, Land plot - Warehouse available: Yes Warehouse sizes: Warehouses 5,000-11,000 sq ft (stated location Dubai Industrial City); Light Industrial Units in DPC 7,500-13,800 sq ft. [1] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [2] Minimum sqm per visa: 7.43 sqm. [3] Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.ae/offerings/warehouse) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.ae/offerings/set-up-your-business) · [3] [Calculated from the zone's figures (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.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] Foreign corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [3] Share capital must be paid in: yes. [4] Courts and arbitration: Dubai Courts (PCR Reg. 108); for share pledges the DIFC Courts if the parties agreed (PCR Reg. 48.2). [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) · [3] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/BAE2F2CC37134C81BEF31967C4E00193.pdf) · [4] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) ## 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 from Dubai Customs allowing import and re-export, with goods stored within the Zone bounded area; (ii) local customs code, paying customs duty on arrival; or (iii) no customs code, meaning no imports. [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 submission deadline: Retained by the licensee and supplied to the Authority on demand (no fixed annual filing date found). [1] Annual return and renewal documents: Licence renewal application via axs portal; NOC from external authorities per the LCD (if applicable); Certificate of continuity/good standing or current trade licence for a branch of an onshore UAE company (if applicable). [2] 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/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 Natural Member(s), Director(s) and General Manager with Residence Visa Page (if any); Resolution for the Incorporation of an FZ-LLC; Declaration of Appointment as General Manager (applicable if holds a valid visa); Power of Attorney for Legal Representative/Negotiator (if any), with passport copy. [1] Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Resolution notarised by a Notary Public and attested by the UAE Embassy; corporate member's incorporation certificate, certificate of continuity/good standing, and parent MoA/AoA required. [2] 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) ## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility Adding shareholders: Online via axs; AED 3,000 per transaction + AED 500 AoA amendment + AED 20; 5 working days; new corporate member resolutions notarised and UAE-Embassy attested; UBO form and bank proof of paid-up capital. [1] Moving a company in or out (re-domiciliation): yes. [2] Multiple licences under one group: yes. [3] Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/registration-and-licence-amendments/adding-new-members-or-shareholders) · [2] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/en/registration-licensing/existing-businesses/other-services/continuation-of-company-into-the-zone) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dpc.ae/connect/faqs) ## Freelancer and solo founder - Freelancer permit available: Yes ## Industry-specific regulation Media content licensing / filming permits: Publishing (Segment 19.6) is FZ-LLC only, may not branch elsewhere in the UAE, must register with and follow NMC requirements, and must register each newspaper/magazine title with the Authority and NMC before publishing (AED 5,000 per title, volume discounts from 10 titles). Content disputes fall under the DCCA Broadcasting and Publication Standards Tribunal. [1] Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) ## Notes and history - **Legal basis (2014-10-27):** Dubai Production City (DPC) 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 DPC 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 DPC. [source](https://dpc.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 (DPC's are in Part Four), plus a General segment available in all of them. [source](https://dda.gov.ae/-/media/67662280247F46F2B94A853943F014C4.pdf) - **Good to know:** DPC is part of TECOM Group's Media Cluster together with Dubai Media City and Dubai Studio City, according to a DPC press release of June 2024. [source](https://dpc.ae/media/press-release/dubai-production-city-reveals-13-growth-as-innovation-takes-centre-stage-at-drupa) - **Good to know:** The GoFreelance freelance permit shown on the DPC website is a TECOM Group offer that covers Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District and Dubai Knowledge Park; DPC is not one of the listed districts. [source](https://dpc.ae/tecom-group/gofreelance) ## FAQ ### How much does a DPC licence cost? DPC publishes a licence fee from AED 15,000. Visa, office and registration costs are extra. ### How long does DPC company setup take? DPC states about 7 days for incorporation. Visas take extra time after the licence is issued. ### Can I get a general trading licence in DPC? DPC does not offer a general trading licence. ### Is DPC a VAT Designated Zone? DPC does not appear on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones. ### What is the minimum share capital in DPC? DPC states a minimum share capital of AED 10,000. ## Compare with - [DPC vs DAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dafza&z=dpc) - [DPC vs DCC](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=dpc&z=dubai-commercity) - [DPC vs d3](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=d3&z=dpc) 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) --- 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. --- 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.