Why DIC?
Your Tech Journey Begins with DIC Freezone Business Setup
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the region’s premier destination for tech and digital businesses, hosting giants like Google and Microsoft. With a vibrant ecosystem, 100% foreign ownership, and zero taxes, DIC is perfect for startups, IT firms, and digital innovators. Universus Consulting streamlines your DIC setup, ensuring a fast, compliant process so you can focus on building the future.
Why us?
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- Connect with global tech leaders and startups.
- No corporate or personal income tax
- Tailored licenses for IT, software, and digital services.
- Tap into Dubai’s diverse, skilled tech workforce.
Start Smart and Setup your Business in DIC Freezone
Let’s Shape Your Tech Vision
We begin with a one-on-one consultation to understand your goals and help position your business within DIC’s thriving ecosystem, think of it as your launchpad strategy.
Get the Right License
Whether you're building an app, offering IT services, or running a digital agency — we’ll help you choose the perfect DIC license and handle the paperwork for you.
Finalise Your Trade Name
We’ll guide you through picking and registering a name that’s not only compliant, but also makes your brand stand out in the tech space.
Documentation Setup
From government forms to regulatory documents, we'll take care of all the behind-the-scenes work to fast-track your approvals.
Visa Assistance
Need an investor visa or bringing in developers and talent? We’ll handle the entire visa process so your team can get to work, fast.
Open a Business Bank Account
No Bank A/c? We’ll connect you with DIC-friendly banking partners and help you set up your corporate account quickly, with an active IBAN.
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What You’ll Need
Documents Required for DIC Freezone Business Setup
- Passport copy of shareholders
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of residence/address
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if available)
- Business activity details
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a leading free zone in Dubai focused on technology, media, and innovation, established in 1999 as part of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, hosting over 1,600 companies including giants like Microsoft, IBM, and Google. It's an ideal choice for tech startups, IT services, e-commerce, and media firms due to benefits like 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
Business setup in DIC is ideal for software developers, IT service providers, media agencies, and digital startups targeting global growth.
Yes. Companies registered in DIC can sponsor investor and employee visas based on the office size and license type.
The process usually takes 2-4 weeks: 1 week for document submission and initial approvals, 1-2 weeks for DDA reviews (longer for specialized licenses), and 1 week for license issuance after payment. Freelance permits can be faster (1-2 weeks), while regulated activities like blockchain may extend to 4-6 weeks; the online portal streamlines it compared to mainland setups.
DIC provides 100% foreign ownership, access to government programs like Dubai Future Accelerators, specialized tech infrastructure (e.g., data centers and labs), and a network of VCs and universities for talent and funding, plus tax savings with 0% on qualifying income. Unlike general zones like JAFZA, it focuses on IT and media with events like hackathons, making it superior for fintech, AI, and e-commerce over mainland or other free zones.
The DIC setup process typically takes 2-4 weeks: select your business activity and legal structure (e.g., FZ-LLC or branch office), reserve a trade name, submit an application with required documents via the DIC portal, obtain initial approvals from DDA, pay fees, sign a lease for office space, and receive your license and establishment card
DIC offers specialized licenses including commercial for trading and e-commerce, service for IT consulting and support, industrial for light manufacturing, freelance permits for independent professionals in tech or media, and niche options for sectors like software development, telecommunications, AI, blockchain, and gaming/e-sports. Up to three activities can be combined under one license, aligned with Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Licensing Regulations, ensuring compliance for over 100 tech-focused activities.
DIC companies can sponsor residence visas for investors, employees, and dependents, with quotas based on office size (e.g., one visa per 80 sq ft), valid for 2-3 years and costing AED 3,000-5,000 each including medical tests and Emirates ID. The process starts after license issuance, taking 2-4 weeks; golden visa opportunities are available for high-investment setups, supporting talent attraction in tech sectors without local sponsors.
A physical office is mandatory in DIC, with options like flexi-desks (minimum 80 sq ft per employee) starting at AED 35,000 annually, co-working spaces, or dedicated offices up to AED 150,000, leased within DIC facilities. This ensures compliance with DDA rules and ties directly to visa quotas; virtual offices are not permitted, emphasizing a presence in the tech ecosystem.
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Annual compliance includes license renewals (AED 15,000+), office lease renewals, corporate tax filings (0% for qualifying free zone persons, 9% otherwise), and economic substance reporting to maintain tax benefits. Audits are required for high-turnover firms, visas renew every 2-3 years with medical checks, and companies must update changes in structure or activities via DDA to avoid penalties.
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What is DIC Freezone?
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is Dubai’s leading technology free zone and business park, home to global tech companies and startups, offering 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and a pro-innovation environment. Established in 1999 and launched in 2000, DIC is part of TECOM Group and serves as a central ICT hub with state-of-the-art offices, networks, and community services in a central Dubai location. It supports software, e-commerce, cloud, cybersecurity, digital media, and a wide range of tech and internet-enabled services under dedicated licensing and facilities tailored for growth.
Why Choose DIC Freezone?
- Deep tech ecosystem with global names and startups, co-working to enterprise offices, and frequent community events that support innovation and partnerships.
- 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal income tax in the free zone, no currency restrictions, and straightforward capital repatriation support efficient scaling.
- Strategic location with modern infrastructure and flexible commercial leases, enabling quick setup and easy access to clients across Dubai and the wider region.
- Sector-focused licenses covering software, internet services, IT consulting, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital media streamline approvals and compliance for tech businesses.
DIC Freezone Business Setup: Steps and Structures
- Choose the business activity and license category (e.g., service, commercial, or freelancer permit for individuals) aligned with DIC’s allowed list.
- Select a legal form: Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) or Branch of a UAE/foreign company; freelancers can apply for a permit to operate as sole practitioners.
- Apply for initial approval with business plan, shareholder/manager passports, and company details, then receive a provisional approval letter outlining required legal documents.
- Lease a DIC-approved office solution (from flexi-desk/co-working to private offices) and finalise incorporation, licensing, establishment card, and visas.
DIC Freezone Costs: What to Expect
- License costs widely cited range from about AED10,000–AED50,000 per year, depending on license type and inclusions; freelancer permits can be lower, while bundled desk/office packages raise totals.
- Example breakdowns show a dedicated desk package totalling around AED48,320, including discounted license/registration, desk lease, deposit, VAT, and establishment card; larger private offices raise totals accordingly.
- Additional costs include visas, medical tests, and an Emirates ID, which vary by visa quota and urgency.
License Validity and Renewal
Trade licenses are typically issued for 1 year and renewed annually in line with lease validity and activity compliance; DIC provides online support and partner channels to manage renewals and amendments efficiently.
What Businesses Fit Best in DIC?
DIC suits technology and internet-driven companies such as software and app development, digital marketing, e-commerce, cloud/SaaS, cybersecurity, IT consulting, data hosting, media and content firms, and R&D-focused ventures looking for a recognised tech address and ecosystem.