Why choose Dubai Internet City?

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is TECOM Group's digital economy district, home to around 4,000 businesses and 31,000 professionals in software, IT services, telecoms and data. It sits in Al Sufouh beside Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park, and is one of the most recognised tech addresses in the region.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership through an FZ-LLC or branch.
  • A large tech cluster for hiring, partnerships and clients.
  • Startup support through the in5 innovation centres.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

Dubai Internet City costs in 2026

  • Registration: AED 3,500 one-time for an FZ-LLC.
  • Licence: AED 15,000 a year per activity segment; an extra standard segment is AED 10,000.
  • Workspace: required. TECOM's D/Quarters co-working starts from AED 1,200 a month for a shared desk (1 visa), AED 2,500 for a dedicated desk (2 visas) and AED 5,000 for an office.
  • Share capital: AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC by default.

Your first-year total depends mostly on workspace and visas. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in Dubai Internet City

  1. Choose your entity: FZ-LLC, branch of an existing company, or a freelance permit where eligible.
  2. Choose your segment and activities: the licence fee is charged per activity segment.
  3. Get provisional approval: the Dubai Development Authority quotes about 10 working days.
  4. Register and receive your licence: about 2 more working days, once workspace is in place.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is Dubai Internet City best for?

Software and SaaS companies, IT consultancies, telecoms and data businesses, and tech teams that want a recognised Dubai tech address and access to talent. It is rarely the cheapest option for a solo consultant.

Dubai Internet City FAQs

Do I need a local partner?

No. An FZ-LLC can be 100% owned by individuals or companies.

How long does setup take?

About 12 working days on the Dubai Development Authority's service levels: around 10 for provisional approval and 2 for registration. Visas follow.

How many visas can I get?

It depends on your workspace. A D/Quarters shared desk supports 1 visa, a dedicated desk 2, and an office 2 or more.

How much does Dubai Internet City cost?

Registration is AED 3,500 and the licence AED 15,000 a year per activity segment, plus workspace from around AED 1,200 a month for a shared desk.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.