Why choose Dubai Media City?

Dubai Media City (DMC) is TECOM Group's media and creative district for advertising, marketing, publishing, broadcasting, events and gaming. Together with Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City, TECOM's media cluster hosts more than 4,000 businesses and 40,000 creative professionals.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership through an FZ-LLC or branch.
  • GoFreelance permits from AED 7,500 a year for eligible media professionals (visa not included).
  • D/Quarters co-working and in5 support for early-stage businesses.
  • 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 Media City costs in 2026

  • Registration: AED 3,500 one-time for an FZ-LLC.
  • Licence: AED 15,000 a year per activity segment for most segments; AED 20,000 for the Advertising & Communication segment.
  • 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.
  • GoFreelance permit: AED 7,500 a year for eligible freelancers.

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

How to set up a company in Dubai Media 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 Media City best for?

Agencies, PR and marketing firms, content and production companies, publishers, events and gaming businesses, and media freelancers who qualify for GoFreelance.

Dubai Media 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.

Can I get a freelance permit in Dubai Media City?

Yes. GoFreelance costs AED 7,500 a year for eligible media, tech, education and design professionals. A residence visa is not included.

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.