Business Setup in Dubai Production City: 2026 Guide
Dubai Production City (DPC), originally launched in 2003 as the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), is the UAE’s most specialised free zone for the printing, publishing, packaging, and media production industries. Operated by TECOM Group PJSC, DPC sits along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road near Jumeirah Village South, placing it within easy reach of central Dubai, Dubai South, and the Jebel Ali port corridor.
The zone was purpose-built for companies that work in print, production, and advanced media. Its community of over 6,700 professionals includes global publishing houses, commercial printers, graphic design studios, post-production companies, and broadcast operators. A holistic campus combines business, retail, and residential facilities, making the zone practical for employees as well as business owners.
This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up in Dubai Production City: which company structures are available, which business activities are permitted, how the registration process works, what fees apply, how many visas you can sponsor, what office types are on offer, and how DPC compares with other UAE free zones.
What is Dubai Production City and who regulates it?
Dubai Production City is a free zone in Dubai dedicated to the printing, publishing, packaging, and advanced production sectors. According to the official DPC website at dpc.ae, the zone was created in 2003 as a world-class ecosystem for media production, printing, publishing, and packaging. It covers four square kilometres along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, adjacent to Dubai Sports City, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Jumeirah Village.
DPC is a member of TECOM Group PJSC, a Dubai-listed entity that operates 11 specialised business districts across the emirate, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai Studio City. TECOM Group is linked to the Dubai government’s broader strategy to build knowledge-based industry clusters that attract global investment.
Licensing and government services at DPC are delivered through axs, TECOM Group’s integrated servicing arm. Through axs, businesses can process visa applications, renew licences, obtain establishment cards, and access a range of government services from one location or through the axs digital platform. This one-stop model significantly reduces administrative friction for business owners.
DPC reported 13% year-on-year community growth as announced at the global drupa print and packaging exhibition in June 2024, reflecting continued demand from the printing, packaging, and media production sectors that are choosing Dubai as their regional base.
What types of companies can I register in Dubai Production City?
DPC offers four primary legal structures. The right choice will depend on whether you are starting from scratch, expanding an existing overseas business, or seeking a lower-cost freelance entry point.
Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) with Individual Shareholders
An FZ-LLC is the most common structure for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses setting up in DPC for the first time. It is a separate legal entity from its shareholders, which provides limited liability protection. Individual shareholders hold the shares directly. There is no restriction on shareholder nationality, and you can hold 100% foreign ownership without needing a UAE national partner. This structure gives you the full benefits of operating as a stand-alone legal entity, including the ability to open a corporate bank account, sign contracts in the company’s name, and sponsor employee visas.
Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) with Corporate Shareholders
If the shareholders are companies rather than individuals, the FZ-LLC structure is the same but the documentation requirements differ. You will need to provide corporate records including a certificate of incorporation, a memorandum and articles of association, and a board resolution authorising the subsidiary’s formation from the parent company. This structure is commonly used when a group entity is establishing a regional subsidiary in DPC to manage its print or media operations in the Middle East.
Branch of a Foreign Company
A branch is not a separate legal entity from its parent. It carries out the same activities as the parent company and all obligations flow back to the parent. No minimum share capital is required for a branch, and the branch draws its authority from the parent’s certificate of incorporation. This structure suits foreign businesses that want a Dubai presence without the cost and complexity of creating a standalone entity. The parent company remains fully liable for the branch’s activities.
Branch of a UAE-Established Company
A locally registered company that has been operating in the UAE for at least two years can establish a branch in DPC. The branch operates as an extension of the UAE parent and does not require separate capitalisation. A copy of the parent’s UAE trade licence is required as part of the application. This route is commonly used by mainland UAE businesses that want to operate within a free zone framework for a specific project or client.
GoFreelance Permit
DPC, through TECOM Group’s GoFreelance programme, offers a freelance permit for individual practitioners working in media, design, and technology. According to the official dpc.ae website, the GoFreelance package costs AED 7,500 per year and includes the freelance permit and access to co-working spaces. It allows the holder to legally invoice clients as a sole practitioner without needing to incorporate a full company.
Media freelancers based at DPC can choose up to three business activities from an extensive list that covers roles including journalist, photographer, producer, director, scriptwriter, social media specialist, social media influencer, graphic designer, editor, animator, and many more. The permit is administered through the Dubai Media City arm of TECOM Group, and the application, approval, and permit delivery process can be completed entirely online.
Which DPC company structure is right for you?
We compile, attest, and organise your DPC application pack, including passport copies and the Memorandum of Association, so nothing delays your licence.
What business activities are permitted in Dubai Production City?
DPC is a sector-specific free zone, which means permitted activities are concentrated around printing, publishing, packaging, graphic arts, media production, and related support services. The key permitted activity categories, as referenced on the official DPC website, are set out below.
Printing and Publishing Activities
- Commercial and industrial printing
- Digital and newspaper printing
- Online publishing and electronic content
- Graphic arts and graphic design
- Packaging production and related services
Production and Media Activities
- Film and television production
- Broadcasting and post-production
- Sound design, dubbing, and audio-visual services
- Animation and visual effects
- Photography and photojournalism
- Exhibition design and production
Support and General Business Activities
- Marketing and advertising services
- Import and export of related goods and equipment
- Support services for media and production businesses
- General trading (subject to activity scope approval)
The full list of approved activities runs to several hundred options across DPC and the broader TECOM free zone network. Always confirm that your specific activity is permitted before applying by contacting DPC directly or using the axs services portal at dpc.ae/the-community/axs-services.
What are the steps to set up a company in Dubai Production City?
The registration process at DPC follows three stages, all administered through axs, TECOM Group’s integrated service platform.
Step 1: Submit your initial application
Begin by completing the licence application form available through the DPC website (dpc.ae) or the axs services portal. Alongside the form, you will submit a business plan and identity documents for all shareholders, directors, managers, and legal representatives. For FZ-LLCs with individual shareholders, this means passport copies of each person involved. For corporate shareholders, add the parent company’s certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and a board resolution. For a foreign branch, include the parent’s incorporation certificate and the authorised signatory’s passport copy. GoFreelance applicants submit a simplified form with passport and visa copies.
Step 2: Pay fees and select your workspace
Once your application is reviewed and provisionally approved, you will receive guidance on available workspace options. You select the office type that suits your team size and operational requirements: from a hot-desk at D/Quarters to a dedicated commercial office, a boutique studio for production use, or a light industrial unit for manufacturing and logistics. Fees are paid at this stage, and your lease agreement is executed. DPC does not publish a fixed fee schedule publicly, so costs are confirmed as part of this personalised stage. Contact axs for a quote.
Step 3: Sign your documents and collect your licence
After fee payment and workspace selection, you sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZ-LLCs) and your lease agreement. Your trade licence and certificate of incorporation are then issued. For GoFreelance applicants, the permit is delivered by email once all documents are submitted and approved. Following licence issuance, your establishment card and employee visa applications can be processed through axs, either online or in person at the DPC business centre.
Save time on your DPC document preparation.
We compile, attest, and organise your DPC application pack, including passport copies and the Memorandum of Association, so nothing delays your licence.
What documents are required to register a company in Dubai Production City?
The documents you need will vary by company type. The table below provides a consolidated reference for the most common structures. All non-English or non-Arabic documents will need to be officially translated before submission.
Key Documents Required by Company Type
| Company Type | Key Documents Required |
| FZ-LLC (individual shareholders) |
|
| FZ-LLC (corporate shareholders) |
|
| Branch of a foreign company |
|
| Branch of a UAE-established company |
|
| GoFreelance permit |
|
Note on attestation: Documents from outside the UAE may need to be notarised, attested by the issuing country’s foreign affairs ministry, and attested by the UAE embassy in that country. Contact axs for guidance specific to your country of origin.
What are the government fees and setup costs in Dubai Production City?
DPC does not publish a comprehensive public fee schedule, as costs vary based on licence type, number of activities, workspace size, and visa requirements. The table below sets out confirmed and indicative figures from official sources. Contact axs or submit an enquiry via dpc.ae for a personalised quote.
| Fee Item | AED (Approx.) | USD (Approx.) |
| GoFreelance permit, annual (confirmed via dpc.ae) | AED 7,500 | Approx. USD 2,040 |
| Trade licence, indicative starting cost (from) | From AED 15,000 | From approx. USD 4,085 |
| Establishment card | Contact axs for current rate | Contact axs |
| Employee residence visa (per person) | Contact axs for current rate | Contact axs |
| Medical fitness test and Emirates ID enrolment | Contact axs for current rate | Contact axs |
| Commercial office or studio lease | Varies by type and size | Varies |
| D/Quarters co-working (desk-based) | Contact DPC for package pricing | Contact DPC |
GoFreelance fee: The AED 7,500 annual fee is confirmed on the official dpc.ae website and covers the freelance permit and co-working space access. Establishment card and individual visa fees are set by MOHRE and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and are subject to change.
Corporate tax: Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, a corporate tax rate of 9% applies to taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,000) for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Free zone businesses that maintain qualifying income and adequate economic substance may be eligible for the 0% rate on qualifying income. Consult the Federal Tax Authority at tax.gov.ae for full guidance on eligibility.
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What is the minimum share capital requirement for a DPC company?
There is no mandated minimum share capital for FZ-LLC companies or branches incorporated in Dubai Production City. This position is consistent with the approach taken across TECOM Group’s free zone portfolio.
That said, share capital is a practical signal of financial credibility, particularly for businesses seeking to open corporate bank accounts or sponsor multiple employees. Many businesses incorporate with a nominal share capital of AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 as a matter of good commercial practice. Always confirm the current DPC position on share capital directly with axs at the time of your application, as requirements can be updated.
How many visas can I get with a Dubai Production City licence?
The number of employee residence visas you can sponsor through DPC is linked to your company’s licence type and the size of the workspace you lease. TECOM Group, like other UAE free zone authorities, uses a floor-area allocation formula to determine visa entitlements: the larger the workspace, the more visas are available.
For commercial offices, the standard UAE free zone approach applies a quota based on the leased area. As a general guide, a small commercial office will typically support between two and five employee visas, while larger offices or light industrial units can accommodate significantly higher headcount. The specific formula and quotas applicable to your chosen workspace should be confirmed with axs at the time of application.
The GoFreelance permit includes a pathway to obtain a personal residence visa through axs. However, GoFreelance holders cannot sponsor employee visas, as the permit is designed for sole practitioners rather than employers.
All visa applications, medical fitness tests, Emirates ID enrolment, and residence stamp services are processed through axs. Visit dpc.ae/the-community/axs-services or attend in person at the DPC business centre for current rates and processing timelines.
Planning how many UAE visas your DPC licence needs?
Whether you are sponsoring staff, partners, or family, we map out the right visa quota and guide each application from entry permit to Emirates ID.
What facilities and office options are available in Dubai Production City?
DPC offers one of the most diverse portfolios of commercial and production spaces of any UAE free zone. Whether you are a sole practitioner in media or a large-scale packaging manufacturer, there is a workspace option built around your needs.
Commercial Offices
Traditional commercial offices at DPC are available in a range of sizes and configurations. They feature modern specifications, high-speed connectivity, shared amenities, and easy access to the campus’s retail, dining, and fitness facilities. These are suited to publishing companies, marketing agencies, general media businesses, and any firm that needs a professional office presence without production infrastructure.
D/Quarters Co-working Spaces
D/Quarters is TECOM Group’s co-working brand, offering flexible hot-desk and dedicated desk arrangements, plus private meeting rooms. For early-stage businesses or teams that need to scale quickly without committing to a long lease, D/Quarters provides a cost-effective entry into the DPC community. Users can access the space at DPC and at other TECOM campuses across Dubai.
Boutique Studios
Boutique Studios are one of DPC’s most distinctive offerings and are rare among UAE free zones. These purpose-built units are designed for television stations, film production companies, and broadcast operators. Each unit combines an office space with an attached production studio, private terrace, beautiful gardens, and shaded parking. This combination makes Boutique Studios the natural choice for companies that need both administrative space and production infrastructure under one roof.
in5 Media Centre
in5 is TECOM Group’s incubation and acceleration programme for startups and creative entrepreneurs in tech, design, and media. The in5 Media centre at DPC provides a collaborative working environment where aspiring media professionals, freelancers, and small production companies can work alongside peers, access structured mentorship, and connect with the broader TECOM ecosystem. in5 is particularly well-suited to early-stage businesses that are not yet ready for a standalone commercial office lease.
Light Industrial Units
For companies with manufacturing, printing, or logistics operations, DPC offers Light Industrial Units (LIUs) with Grade-A build standards, ready infrastructure, and high load-bearing floors suited to heavy industrial machinery. These units are appropriate for commercial and industrial printers, packaging manufacturers, and distribution businesses that need operational space in addition to a business licence.
Warehouses
DPC’s warehouse portfolio offers scalable, secure storage and distribution space. Warehouses suit companies that import raw materials for printing or packaging operations, hold large volumes of finished goods, or run fulfilment operations for media products. The location on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) provides direct highway access to Jebel Ali Port and Dubai South.
Sound Stages
DPC’s sound stages are among the most technically sophisticated production facilities in the region. According to the official dpc.ae website, the stages range from 11,000 to 50,000 sq ft and are fully equipped with water tanks, grid and cat-walk systems, and elephant doors capable of accommodating large vehicles and set pieces. These facilities attract major advertising, feature film, and broadcast productions from across the region, creating a community of serious production professionals whose presence benefits neighbouring businesses on the campus.
What are the key benefits of setting up in Dubai Production City?
DPC offers the standard benefits available across UAE free zones, plus a number of sector-specific advantages that make it particularly compelling for printing, publishing, and media businesses.- 100% foreign ownership: No UAE national partner is required to hold a stake in your business.
- No personal income tax: The UAE does not levy personal income tax on salaries or profits drawn by individuals.
- 9% corporate tax with qualifying income relief: Free zone businesses that meet the substance and qualifying income conditions defined by the Federal Tax Authority may be eligible for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits: There are no restrictions on sending profits or capital out of the UAE.
- No currency restrictions: The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, and there are no controls on foreign currency transactions.
- One-stop government services via axs: Licences, visa applications, establishment cards, and renewals are all handled through a single integrated digital platform.
- Purpose-built infrastructure: Printing, publishing, and production businesses benefit from industrial units, sound stages, boutique studios, and warehouses designed specifically for their operational requirements.
- Thriving industry community: A community of over 6,700 professionals creates networking, collaboration, and partnership opportunities within a single, connected campus.
- Strategic highway location: Direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) places DPC within easy reach of Jebel Ali Port, Dubai South, and central Dubai.
Not sure which DPC workspace fits your operations?
From D/Quarters hot-desks to full sound stages and light industrial units, we match your production or publishing workflow to the right space and licence.
What are the unique advantages of choosing Dubai Production City?
Beyond the standard UAE free zone benefits, DPC has a number of features that set it apart from general-purpose and even other media-focused free zones.
in5 Media: The in5 incubator at DPC gives startups and individual media professionals access to a structured support programme with training, mentoring, and co-working designed for creative entrepreneurs. This is rare among UAE free zones and makes DPC particularly attractive for early-stage media ventures that are not yet ready to commit to a full commercial lease.
Sound Stages at scale: Very few UAE free zones offer production-ready sound stages with water tanks, grid systems, and elephant doors. DPC’s stages attract major advertising and film productions from across the region, creating an ecosystem of serious production professionals whose presence is a natural draw for suppliers, service providers, and collaborators.
GoFreelance as a low-cost entry point: The GoFreelance programme at AED 7,500 per year is one of the most accessible freelance pathways in the UAE market. It allows media professionals to test the market and build a client base before committing to full company incorporation.
Holistic campus model: DPC is not just a business park. The campus includes City Centre Me’aisem (a full retail mall), the Occidental Dubai hotel, a 2 km running track, a tennis academy, gyms, healthcare facilities, schools, mosques, and an extensive range of cafes and restaurants. This live-work-play environment reduces friction for employees and makes DPC a particularly attractive place to base a team.
TECOM ecosystem access: DPC businesses benefit from their proximity to the broader TECOM network, which includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Knowledge Park. Cross-zone relationships within the TECOM family are common and can open doors to new clients and strategic partners without leaving the same regulated ecosystem.
How does Dubai Production City compare to other UAE free zones?
DPC is a highly specialised zone and, for printing, publishing, packaging, and media production businesses, it is arguably the most purpose-fit option in the UAE. The comparison table below highlights the key differences between DPC and the most relevant alternatives.
Freezone Comparison: DPC vs Dubai Media City vs Dubai Studio City vs IFZA
| Feature | DPC | Dubai Media City | Dubai Studio City | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sector focus | Print, publishing, packaging, production | Media, PR, advertising | Film, TV, music | General (multi-sector) |
| Sound stages | ✓ Yes 11,000 – 50,000 sq ft | ◐ Limited | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Light industrial units | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✕ No | ◐ Limited |
| Warehouses | ✓ Yes | ✕ No | ✕ No | ✓ Yes |
| GoFreelance permit | ✓ Yes via TECOM | ✓ Yes via TECOM | ✓ Yes via TECOM | ✕ No |
| Residential community on campus | ✓ Yes Full campus | ◐ Partial | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Incubation programme | ✓ Yes in5 Media | ✓ Yes in5 Media | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Regulator | TECOM Group | TECOM Group | TECOM Group | IFZA Authority |
For companies in the printing, packaging, and media production space, DPC’s combination of industrial units, sound stages, boutique studios, and a sector-specific community is very difficult to replicate elsewhere. Businesses that need only a media licence without physical production infrastructure may find Dubai Media City or Dubai Studio City a better fit. General trading or technology businesses should look at multi-sector zones such as IFZA or RAKEZ.
Wondering whether DPC is the best free zone for your business?
We compare DPC against Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, and other TECOM zones on cost, activities, and visa options, so you choose with confidence.
What should you know before setting up in Dubai Production City?
Tip 1: Match your workspace choice to your visa headcount.
Your leased office size at DPC directly determines how many employee visas you can sponsor. If you plan to hire five or more staff from the outset, factor this into your workspace selection from the start. Upgrading later is possible but can involve additional paperwork and cost. Get axs to confirm the exact visa quota before you sign your lease.
Tip 2: Use axs for all government transactions.
axs is the official TECOM Group servicing platform for DPC. All visa applications, establishment card renewals, and licence renewals should go through axs, either online or in person at the DPC business centre. axs provides the most accurate and up-to-date guidance on current fee schedules and processing timelines.
Tip 3: The GoFreelance permit is the lowest-cost way to start legally.
At AED 7,500 per year, the GoFreelance permit is one of the most accessible ways to operate legally as a sole practitioner in Dubai. If you are a media professional exploring the UAE market before committing to full company incorporation, the GoFreelance route gives you a legitimate business presence at minimal upfront cost.
Tip 4: Get professional advice on your corporate tax position.
Free zone businesses in the UAE can qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income if they meet the substance and activity tests defined by the Federal Tax Authority. The rules are detailed, and your eligibility will depend on your specific activities, income sources, and whether you trade with the UAE mainland. Get proper tax advice before filing your first corporate tax return.
Tip 5: Consider in5 before committing to a commercial lease.
If your business is still in development, the in5 Media Centre at DPC offers a structured incubation environment with lower overheads than a standalone commercial office. in5 includes co-working access, mentorship, and peer networking with other media entrepreneurs. It can serve as a useful proving ground before you scale into a larger DPC workspace.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Business Setup in Dubai Production City
DPC is a sector-specific free zone, so permitted activities are concentrated in printing, publishing, packaging, graphic arts, media production, and related support services. General trading or non-media businesses will not be approved. If your business falls outside these sectors, a general-purpose free zone such as IFZA, RAKEZ, or DMCC is likely a more appropriate option.
Yes. A foreign company can register a branch in DPC without establishing a separate legal entity. The branch carries out the same activities as the parent and there is no minimum capital requirement. You will need the parent company’s certificate of incorporation and authorised signatory documents. The parent company remains fully liable for the branch’s activities.
DPC does not require a mandated minimum share capital for FZ-LLC companies or branches. That said, many businesses choose a nominal capital of AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 for practical purposes such as bank account applications. Always confirm the current position with axs at the time of your application.
For a standard FZ-LLC application with all documents ready, the process can typically be completed in two to three weeks from initial submission. Corporate structures involving overseas parent company documentation may take longer if attestation is required. GoFreelance applications tend to be faster, often completed within a few days of document submission.
Yes. DPC is a fully integrated campus with residential apartments, hotels (including the Occidental Dubai), retail at City Centre Me’aisem, restaurants, gyms, a 2 km running track, a tennis academy, and healthcare facilities. Business owners and employees can choose to live within the same community where they work.
axs is TECOM Group’s integrated government servicing arm. It handles visa applications, establishment card issuance and renewal, licence renewals, medical fitness referrals, and other government transactions for DPC businesses. The platform operates both via an online portal and in person at the DPC business centre. Visit dpc.ae/the-community/axs-services for more information.
Yes. D/Quarters is DPC’s co-working offering, providing flexible hot-desks and private meeting rooms for businesses that need a professional environment without committing to a fixed lease. The in5 Media Centre also provides co-working space specifically for media startups and entrepreneurs, along with mentorship and programme access.
Yes. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, a 9% corporate tax rate applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000 for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Free zone businesses that maintain qualifying income and adequate economic substance may be eligible for the 0% rate on qualifying income. Consult a registered UAE tax agent and the Federal Tax Authority at tax.gov.ae to determine your eligibility.
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