Dubai Internet City (DIC) Free Zone: Complete 2026 Guide
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the UAE’s leading dedicated technology free zone. Founded in 1999 and managed by TECOM Group PJSC, DIC is home to more than 3,000 companies, including global names such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Dell, Visa, and Cloudflare. For any business operating in ICT, software, e-commerce, or digital technology, DIC is one of the most compelling places in the Middle East to establish a presence.
Setting up in DIC gives you the full suite of free zone benefits: 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, zero customs duties on goods, and full repatriation of profits and capital. Beyond the standard free zone package, DIC stands out for its extraordinary density of tech talent, its in5 startup incubation platform, and the axs one-stop service centre for visas and government services, all backed by the track record of a free zone that has contributed an estimated AED 108 billion to Dubai’s GDP since inception, according to the official DIC Impact Assessment Study.
This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up a company in Dubai Internet City in 2026: the legal structures available, the licence types, the step-by-step registration process, confirmed office and co-working costs, visa allocations, and the key facts that will help you decide whether DIC is the right home for your business.
What is Dubai Internet City and who regulates it?
Dubai Internet City is the region’s leading specialised free zone for technology businesses. According to the official DIC Impact Assessment Study, DIC and its client companies have contributed 65% of Dubai’s ICT GDP, and the free zone has delivered an estimated AED 100 billion to Dubai’s GDP over its first 15 years of operation. It is a paragon of global distinction and a community built specifically to serve the technology sector.
A brief history of DIC
DIC was founded in 1999, making it one of the UAE’s earliest dedicated free zones. It was conceptualised as a gateway for leading international technology firms entering the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) market. Over its 25-year history, DIC has grown from a greenfield development into a thriving ecosystem home to more than 3,000 companies and approximately 30,000 professionals and entrepreneurs. The free zone celebrated its 25th anniversary with the publication of an official Impact Assessment Study, produced in collaboration with Accenture, which detailed the community’s contribution to Dubai’s economic growth.
Who is TECOM Group, and what role does it play?
TECOM Group PJSC is the authority that owns and manages Dubai Internet City. It is a free zone limited liability company registered under the Dubai Development Authority. TECOM Group manages a portfolio of 11 specialised business communities across Dubai, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Science Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District, and Dubai Outsource City. When you set up in DIC, you are joining not just one free zone but an interconnected ecosystem of specialised communities, all serviced through the axs platform and sharing a common administrative infrastructure.
What is the Dubai Development Authority?
The Dubai Development Authority (DDA) is the overarching regulatory body under which TECOM Group’s free zones operate. The DDA is established by the Government of Dubai and oversees the management, promotion, and regulation of the business parks and free zones within its mandate. Businesses registered in DIC operate under the legal and regulatory framework established by the DDA and TECOM Group, which provides a stable and internationally recognised governance environment.
What types of companies and business activities are allowed in DIC?
DIC is exclusively focused on the technology and ICT sector. The free zone does not accommodate multi-sector activities: if your business operates in tech, digital, software, or telecommunications, DIC is designed for you. Businesses outside the technology sector should consider other TECOM Group communities, such as Dubai Media City for media and advertising, Dubai Knowledge Park for education and HR training, or Dubai Design District for design and fashion.
What legal structures are available in DIC?
According to DIC’s official guidance, there are three legal structures available to businesses setting up in the free zone:
- Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC): The most common structure for new company formation. A Free Zone LLC in DIC can have one or more shareholders, all of whom can be foreign nationals holding 100% of the equity. There is no requirement for a UAE national partner.
- Branch of a UAE Company: If you already have a registered company on the UAE mainland or in another UAE free zone, you can open a branch in DIC without forming a new legal entity. The parent company retains full liability for the branch’s activities.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: If your company is registered outside the UAE, you can establish a DIC branch without setting up a separate UAE entity. The parent company remains responsible for the branch’s operations and liabilities.
Each structure has different documentation requirements, share capital considerations, and administrative obligations, which are covered in detail in the registration section below.
What licence types can I get in DIC?
DIC offers five main categories of business licence, each aligned to a specific technology activity:
- Software Licence: For businesses involved in software development, application development, coding, product management, QA testing, and related software activities. This is the most common licence type for tech companies in DIC.
- E-Commerce Licence: For businesses conducting trade through digital platforms, virtual marketplaces, social commerce platforms, and digital portals.
- Multimedia and Internet Licence: For companies creating or distributing multimedia content online, including streaming, digital publishing, and online entertainment services.
- Telecommunications and Networking Licence: For businesses developing, installing, modifying, or managing network infrastructure, telecommunications systems, database administration, ERP/CRM software, information security, and related services.
- IT Services Licence: For companies providing IT consulting, managed services, system integration, data management, data science, analytics, machine learning, and other technology support services.
Can freelancers set up in DIC?
Yes. DIC offers a dedicated GoFreelance permit for independent tech professionals. Under the GoFreelance programme, available through DIC for the Tech sector, a freelancer can obtain a permit for AED 7,500 per year. This includes the freelancer permit itself and access to co-working spaces within the DIC community. A UAE residence visa can also be obtained in addition to the annual permit fee.
DIC’s officially listed freelance tech activities span four categories: Web, Mobile, Software Development and Architecture (covering desktop development, e-commerce development, game development, mobile development, product management, QA testing, web development, and software development); IT and Telecommunications Networking (covering database administration, ERP/CRM software, information security, network and system administration, and IT networking); Data Science and Analytics (covering machine learning, data visualisation, data mining, and quantitative analysis); and Customer Service (covering customer service and technical support).
Choosing between a Free Zone LLC, a branch, and a freelance permit depends on visa eligibility, share capital, and scalability.
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What are the steps to set up a company in Dubai Internet City?
Setting up a company in DIC involves a structured sequence of steps managed through TECOM Group’s official processes and the axs service platform. The following process is based on DIC’s published guidance. You can initiate and track your application through the axs online portal at axs.ae.
Step 1: Choose your business activity and legal structure
Before submitting any application, confirm which licence type your business requires and which legal structure is most appropriate for your situation. This decision affects your share capital obligations, documentation requirements, and the number of residence visas you are eligible to apply for. If you are unsure which licence category covers your activities, DIC’s business development team can provide guidance before you commit to an application.
Step 2: Submit your initial application with supporting documents
The first step of the formal process is to submit your business plan alongside passport copies of every shareholder, director, and manager, together with the completed licence application, to the DIC authority. This submission can be made through the axs platform, which provides access to more than 200 government and corporate services through a single integrated digital environment. Having a clearly written business plan that accurately describes your intended activities can help avoid delays at the review stage.
Step 3: Receive provisional approval and submit required documents
Once the authority reviews your initial application, it issues a provisional approval letter alongside a list of all documents required for the full submission. You are typically required to return the signed provisional approval letter and submit all required documents within 15 days of receiving it. The precise list of documents depends on your chosen legal structure and the nationalities of your shareholders and managers. Documents originating outside the UAE generally need to be notarised, legalised, and attested before submission.
Step 4: Customer confirmation letter and initial invoice
After DIC reviews your full document set and confirms all is in order, it sends a customer confirmation letter. You sign and stamp this letter and return it to DIC. Upon receipt, DIC issues an initial invoice covering the applicable registration and licence fees. Once the initial payment is made, DIC issues a lease agreement for your chosen office space and a personnel sponsorship agreement, which establishes the framework for employing staff under your DIC licence.
Step 5: Sign agreements, pay lease rental, and receive your trade licence
You sign the office lease and personnel sponsorship agreements and return them to DIC. Your trade licence is then issued. Following licence issuance, DIC issues a final invoice for the lease rental amount for your chosen workspace. With the trade licence and lease agreement in place, you can proceed to apply for employee and investor residence visas through the axs platform. The licence is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
What documents are required to register a company in DIC?
The documents required differ depending on your chosen legal structure. The lists below are based on DIC’s published guidance. Always confirm current requirements directly with DIC or through the axs service centre before submitting, as documentation requirements can change, and requirements for certain nationalities or activities may vary.
Documents for a Free Zone LLC
The typical documents required for a new Free Zone LLC registration in DIC include:
- Completed DIC licence application form
- Business plan outlining activities, projected turnover, and market rationale
- Passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and managers
- Specimen signatures of all shareholders
- No-objection certificate from current UAE sponsor (for UAE residents on a sponsored visa)
- Bank reference letters or evidence of financial standing (where required by DIC)
Documents for a branch of a UAE or foreign company
For a branch registration, DIC typically requires:
- Completed DIC licence application form
- Certificate of incorporation of the parent company (notarised and attested)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company (notarised and attested)
- Board resolution authorising the opening of the DIC branch (notarised and attested)
- Power of attorney in favour of the branch manager (notarised and attested)
- Passport copy of the proposed branch manager
- Latest audited financial statements of the parent company
Documents originating outside the UAE must go through the appropriate notarisation, legalisation by the UAE embassy in the country of origin, and attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submission. This process can take several weeks depending on the country of origin, so it is advisable to begin document preparation well before your intended setup date.
How does the axs platform support the registration process?
The axs platform, operated by TECOM Group, is a one-stop digital service centre providing more than 200 government and corporate services to businesses across all TECOM Group communities. According to the official axs service page, the platform serves more than 124,000 professionals and 11,000 customers. Through axs, business partners can manage visa applications, licence renewals, leasing agreements, and other regulatory services digitally, without visiting multiple government offices. The axs helpline is available on 800 4 AXS (800 4 297).
Notarised and attested documents from overseas can take weeks to arrive and can stall your entire DIC application if overlooked.
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What are the government fees and setup costs in DIC?
DIC’s fee structure covers licence fees, registration fees, and office or workspace costs. The tables below include all costs confirmed from official DIC sources. For full company licence and registration fees, which vary by business activity, company structure, and office size chosen, contact DIC directly via dic.ae or through the axs service centre on 800 4 297.
GoFreelance permit fees
| Item | Fee (AED) | Fee (USD approx.) |
| GoFreelance Annual Permit (Tech sector) | AED 7,500 | USD 2,044 |
| Includes | Freelancer Permit + co-working space access | — |
| Establishment card and visa fees | Payable additionally via axs platform | — |
| Source | dic.ae/offerings/find-your-fit | — |
The AED 7,500 annual fee covers the permit and co-working access only. Establishment card fees and the cost of a UAE residence visa are payable in addition and should be confirmed through the axs platform or DIC’s business development team.
D/Quarters co-working membership fees
| Plan | Monthly Fee (AED) | Monthly Fee (USD approx.) | Workspace Type | Visas Included |
| Open Quarters | AED 1,000 | USD 272 |
Shared desk | 1 work permit |
| Desk Quarters | AED 3,000 | USD 817 |
Dedicated desk | 2 work permits |
| Office Quarters | AED 4,500 | USD 1,226 |
Fully furnished private office | 2 or more work permits |
All D/Quarters plans include 24/7 access, high-speed Wi-Fi and printers, free meeting room credits, a gaming room, outdoor courtyard, multiple parking options, cafe, lounges, prayer rooms, and pantry facilities. The D/Quarters product is positioned across TECOM Group communities including Dubai Media City and Dubai Science Park; verify DIC-specific availability directly with DIC
Company formation fees: what to expect
DIC licence and registration fees for a Full Company setup vary depending on your chosen licence type, number of shareholders, share capital, and the office space selected. The DIC set-up pages require direct engagement with DIC or axs to obtain a tailored fee quote. The following cost categories apply to most company formations:
- Registration and incorporation fee: Varies by structure and activity type
- Annual trade licence fee: Varies by licence category
- Office lease: Varies by space size, building, and location within DIC
- Establishment card fee: Payable through axs
- Visa fees per employee: Payable through axs
Contact DIC directly at dic.ae/connect/contact-us or call +971 4 391 1111 for a current, itemised fee schedule tailored to your business.
What is the minimum share capital requirement in DIC?
DIC does not publish a universal fixed minimum share capital figure on its publicly accessible web pages, as requirements vary by legal structure and business activity. For a Free Zone LLC, share capital requirements should be confirmed directly with DIC or with your business setup adviser before submission. Some UAE free zones set minimums of AED 50,000 (approx. USD 13,620) per shareholder for standard companies; whether DIC applies a similar threshold depends on your chosen licence type and structure. This is particularly important for businesses in regulated activities such as telecommunications infrastructure. Contact DIC via dic.ae/connect/contact-us or through the axs platform for the current requirement applicable to your specific structure and activity.
DIC fees and share capital vary by licence type and structure. Errors at this stage can delay your licence by weeks.
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How many visas can I get with my DIC licence?
Visa eligibility in DIC depends on your workspace type and, for larger offices, the leased floor area. As a general principle across TECOM Group free zones, visa quotas scale with the office space you occupy. The confirmed visa allocations for specific workspace products available at DIC are as follows:
Visa quotas for different workspace options
| Workspace Option | Visa Allocation |
| GoFreelance Permit | 1 residence visa (permit holder) |
| D/Quarters Open Quarters | 1 work permit |
| D/Quarters Desk Quarters | 2 work permits |
| D/Quarters Office Quarters | 2 or more work permits (scalable) |
| Commercial office space (grade-A) | Contact DIC for formula |
For businesses leasing larger commercial office space in DIC, visa quotas scale with the size of the space leased. Contact DIC directly or through axs for the specific formula applicable to your lease. It is advisable to plan your visa headcount requirements before selecting a workspace product, as upgrading your workspace tier later to accommodate more visas may involve additional costs and administrative steps.
How does the axs platform handle visa applications?
All employee and investor visa applications for DIC licence holders are processed through the axs platform, TECOM Group’s integrated digital service centre. According to the official axs service page, the platform provides access to more than 200 government and corporate services and serves more than 124,000 professionals across all TECOM Group communities. The axs service centres are open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. You can also access services digitally through the axs online portal 24 hours a day.
What facilities and office options are available in DIC?
Dubai Internet City offers one of the most varied and sophisticated workspace ecosystems in any UAE free zone. From grade-A offices hosting global multinationals to flexible co-working desks and startup incubation spaces, there is a product suited to every stage of business growth. The variety of options makes DIC accessible to solo freelancers, early-stage startups, growing SMEs, and large multinationals alike.
Grade-A commercial offices
DIC’s core commercial office portfolio consists of ergonomically designed, high-specification buildings in the heart of the Al Sufouh area of Dubai, positioned between Sheikh Zayed Road and the beachfront. According to DIC’s official commercial spaces page, offices are designed to offer a blend of aesthetics and comfort, with cutting-edge conference rooms and an ecosystem built around the IT sector. Companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco have their regional headquarters and innovation centres within DIC. Both local and global companies are invited to join this interactive environment, where architectural excellence fosters optimal efficiency.
D/Quarters co-working spaces
D/Quarters is TECOM Group’s flexible co-working offering, designed for independent thinkers, freelancers, SMEs, and global customers. It provides three tiers of workspace at confirmed monthly rates: Open Quarters at AED 1,000 per month (shared desk, one work permit, surrounding parking, amenities credits), Desk Quarters at AED 3,000 per month (dedicated reserved desk, two work permits, parking eligibility, free meeting room credits), and Office Quarters at AED 4,500 per month (fully furnished private office, two or more work permits, parking eligibility, free meeting room credits). All plans include 24/7 access, high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, a gaming room, outdoor courtyard, cafe, lounges, prayer rooms, lockers, and a pantry. Flexible contracts and payment plans are available.
in5 Tech incubation centre
in5 is TECOM Group’s startup incubation platform, with the in5 Tech centre located within Dubai Internet City. According to the official in5 page, in5 has supported more than 940 startups across four verticals (tech, design, media, and science). The in5 Tech programme offers three products: an Incubation Programme for entrepreneurs with a business idea or minimal viable product in tech (providing creative workspaces, tech facilities, mentorship, workshops, investor access, and business setup support); an Annual Membership for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals wanting access to creative workspaces and year-round workshops; and Venues and Facilities Hire on an hourly and daily basis, covering multi-purpose halls, meeting rooms, prototyping labs, and other tech-focused facilities. Contact in5 directly at [email protected] or 800-2465 for current programme fees and application details.
GoFreelance workspace access
The GoFreelance permit at AED 7,500 per year includes access to DIC’s co-working spaces as part of the package. It is designed for solo tech professionals who want a legal UAE permit, a professional business address, and the ability to obtain a residence visa, without the administrative complexity and cost of forming a full company. One tech activity can be selected from DIC’s officially listed freelance activities.
Conference and event venues
DIC offers a full range of event infrastructure including open-air amphitheatres suited for concerts and corporate events, an auditorium for conferences and presentations, customisable conference facilities for meetings and workshops, outdoor activation spaces for green community events, and sound stages and multipurpose studios for corporate and cultural productions. According to the official DIC Impact Assessment Study, DIC has hosted more than 800 events since FY21, impacting over 73,000 lives.
Community amenities
Beyond office space and business services, DIC’s community includes retail and dining outlets (cafes and restaurants within walking distance), fitness facilities, healthcare and wellness services, and a mix of business and luxury hotels in close proximity to the free zone. The Innovation Hub within DIC combines commercial, retail, and event spaces with prototyping labs and innovation centres created by partner companies including IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco.
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What are the key benefits of setting up in DIC?
DIC offers a comprehensive package of free zone benefits that are particularly well-suited to technology businesses looking to serve regional and international markets from a Dubai base. The following benefits apply to companies registered in DIC’s free zone.
100% foreign ownership
As a DIC free zone entity, your company can be wholly owned by a foreign national or a foreign corporate entity. There is no requirement for a UAE national shareholder, local sponsor, or service agent. This makes DIC particularly attractive to international entrepreneurs and multinational corporations establishing a regional headquarters or a Gulf market entry vehicle.
Zero corporate and personal income tax on qualifying income
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,180), in line with guidance from the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Free zone entities, including those registered in DIC, may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons and benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income under the rules issued by the Federal Tax Authority. You should seek independent tax advice to confirm whether your specific DIC business qualifies for free zone tax treatment.
There is no personal income tax in the UAE. Salaries, bonuses, and other personal earnings are not subject to income tax for any individual, regardless of nationality.
100% repatriation of profits and capital
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits, dividends, or capital out of the UAE. You can transfer funds freely to any jurisdiction without exchange control limitations. This is one of the most valued aspects of the UAE free zone environment for foreign investors and one of the key reasons DIC continues to attract global technology companies.
No customs duties on goods
DIC is a customs-free zone. Goods imported into or exported from DIC are exempt from UAE customs duties, provided they do not enter the UAE mainland. This is particularly valuable for technology hardware, components, servers, and equipment imported for use within the free zone or re-exported to regional markets.
World-class infrastructure and international community
DIC’s campus provides high-speed connectivity, a modern physical infrastructure, and on-site banking, retail, dining, fitness, and hotel facilities. Its community of more than 30,000 professionals creates natural networking and partnership opportunities. The presence of Fortune 500 companies including Google, 3M, Microsoft, Dell, Visa, Intel, and Cloudflare gives smaller businesses the credibility of a prestigious address alongside genuine access to global business networks.
What unique advantages and incentives does DIC offer?
DIC offers several advantages that go beyond the standard UAE free zone package and set it apart from other technology parks in the region.
A gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
DIC is strategically positioned in Dubai, one of the world’s top-ranked cities for ease of doing business and a natural hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, provides excellent connectivity to markets across the MEASA region. For tech companies looking to expand beyond their home market, Dubai and DIC offer a proven and well-supported regional launchpad.
Access to a global tech talent pool
DIC’s concentration of more than 30,000 professionals, drawn from across the globe, creates a uniquely rich talent ecosystem. Fortune 500 companies including Google, 3M, Microsoft, Dell, and Visa have established their regional offices in DIC specifically because of the talent density and the relative ease of attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals. For growing companies, proximity to this talent base is a material advantage.
The in5 startup ecosystem
For early-stage tech companies, DIC’s in5 Tech incubation centre provides access to mentorship, investor introductions, collaborative workspaces, and a structured incubation programme. According to DIC’s official Impact Assessment Study, DIC-incubated startups have contributed approximately AED 12.7 billion to Dubai’s GDP since inception, and DIC has invested approximately AED 2 million in business incubators and innovation initiatives since FY21. The in5 programme has supported more than 940 startups across its four verticals.
The axs one-stop service platform
The axs platform simplifies the administrative burden of running a UAE business. With more than 200 government and corporate services available through a single integrated platform, DIC businesses can handle visa applications, licence renewals, leasing, and other regulatory requirements digitally without visiting multiple government offices. According to the official axs page, the platform serves more than 124,000 professionals and 11,000 customers across all TECOM Group communities. This is a material advantage over mainland setups, where services are often spread across several government entities.
Proximity to other TECOM Group free zones
DIC shares its regulatory and administrative ecosystem with ten other TECOM Group communities. This means that a DIC company has a clear pathway to also hold licences in Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, or other TECOM Group zones if their business activities extend across sectors. The shared axs platform, common administrative processes, and physical proximity of several TECOM Group zones make cross-community operations significantly easier than operating across entirely separate free zone authorities.
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How does DIC compare to other Dubai tech free zones?
DIC is not the only option for tech companies in Dubai. The comparison below covers three commonly considered alternatives to help you identify the best fit for your specific business.
DIC vs DMCC
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the world’s leading free zone by number of registered companies, but it is a multi-sector zone primarily focused on commodities, trading, and professional services. It does permit tech-related licences, but it does not offer the specialised tech community and ecosystem that DIC provides. DIC’s advantage is its extraordinary density of Fortune 500 technology companies, its dedicated in5 incubation programme, its exclusively tech-focused community events and networking, and the broader TECOM Group ecosystem. For a software or IT services company that values a peer community of tech businesses, DIC is generally the stronger choice.
DIC vs Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a technology-focused free zone on the outskirts of Dubai, managed by the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA). DSO is generally considered more affordable than DIC and is well-suited to businesses in hardware manufacturing, R&D, and technology production. DIC has the edge on location (closer to the city’s business and financial districts), on the prestige of its address, and on the maturity of its community. For software, digital services, and ICT companies that want proximity to global tech brands and a city-centre location, DIC is typically preferred over DSO.
DIC vs Dubai Media City
Dubai Media City (DMC) is a sibling TECOM Group community focused on the media, advertising, publishing, and creative content sector. While there is some overlap (e-commerce, digital content, and multimedia businesses may qualify for licences in either), DIC is the better fit for software development, IT services, and telecommunications businesses, while DMC is the natural home for agencies, broadcasters, PR firms, and publishers. Both communities operate under the same axs platform and share the same TECOM Group regulatory framework, making it relatively manageable to hold licences across both if your business spans tech and media.
Tips for setting up in DIC
Tip 1: Start with GoFreelance if you are a solo founder. The AED 7,500 annual permit is the most cost-effective way to establish a legal UAE tech presence, access co-working space, and obtain a residence visa. Many founders use it as a practical bridging solution while they assess whether a full company licence is warranted as their revenue grows.
Tip 2: Use the axs platform from day one. TECOM Group’s axs service centre handles more than 200 government and corporate services in one place. Registering on axs early and familiarising yourself with the platform saves significant time on visa processing, licence renewals, and establishment card applications.
Tip 3: Book a pre-application consultation with DIC. DIC’s business development team is approachable and can provide a tailored overview of the right licence type, legal structure, and workspace product for your specific business, before you commit to any fees. This can prevent costly mistakes at the application stage.
Tip 4: Plan your visa headcount before choosing a workspace. Visa allocations are tied to your workspace product in DIC. If you plan to hire even two or three people in your first year, moving directly to a Desk Quarters or Office Quarters plan may be more cost-effective than starting at a lower tier and upgrading later. Map out your 12-month headcount before signing a workspace agreement.
Tip 5: Consider in5 if you are an early-stage startup. The in5 Tech incubation programme offers a structured pathway from idea to market, with mentor access and investor introductions. It has supported more than 940 startups since inception and can significantly reduce the initial costs and friction of setting up in the UAE for a company that is still at the proof-of-concept stage.
Frequently asked questions about Dubai Internet City
Yes. Software businesses are one of DIC’s core target sectors. The Software Licence covers desktop software development, mobile development, game development, web development, product management, and QA testing. With more than 3,000 tech companies and 30,000 professionals on site, the DIC community is designed for software firms of all sizes, from a solo developer on a GoFreelance permit to a large multinational with hundreds of employees.
Yes. The GoFreelance permit is designed for exactly this scenario. At AED 7,500 per year, it gives you a legal permit, access to co-working space, and the ability to apply for a single residence visa. If you prefer a company structure rather than a freelance permit, a Free Zone LLC can also be registered with a single shareholder.
Yes. As a free zone, DIC permits 100% foreign ownership for both Free Zone LLCs and foreign company branches. There is no requirement for a UAE national partner or local service agent.
The timeline varies depending on the completeness of your documentation and the volume of applications being processed. As a general guide, the process from initial submission to licence issuance typically takes between two and four weeks. Using the axs platform for digital document submission and responding promptly to document requests from DIC can help keep the timeline on track.
Yes. DIC requires all registered businesses to have a physical address within the free zone. Workspace options range from co-working desks starting from AED 1,000 per month via D/Quarters and the GoFreelance permit at AED 7,500 per year (which includes co-working access), through to dedicated offices and grade-A commercial spaces.
The GoFreelance permit covers a single individual working independently in one tech activity. It is not a company: you cannot hire employees (other than yourself), you cannot have shareholders, and your liability is personal. A Free Zone LLC is a separate legal entity with its own legal personality, shareholders, and the ability to employ staff and hold assets. The permit is a simpler, lower-cost entry point; the LLC gives you a scalable structure suited to a growing business.
It is possible to move from a freelance permit to a full company licence in DIC. The GoFreelance permit cannot be directly converted into an FZ-LLC, but you can apply for a new company registration at any time. Your existing DIC relationship and axs account make the transition more manageable. Contact DIC’s business development team or businesssetuphq.com for guidance on the specific steps and timing.
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax regime under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, effective from 1 June 2023. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (approx. USD 102,180), as confirmed by the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Free zone entities registered in DIC may qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons and benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income under the Federal Tax Authority’s rules. Seek independent tax advice to determine whether your DIC business qualifies for free zone tax treatment and what activities are considered qualifying income.
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