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ZoneWise AI · online

Dubai free zone · Technology & software

Dubai Internet City (DIC) Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

Dubai Internet City is the Middle East’s established technology hub, home to global software, cloud and internet brands alongside a growing start-up scene. It is a mid-range option for tech and digital businesses that want a recognised campus address.

Sector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required) Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official DIC website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationAl Sufouh, Dubai
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time1–3 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to office size
Banking easeGood
RenewalAnnual licence and office renewals

DIC company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Sector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required) — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: AED 25,000–50,000 (indicative band for the TECOM cluster).

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the DIC licence

  • Recognised technology campus with global brand neighbours
  • Networking and partnership opportunities within the tech community
  • Office options for start-ups through to large teams
  • Central, well-connected location near Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is DIC best for?

  • Software and SaaS companies
  • Technology consultancies
  • Digital and internet businesses

Typical permitted activities

  • Software development and SaaS
  • IT consulting
  • Digital platforms
  • Technology services

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • More expensive than IFZA, Meydan and DSO for a lean start-up
  • Activities are focused on technology — check yours is covered

How to set up a company in DIC

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

DIC compared with similar UAE free zones

DICDMCDSOIFZA
EmirateDubaiDubaiDubaiDubai
Best forTechnology & softwareMedia, advertising & creativeTechnology & innovation parkSME, startup & holding companies
Licence costSector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required)Sector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required)Indicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required)From AED 12,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 21,450 with one visa
Setup time1–3 weeks1–3 weeks1–2 weeks3–7 working days
Banking easeGoodGoodGoodGood
Fee dataIndicative bandIndicative bandIndicative bandPublished

FAQs: Dubai Internet City (DIC) company formation

Is Dubai Internet City suitable for a small start-up?

Yes, if you value the campus address and community and can budget above the value-tier zones. If cost is the priority, IFZA, Meydan or DSO are cheaper.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai Internet City (DIC)?

Indicative cost: Sector band about AED 25,000–50,000 in year one (quote required). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 25,000–50,000 (indicative band for the TECOM cluster). Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does DIC company setup take?

Typically 1–3 weeks once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DIC?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in DIC trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in DIC?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are DIC companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DIC?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DIC is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in DIC?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is DIC best for?

Software and SaaS companies; Technology consultancies; Digital and internet businesses.

Get a written quote for Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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