Dubai Internet City | DIC Guide
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a tech-specific free zone in Dubai established by the TECOM group. It hosts over 1600 companies, including big corporations like Microsoft, Oracle, HP, IBM, Dell, Siemens, Canon, etc. It provides state-of-the-art facilities for business setups to start and grow in with a diverse business community.
Here’s what makes DIC truly special:
- Hosts big tech companies like Microsoft and Google, encouraging new ideas and startups.
- Great location with fast internet and modern offices for businesses in the region.
- Supported by the government with events like GITEX to promote technology and innovation.
- A strong community of tech companies, making it easier to network and grow.
- Special programs and support for startups to help them succeed.
As the leading tech economic zone in the emirate of Dubai, DIC has grown exponentially in recent years. It offers innovative facilities and business-oriented solutions that suit new business setups and multinational corporations alike. It’s a perfect hub for commercial tech businesses and brands.
Starting a company in DIC requires a smooth process. This guide walks you through everything you should know before setting out to start your company formation process, to save you from any complications or challenges.
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Business Licenses in DIC UAE
- Commercial License
- Service License
- Industrial License
- Freelance Permit
This type of license is for businesses engaging in trade. Any kind of buying, selling, import, export, etc, falls under the scope of this license. The zone being tech-specific, this license is often used for the exchange of technology and other such products
Examples: IT hardware trading companies, software distributors, e-commerce platforms, and import/export businesses for tech products.
Professional service providers use this type of license. Professionals from IT, Tech, marketing, consultancy, and other such professions require this license to offer their services legally in the Internet City.
Examples: IT consulting firms, software development companies, digital marketing agencies, and cloud service providers.
An industrial license is required if your business activities involve manufacturing or product design. In DIC, it is usually related to tech and IT. There’s much room for innovation under the scope of this license.
Examples: Tech equipment assembly units, electronics manufacturing, and 3D printing startups.
A freelance permit is required if individuals are offering their services as freelance agents. It lets them work with multiple clients in flexible hours. This trend is rising as the demand for freelancers is increasing rapidly.
Examples: Web developers, graphic designers, content creators, and independent IT consultants.
Top Selling DIC
Promotions
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 11,900.00
Save up to AED 1,785.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 17,900.00
Save up to AED 2,685.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 21,900.00
Save up to AED 3,285.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 25,400.00
Save up to AED 3,810.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 23,900.00
Save up to AED 3,585.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 27,400.00
Save up to AED 4,110.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 25,900.00
Save up to AED 3,885.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 29,400.00
Save up to AED 4,410.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 27,900.00
Save up to AED 4,185.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 31,400.00
Save up to AED 4,710.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 29,900.00
Save up to AED 4,485.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 33,400.00
Save up to AED 5,010.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 21,900.00
Save up to AED 3,285.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 27,900.00
Save up to AED 4,185.00
- Trade License
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 31,900.00
Save up to AED 4,785.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 35,400.00
Save up to AED 5,310.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 33,900.00
Save up to AED 5,085.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 37,400.00
Save up to AED 5,610.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 35,900.00
Save up to AED 5,385.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 39,400.00
Save up to AED 5,910.00
Executive Contains
Business Incorporation Starter Pack
- 1 Free Visa Processing for Employee from A to Z
- OR
- 1 Free Visa Processing for Dependents from A to Z
- Health Insurance Assistance
- VAT Registration – One Time Only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP assistance for visa application and Company incorporation
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 37,900.00
Save up to AED 5,685.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 41,400.00
Save up to AED 6,210.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Basic
STARTING FROM
AED 39,900.00
Save up to AED 5,985.00
- Trade License
- 2 Free Visas for Life
- Official Company Stamp
- Expiry Reminder Services
- Brand Identity (Logo/Letterhead/Business Card Design)
- Bank Account Opening Assistance (UAE)
- Free IBG Fee on 1st Renewal
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Investor Visa
- Door-to-door document delivery (within Dubai)
- VAT & Accounting and Bookkeeping Consultation
Executive
STARTING FROM
AED 43,400.00
Save up to AED 6,510.00
- Everything from Elite Plus
- Free IBG Fee on 1 Employee Visa OR Free IBG Fee on 1 Dependent Visa
- VAT Registration – One time only
- Email Setup Assistance
- Dedicated Account Manager
- VIP Assistance for Company Incorporation & 3 visa applications
Process and Timeline
- 1Should be 18 years old and above
- 2Should not have any criminal records
- 3The business should be legally permissible
- 4Should be an individual, corporate or mixed of both
Company Registration
For Individual Shareholder/s
1. Scanned passport copy
2. Emirates ID copy (back & front), if applicable
3. Scanned visa copy/UAE Entry Stamp/Tourist or Visit Visa Copy
4. Number of Shareholders with sharing (%) of Manager of the company
If Manager is not a Shareholder:
1. Full Name as per the passport
2. Valid Phone Number
3. UAE Home Address
4. Scanned passport copy
5. Passport size with white background
6. Scanned copy of the visa page
7. Emirates ID copy (back & front)
For Corporate Shareholder/s
1. Board resolution
2. Trade License, MOA, Incumbency, Share Certificate of the shareholding company
3. Passport copy/ies of the UBO/s
4. Passport copy/ies of the Manager/s
5. Visa of the Manager/s if UAE resident
6. UAE Home address of the Authorized Signatory
7. Passport size photo of the Authorized signatory
8. Number of Shareholders with sharing (%) of Manager of the company
Residence Visa Application
Company Documents
1. Trade License copy
2. Establishment Card copy
Applicant
1. Scanned passport copy, should be current and valid for at least 6 months – coloured, uncut with full border
2. Passport size photo with white background
3. Tourist or visit visa/Residence Cancellation report copy (if applicable)
4. Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
5. Duly filled visa application form
License Package Fees
Standard License – Zero Visa Package
Starts from
AED 11,900
Standard License – With Visa Package
Starts from
AED 17,900
Immigration Fees
Establishment Card – New
AED 2,000
Establishment Card – Renewal
AED 2,200
Visa Application Fees
Residence Visa – 3 years
AED 3,750
Additional AED 1,000 on the visa fee if applying for an Investor/Partner Visa and an AED 48,000 share capital is required.
Change Status
AED 1,600
Applicable if within the UAE application only.
Medical Test
Normal (48 hours) – AED 450
VIP (within 24 hrs) – AED 750
Emirates ID – 3 years
AED 375
Company Registration
Trade Name Approval
1 business day
Shareholder’s Security Approval
5-7 business days
Trade License Issuance
3-4 business days
Establishment Card Application
1 business day
Establishment Card Issuance
5-7 business daysResidence Visa Application
Electronic Visa Application
5-7 business daysClient Arrival (if outside the UAE) | Change Status (if within the UAE)
Depends on the client | 2-3 business daysMedical Test
1 business dayMedical Test Result Release
Normal - 2 business days | VIP - within the dayEmirates ID Typing
1 business day
Obtaining Health Insurance
Depends on the client | Mandatory if applying in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Visa Approval
5-7 business days
Emirates ID Biometrics & Photo Capturing
Approx. 15-20 business days from the date of Emirates ID typing
Emirates ID Issuance
5 business daysSteps to Start a Company in Dubai Internet City
Decide the business activities that your company will be involved in. See the list of approved activities and choose. This will decide the type of license you need to acquire from the free zone authorities.
Submit the initial application with a trade name, business plan, activities, and the license required. Authorities will review the application and accept it if it aligns with the policies and laws of the free zone.
Prepare the set of documents required. Ensure the documents are updated and correct before submitting them. A mistake in this step can cause needless delays and fines. Submit the documents on time and let the authorities review them.
Find a suitable office space in the free zone that aligns with your business requirements, budget, and goals. Sign the lease agreement when you find the perfect space. Finding the right office for business is important.
The amount of fees can vary depending on different variables such as license type, commercial activities, and office space required. Submit the fee on time and complete the registration for your company.
After the approval of your application, you’ll receive your business license. With a license in hand, you can legally start your business operations. See if there are any extra approvals required due to your activities and apply for those as well.
Open a corporate bank account in the name of your business. It streamlines the financial transactions and lets you enjoy corporate benefits and policies from the government. Now, your business is fully equipped to operate.
Benefits in Dubai Internet City Free Zone
100% foreign ownership
Zero income tax
No currency limits
Full profit return
Fast business setup
Top-tier facilities
Prime global location
Strong business network
Access to tech talent
Government support
DIC Service Highlights
License Renewal
Businesses must renew yearly by renewing office leases and licenses. Submit an application, sign a lease, and pay fees. If abroad, a representative can handle it. Banks must be informed after renewal.
Company Amendments
Owners can make registry or license changes like name, address, or commercial activity updates. Most changes don’t require the owner’s presence and can be handled by business consultants. Costs depend on the amendment type.
Company Liquidation
To close a business, provide a board resolution, license, deregistration documents, and an auditor’s report. Pay cancellation fees, cancel visas, and settle debts. If not renewed, the zone will liquidate it automatically.
Types of Business Setups in Dubai Internet City
FZ LLC
In a Free Zone limited liability company, the number of owners can be anywhere between 1 to 50 individuals/companies, and it offers limited liability. This is the most popular company structure in the zone.
Local Branch
This structure lets established businesses within the UAE start their branch office in Dubai Internet City to expand their company, reach new audiences, and be represented in this zone. It’s a tempting option for businesses looking to expand.
International Branch
Dubai Internet City offers international companies from other states to start their branch office inside the zone. It lets the companies expand their business to the UAE and enjoy the tech-IT specific business environment of the zone.
Residence Visas and Consultation
From company formation to visa collection, these processes can become a headache if not handled correctly. It is best to let professional consultancies like IBG Consulting, with years of experience, handle the job for you. It saves you time, effort, and cuts any extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Dubai Internet City different from Dubai Media City?
Dubai Internet City focuses on information and communications technology (ICT) businesses, while Dubai Media City caters to media, advertising, and entertainment companies.
What types of commercial activities are allowed in Dubai Internet City?
The city permits activities related to technology, electronic commerce, and media, including IT services, software development, cloud computing, and digital marketing.
Can I set up a company in Dubai Internet City if I live outside the UAE?
Yes, foreign entrepreneurs can establish a company without being in the UAE. However, a personal visit may be required for visa and bank account procedures.
Is Dubai Internet City part of Dubai Holding?
Yes, Dubai Internet City is a key initiative under Dubai Holding and plays a major role in developing the region’s leading market for technology.
Does Dubai Internet City offer business setup packages?
Yes, DIC provides business setup solutions, including office spaces, visas, and company formation assistance through free zone authorities.
What is the process for opening a bank account in Dubai Internet City?
After company registration, you need a valid business license, corporate documents, and a residency permit to open a bank account.
Can I operate my business outside the UAE if I set up in DIC?
Yes, a company can conduct international operations, but compliance with free zone regulations and the Central Bank is required.
Is the Internet City an innovation hub in the Middle East?
Yes, DIC is a major technology hub in the Middle East, attracting Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.
Are license fees in the Internet City different for each business type?
Yes, license fees vary based on commercial activities in the Internet City, the type of company setup, and office requirements.
What other free zones are similar to Dubai Internet City?
Dubai Studio City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Ajman Digital Media City are other UAE free zones catering to media, education, and technology sectors.
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