Dubai Internet City (DIC) Setup
Dubai Internet City (DIC) setup for software, AI and other technology companies, licensed by the Dubai Development Authority. We help you choose the structure and space, apply through axs and move on to visas and banking.
Description
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is TECOM Group's technology business community. It was set up by decree in 2000 and is governed by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which issues the licences and writes the rules. Large firms such as Microsoft, IBM and Cisco are based there, but you don't need to be a multinational: DIC also offers co-working, the in5 startup platform and small commercial spaces.
DIC is for technology businesses: software, IT services, AI, robotics, IoT and similar. It doesn't take manufacturing plants. You can register a Free Zone LLC with one or more shareholders, or a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. A minimum paid-up capital applies to FZ-LLCs; branches have none. If you work alone, the Dubai GoFreelance permit may suit you better than a company.
Your space decides your visa quota. DIC allows one employee per 60 sq ft of leased space, and the minimum lease is one year. Pick a space for the team you expect over the next year, not just day one. If you are weighing workspace options, see our Dubai flexi-desk and office rental service.
Once your documents and payments are in, DIC says registration usually takes about 7 working days: roughly 4 for initial approval and 3 to issue the licence. After that come the establishment card, the Dubai investor visa for shareholders, employment visas for staff and a corporate bank account. Visa and banking times depend on the authorities and the bank.
A DIC licence covers business within the free zone. To trade elsewhere in the UAE you need a dual licence (FZ-LLCs only) or, for eligible activities, Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. If most of your clients are on the mainland, compare with Dubai mainland company formation before you decide. For a tech base with labs, light industrial units and housing in the same district, compare Dubai Silicon Oasis.
Cost depends on your activities, your space, the number of visas and the licence term. Message us on WhatsApp or live chat and we'll send a written quote for your setup.
What's Included
- Advice on structure (FZ-LLC or branch) and on whether DIC, another free zone or the mainland fits your business
- Activity check against the DDA list
- Workspace selection matched to your visa needs
- Application, documents and payments through the axs portal
- Help with signing and collecting the licence and company documents
- Establishment card, visa and Emirates ID applications
- Support with the corporate bank account application
Requirements / Prerequisites
- A technology-related business activity approved by DDA
- One or more shareholders (individuals or companies), or an existing parent company for a branch
- Paid-up capital for an FZ-LLC as required by DIC/DDA
- A lease in DIC for at least one year, sized for your planned visas
- NOC from your current employer if you hold a UAE employment visa and your situation requires one
Required Documents
- Passport copies of shareholders, directors and manager
- Passport photos and, for UAE residents, visa and Emirates ID copies
- Business plan or activity description
- Proposed trade names
- Corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution, attested as required
- Branch: parent company licence or certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents
Our Process
- Consultation: confirm activity, structure and space
- Submit the application through axs
- Submit documents, confirm the lease and pay fees
- Initial approval (DIC: about 4 working days)
- Sign the company documents; licence issued (DIC: about 3 working days)
- Establishment card
- Investor and employment visas, medical test and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account application
Pricing
Contact us on WhatsApp for a tailored quote for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Dubai Internet City company setup take?
DIC says registration usually takes about 7 working days once all documents and payments are submitted: about 4 for initial approval and 3 to issue the licence. Visas, Emirates IDs and the bank account follow and depend on the authorities and the bank.
How many visas can I get in DIC?
DIC allows one employee per 60 sq ft of leased space. Co-working and desk packages have their own quotas, so we confirm the quota for the exact space before you sign.
Is there a minimum capital for a DIC company?
Yes. DIC states that a minimum paid-up capital applies to FZ-LLCs. Branches of existing companies have no minimum capital requirement.
Can a DIC company work in mainland Dubai or other emirates?
Not on the free zone licence alone. DIC's licence covers business within the free zone. You can apply for a dual licence (FZ-LLCs only) or, for eligible activities, Dubai's Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit. We'll tell you which fits your contracts.
Can a freelancer or startup join DIC?
Yes. Solo tech professionals can use TECOM's GoFreelance permit, and early-stage startups can apply to in5, TECOM's startup platform. Both have their own eligibility checks.
How much does it cost to set up in Dubai Internet City?
It depends on the space you lease, the number of visas, your activities and the capital requirement. Message us with your plans and we'll send a written quote.
Do DIC companies pay corporate tax?
Every company must register for UAE corporate tax. A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on other taxable income, so check how your income is classed before you assume a 0% rate.
Should I choose DIC or Dubai Silicon Oasis?
Both suit tech firms. DIC is a DDA free zone next to Media City and Knowledge Park, with many large tech tenants. DSO is a DIEZ zone with labs, light industrial units and housing in the same district. Your space needs, hiring plans and budget decide it.