DET: 7311001 Low Risk
Marketing & Advertising Agency
Flexi-Desk eligible
Dubai Media City (DMC)
Dubai Media City (DMC) is the premier media community in the Middle East, hosting international broadcast networks, global PR agencies, digital advertising houses, and publishers.
✓ 5–9 day license turnaround✓ Digital Bank 98% Approval✓ CBUAE framework
1. Key Freezone Specifications
- Licensing Authority
- Dubai Media City (DMC) (DMC)
- Emirate
- DUBAI
- License Issuance Timeline
- 5–9 working days
- Residence Visa Timeline
- 7–14 working days
- Virtual Desk / Flexi-Desk
- Available (no lease required)
- Office Threshold
- Required only for 4+ visas
- Warehouses & Industrial Units
- Commercial & desk only
- Paid-Up Share Capital
- Not required on bank deposit (0 AED)
- Annual Audit Requirement
- Mandatory
- Physical Presence Required
- 100% remote company incorporation. 1-day UAE visit required only for Emirates ID biometrics.
2. Cost Breakdown & Tariffs
No Hidden Fees| Cost Item | Purpose | Official Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Company Trade License | Corporate registration & 1-year Flexi desk lease | 24,000 AED |
| Establishment Card (Immigration Card) | Company immigration file registration with GDRFA/ICP for visas | 2,100 AED |
| Residence Visa (Entry Permit + Visa Stamping) | UAE 2-year residence visa government quota & approval | ~3,900 AED / visa |
| VIP Medical & Emirates ID | VIP Medical fitness test + Emirates ID card issuance (2 yrs) | ~1,200 AED / person |
Turnkey Package Estimates:
0 Visas
24,000 AED
Pure license for tax residency or remote contracts
1 Investor Visa
31,200 AED
License + Est. Card + 1 Visa + VIP Medical & EID
2 Residence Visas
36,300 AED
For 2 partners or founder + key employee
3. Banking Assessment & Onboarding
Digital Banking (Digital Bank) 98% Approval
Tier 1: Instant remote digital approval
- • Timeline: opened in 3–7 working days
- • Multi-currency accounts (AED, USD, EUR, GBP) with zero minimum balance
- • Automated KYC verification via official freezone API
Traditional Tier-1 UAE Banks High Rating
Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, ADCB
- • Opening timeline: from 1 weeks
- • Requires personal banker meeting and proof of residential address
- • Typical average balance requirement: 25,000–50,000 AED
4. Pros & Considerations
✓ Key Advantages
- • Global epicentre for media networks, publishing, advertising agencies, and broadcasting
- • Home to CNN, BBC, Reuters, Sony, and leading international newsrooms
- • High banking reputation with zero friction for marketing and media invoicing
- • Vibrant business district in prime Dubai coastal location
! Important Considerations
- • TECOM pricing structure is above suburban free zones
- • Annual audit mandatory for renewal
5. Compatible Activities
Top business activities approved for licensing under Dubai Media City (DMC)
DET: 7410001 Low Risk
Design & Creative Services
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 8230001 Low Risk
Event Management & Production
Flexi-Desk eligible
Looking for another activity? Dubai Media City (DMC) supports over 2,000 commercial and professional activities from the official DET classification. Contact us via WhatsApp for a tailored activity code confirmation.
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