Company Registration in the Dubai Internet City (DIC) Free Zone

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is one of the leading free zones in the UAE and is recognized as the world’s IT and innovation center. Founded in 1999, the DIC has become home to more than 4,000 organizations, including global IT giants and promising startups. Siemens Business Services (SBS), Cisco, and Sun Microsystems have become pioneers among the zone’s residents. 

Dubai Internet City: Technology and Innovation Center

DIC is the largest technological hub in the UAE and the whole Middle East. Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this business district has become a key innovation center where transnational corporations, startups, and leading Fortune 500 companies find opportunities for cooperation and development.

Main Spheres of Activity

Dubai Internet City caters to a wide range of innovative sectors:

• IT and Software Development: development of innovative solutions for businesses, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity.
• Media and Marketing: production and distribution of content, including digital marketing and multimedia.
• Fintech and Blockchain: development of apps for digital calculations, blockchain solutions, and Web3.
• AI and Innovations: implementation of AI in business processes, research and project activity.

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Why Opt For the DIC?

DIC is more than just a free zone; it is a full-fledged ecosystem that contributes to the development and global expansion of business. Companies choose it thanks to the combination of economic advantages, strategic location, and well-developed infrastructure.

Tax Benefits

One of the key factors that makes the DIC appealing to businesses is benign taxation:

• The absence of income tax enables legal entities to retain more earnings and invest them in development.
• The exemption from VAT makes products and services more competitive.
• The absence of currency control ensures free capital movement, which is important for international companies.

Strategic Location

DIC is advantageously located in Dubai, which gives access to the world’s largest markets:

• Middle East: direct access to the region’s fast-growing markets.
• Asia and Africa: convenient transportation and logistics connections for expanding to developing economies.
• The world center, Dubai, is a hub that connects the West and the East, which makes it a strategic place for business.

Flexible Corporate Structure

DIC offers entrepreneurs freedom and flexibility in business management:

• 100% foreign company ownership is allowed, which spares the hassle of engaging local partners.
• Simple registration and management of the corporate structure.
• The possibility to work with foreign branches and international partners.

Developed Infrastructure and Network

DIC offers excellent conditions for business operation and development:

• Modern offices: from co-workings to fully equipped corporate spaces.
• Technological support: access to high-speed Internet and IT infrastructure.
• Dynamic Community: DIC unites more than 4,000 companies and 31,000 specialists and creates a favorable environment for the exchange of ideas and cooperation.

Company registration in the Dubai Internet City Free Zone is a step toward successful business development in one of the world’s most promising regions.

License Types Available in DIC

DIC offers different types of licenses so legal entities can select the optimal one for their activity. This opportunity makes the free zone a versatile choice for large corporations and sole proprietors.

It is important to take into account that the main license is only valid within Dubai Internet City. If you want to carry out business operations outside the free zone, you will need an additional permit.

A double license allows DIC-based companies to engage in business activities in the mainland UAE, but it is only available subject to an agreement with the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) via the Customer Service Center located in Dubai Knowledge Park or Dubai Studio City.

At the same time, a double license is only available for the legal entities registered as FZ LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company).

Legal and Organizational Aspects

Dubai Internet City has created all conditions for business registration in different formats so that each entrepreneur can choose an optimal solution for his needs.

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC):

• It is suitable for legal entities established from scratch in DIC.
• It can be used for one or multiple shareholders (no more than 50).
• The minimum authorized capital is AED 50,000 (about $14,000).
• It allows 100% foreign ownership and complete freedom in business management.

A branch of an existing company:

• You can create a branch of a foreign or local company.
• It does not require any authorized capital.
• You can conduct activities under the parent company’s name using the advantages provided by the DIC to expand business.

These two formats ensure the flexibility necessary for startups and large international organizations.

Offices and Infrastructure

DIC provides a wide choice of office solutions suitable for businesses of a different scale:

• D/Quarters, as co-workings are called locally, is an excellent option for startups and freelancers.
• Rented offices and hot desks are individual spaces adapted to the company’s needs.
• Office buildings are fully equipped premises for large enterprises and corporate headquarters.

How to Form a Company in the DIC: a Step-by-Step Guide

The registration of a legal entity in the Dubai Internet City includes several stages you will need to pass to successfully start your business operations. 

Determine the Activity and License Type

This is a key process, as errors in choosing the activity or license may result in complications during company registration, opening a bank account, or obtaining work visas.

Choose the Legal Form of Business

DIC offers two options:

• FZ LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company)
• A branch of an existing company.

Prepare and Submit the Required Documents

You will need to submit the following documents for registration along with the application: 

• Company’s business plan
• Passport copies for all founders, directors, and managers
• A CV of the company’s appointed CEO
• Proof of address of residence for directors and founders (for example, utility bills or rental agreements)
• Company’s founding documents: Articles and Memorandum of Association
• A notarized office rental agreement
• Confirmation of capital formation (for FZ LLC)
• Other additional documents requested by the registrar.

The documents below have to be submitted if you want to register a company branch:

• A completed registration application
• Copies of passports and a CV of the appointed branch director
• A resolution of the parent company’s board of directors about the intention to set up a branch in the DIC
• Notarized and apostilled founding documents of the parent company: Articles and Memorandum of Association
• Certificate of Good Standing of the parent company
• Rental agreement for an office located in the DIC
• Proof of the parent company’s headquarters address
• Any additional documents requested by the registrar.

The registration of a legal entity in the Dubai Internet City includes preliminary checking of the company’s activity for compliance with the free economic zone’s criteria, submission of documents, and obtaining an Establishment Card.

Establishment Card

This card contains information about the company and visa quotas. The process takes from 3 to 5 working days. It is important to take into account that the rent of one jointly used desk in a co-working gives the right to obtain one work visa. The rent of a personal desk increases the quota to two work visas.

Company registration in the DIC takes one week on average, with the annual maintenance cost (all expenses included) starting from AED 48,200 (about $ 13,200).

Taxation and Reporting

Dubai Internet City (DIC) offers a favorable taxation system that attracts companies from across the globe and stimulates their development.

5 Reasons to Select the Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a unique place to start and develop your business that combines high-tech infrastructure, economic advantages, and strategic location. Here are five key reasons to select the DIC to register your company:

1. Favorable taxation system: full exemption from income tax, VAT, and customs duties allows companies to retain income and allocate it to business development.
2. Flexible legal and corporate structures: 100% foreign ownership allowed, an opportunity to choose between an FZ LLC and a branch of an existing company, and easy registration make the DIC an ideal free zone for businesses of any scale.
3. Strategic location: Dubai is an international hub that connects the markets of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the West, which opens up unlimited opportunities for global businesses.
4. Modern infrastructure and access to innovations: technological resources, well-developed IT infrastructure, and support of the highly qualified community make the DIC a place where innovations are born.
5. A variety of licenses and directions: the DIC offers licenses for different sectors, including IT, fintech, media, and blockchain, which makes it a versatile zone for entrepreneurs who engage in different business fields.

Creating a business in the DIC will give you access to a dynamic ecosystem, support from the world leaders of the industry, and opportunities for expansion to international markets.

Get in touch with us today to receive a professional consultation and launch the process of company registration in the Dubai Internet City!