Dubai Media City: Company Formation in DMC Free Zone
- Business Setup in Dubai Media City Free Zone from 58,800 AED
- Registration 4-6 weeks
- Bank account Guaranteed
- Residence visas for 2 years
About DMC
In January 2001, Dubai Media City was launched as one of the leading hubs in the region’s media sector. This region has various facilities, including broadcast, production, advertising, online media, publishing, and news agencies.
The DMC is managed by TECOM, or Technology Electronic Commerce and Media Group, which falls under Dubai Holding. TECOM manages eleven free zones, which are referred to as business communities. Dubai Media City is one of them.
The DMC provides a supportive environment and advanced infrastructure for global media businesses to operate out of Dubai. It is also one of the most prestigious places for company registration.
Decide if company formation in DMC would be helpful to you
— Yes If
- If you are engaged in the media industry through sectors like media consulting, event management, marketing, and advertising, this free zone is perfect for you, as its name, Dubai Media City, suggests. You can promote your services and products in this free zone and interact with some of the best international marketing, advertising, and entertainment companies. You will also be able to interact with various regional media companies.
- You come from nationalities that are considered high-risk, such as Turkey, Algeria, Syria, Iran, etc.; it will not be difficult for you to open a corporate bank account or obtain resident visas.
- If you are an independent media professional or freelancer, the DMC free zone allows you to obtain a freelance permit via Go Freelance Here and a single visa package. You will enjoy prestigious work locations, office addresses, and business facilities.
— No If
- You would prefer to set up your business organisations remotely. Personal presence is needed at the final stage of Dubai Media City business setup, when your presence is essential to sign related documents and collect the keys. In such a case, we suggest other free zones, such as Sharjah Media City Free Zone and Ajman Media City.
Dubai Media City Free Zone Company Formation
An initial approval begins the process of registration in DMC. The initial approval asks if the model of your business is qualified for the free zone. The process takes about 5-7 days. The total process takes about 4-6 weeks once the registration process is completed after the initial approval.
The method of registration does not require your physical presence. However, you must be present to collect the keys to your office and sign all related documents.
In the initial stages of registration, your presence is not required. To register, you need to rent a space in this free zone, whether a standard office or a co-working space. The type of space you rent depends on your company’s size and business activities.
Step 1: Determination of which legal entity and license type offered by DMC suits you
This step is crucial, as choosing the wrong business license or legal entity can lead to problems opening the bank account in the later stages or acquiring a residence visa.
The following legal entities can be formed in the DMC free zone:
- Freelance permit
- Branch of a foreign company
- Branch of a local company
- FZ-LLC or Free Zone Limited Liability Company
Step 2: Preparation of the minimal documentation package required by the DMC Free Zone.
The documents needed in the DMC free zone include:
- Personal bank statement of three months (which is required by Lebanese or Syrian Nationals)
- Business plan
- Passport with 6-month validity
Step 3: Receive the documents regarding license and registration, which would include the following
- MoA and Articles of Association
- Agreement of lease
- License
- Incorporation certificate
Step 4:
Receiving the establishment card that contains all information regarding the formation of your company and allows it to be eligible for sponsored residence visas
Step 5: Apply for an entry permit
After the entry permit is issued, if you are applying from inside the UAE Free Zone Company Setup, you must change your visa status to a residence visa. If you’re applying from outside the UAE, you must come to the country to get the entry permit stamped. Then, you will be eligible to acquire a residence visa by submitting all necessary documents.
Step 6:
You need to undergo a medical checkup and submit all documents necessary for a residence visa.
Step 7:
Apply for an ID card from Emirates.
Step 8:
In one of the ID centres in the Emirates, complete the biometrics process.
Step 9:
Once you receive the result of your biometrics and medical check-up, you need to submit all details for visa approval. Your electronic visa will be mailed, but you can also download it from the UAE ICP app.
Step 10:
You will receive your Emirates ID. Once your residence visa is issued, the government prepares a plastic identity card. This is a crucial identity card you will require when you open a bank account, pay fines or bills, rent an apartment, etc. You can also receive discounts on various local services.
Step 11: Open a bank account
You can open a corporate bank account by applying to any bank in the UAE. It can take up to weeks for you to be approved.
After you receive your bank details, you can continue running your business in the UAE.
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contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com
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DMC Cost of License
The table below gives the estimated license registration cost in the DMC-free zone, including the facility of a dedicated desk:
| ITEM | Cost, AED |
|---|---|
|
License |
3,520 |
|
Dedicated desk lease |
36,000 |
|
VAT of facility Lease |
1,800 |
|
A refundable deposit of the Lease |
5,000 |
|
Establishment Card |
2,000 |
|
TOTAL |
48,320 |
AED 203,000 is required to register your company with a large executive office of 190 sq. m.
Business Activities in DMC
Dubai Media City offers various business activities that cater to different communication and media industry needs. It provides an ideal platform to grow and thrive your business, whether you are involved in media consultancy, event management, marketing, or advertising.
The whole group of business activities that are permitted in Dubai Media City include:
- Media Association (non-profit)
- New media
- Marketing and media consultancy
- Event management
- Marketing and media services
- Communication, advertising and others
Freelance permit
Dubai Media City also provides freelance permits and exciting business opportunities. In DMC, freelancers can operate under the TECOM Authority, enabling them to establish their professional identity by working independently.
The freelancing community of individuals from the free zones of Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Media City is united by the GoFreelance platform.
Through them, you can apply for a freelance permit license or a residence visa, discover suitable projects, and find like-minded individuals. All these processes are conducted through one single platform.
The following list provides the freelancing activities permitted in the DMC-free zone, but they are not limited to these.
- Web developer
- Translator
- Social media specialist
- Musician
- Market analyst
- Journalist
- Graphic designer
- Copywriter
- Content provider
- Choreographer
- Artist
- Actor
The freelance permit doesn’t allow you to operate under your brand name but your birth name. This positions you as a sole practitioner in your field.
Furthermore, the freelance permit will enable you to opt for a residence visa in Dubai and sponsor your family. This provides a comprehensive solution for all freelancers seeking growth and stability.
Facilities in DMC
Office facility rental is needed for the registration process. One visa allocation is allowed for the most minor facility provided: a hot desk. The list below describes all the facilities you can choose from in the DMC-free zone.
Sound stages: Advanced facilities are equipped with sound stages that may span up to 25,000 sq. ft. These facilities include five green rooms, each further equipped with unique setups and sophisticated equipment.
Other features of these soundproof stages include elephant doors, water tanks, grids, and catwalk systems. These features provide a versatile environment for various production needs.
Throughout the project, your team can be supported by the complementary office spaces. Other activities you can host include wardrobe sessions, team meetings, and auditions. Multiple stages can be joined together to support productions additionally.
Warehouses
Warehouses are available in the DMC free zone. Spaces offered can range anywhere between 5,000 sq. feet and 11,000 sq. feet. They are suitable for storage, logistics, and light manufacturing, including general, chemical, and cold storage. These facilities provide office spaces and retail showrooms along with 6x6m sliding main doors, impressive fire protection systems, and internally fitted lights.
Multiple units can be joined together to meet significant operational needs. All the additional features provide an efficient and safe working environment, including 24/7 security, loading areas, and on-site parking.
Light industrial units
Multipurpose spaces strategically located with ready infrastructure and Grade-A built standards. They range from 5,000-6,000 square feet in Dubai Science Park and 7,500-13,800 in Dubai Production City. These units include mezzanine offices, 24/7 security, and impressive protection systems.
They are ideal for light manufacturing, storage, production, and showrooms. This also provides dedicated service roads for forklifts and heavy vehicles, loading areas, and on-site parking. Multiple units can be joined to accommodate more extensive operations.
D/quarters
A dynamic space aimed at co-working can be called a D/quarters. These quarters provide a variety of amenities, including prayer rooms, lounges, cafes, outdoor courtyards, gaming rooms, printers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms with 24/7 access.
A modern professional’s needs are well catered to with flexible payment plans and contracts. You can start working for just 1,000 AED monthly by selecting a free open desk.
Boutique Studios
These are ideal for production companies and TV stations as they offer fantastic office spaces and attached studios. They are located in a hub of the best broadcasting, film production, media, and entertainment companies. These studios offer the option of renting the entire building, which includes two floors along with the ground floor, nurturing talent and fostering creativity.
Commercial spaces
In Dubai Media City, commercial office spaces provide lucrative addresses in a dynamic entertainment and media industry hub. These spaces offer modern amenities, such as a vibrant community of creative individuals, flexible leasing options, etc., making them ideal locations for businesses to collaborate and thrive.
To open a company in the DMC free zone, you need to rent a space in this free zone, such as a warehouse or a co-working space, depending on your business activities and size.
Visa Cost in DMC
You, your dependents, and your personnel are entitled to resident visas when opening a company in the DMC-free zone. The visa fees for the DMC free zone can be found in the table below:
| ITEM | COST in AED |
|---|---|
|
Visa Fee |
4,220 |
|
Visa Security Deposit that is refundable |
2,500 |
|
Medical Check-up |
760 |
|
Emirates ID |
390 |
|
Service fee for assistance of visa |
2,100 |
|
TOTAL |
9,970 |
Sponsorship of dependents
You will need to submit the following documents to sponsor dependents under your visa:
- Contract of Tenancy for an apartment in the UAE
- Birth certificate of your child (if any) after legal translation to Arabic and attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Marriage certificate after legal translation to Arabic and attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
License Renewal of Companies in DMC
Your representative can handle the company renewal process if you are not physically present in the UAE. The whole process includes two subprocesses: renewal of the license and renewal of the office lease.
After the company’s renewal, you must inform your bank about extending your license and bringing the permit to any branch office. Business consultants in Dubai may assist you in Dubai during this process.
Company amendment of DMC
The DMC allows the company owner to make as many changes as required. The cost varies depending on the type of amendment. Amendments can be categorised as license amendments and registry amendments.
Registry amendments: This includes changes in the financial year, changes in the parent company’s name, the removal or addition of directors, changes in the name, and changes in the operating name.
License amendments include adding new channels, adding new publishing segments, removing an activity from an existing segment, adding an activity within the same segment, changing business activity, and changing the address or location on the license.
Company liquidation in DMC
- If a visa is in the company, you need to cancel it. It will take seven to ten business days.
- Cancel your establishment card if your company is visa-eligible. This process takes seven to ten business days.
- Cancellation of license
You need to approach the authority to complete the de-registration process if you have a company registered with Dubai Media City. Your license becomes non-operational if you do not cancel or renew it. In that case, the Dubai Media City authority automatically starts the company liquidation process. If you have paid refundable deposits, you will receive the refunds once your company’s de-registration process is completed.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a business setup solution for your company in Dubai, JSB Incorporation is here to help. We are a consultancy specialising in business setup for fast, efficient, and safe company formation in Dubai over 24 low, tax-free jurisdictions: IFZA, JAFZA, and MCC.
For the hassle-free setting up of your company, choose JSB Incorporation today.
FAQs
There are multiple payment options for fees. You can pay via cash, bank transfer, or card.
The company should undertake an annual renewal. The initial cost of set up is mostly higher than the renewal cost. Company renewal does not require your presence and can be done by your agent.
The renewal cost depends on your company's size and license type.
While we work tirelessly to make opening a bank account as smooth as possible, we cannot guarantee acceptance as it ultimately depends on the bank.
Officially, the office of a free zone company should be located inside the free zone where it has been registered. However, if you need an office in Dubai, you can rent a space in its business center and use it flexibly.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com