Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is one of the leading free zones in the UAE designed specifically for technology, digital, and IT businesses. Established to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, DIC is a hub for global giants, SMEs, and startups. Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, a software company, or an e-commerce venture, Dubai Internet City provides the perfect ecosystem.
This zone is part of Dubai’s strategic vision to become a global technology hub, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities, and business-friendly regulations.
For a broader understanding of free zones across the UAE, explore our Free Zone Business Setup in UAE guide.


Why Choose Dubai Internet City for Your Business Setup?
Dubai Internet City offers a unique combination of infrastructure, location, and support services that make it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and tech companies.
Key reasons include:
- Strategic location with proximity to major highways and transport links
- Home to international tech companies and a thriving innovation community
- 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of profits
- No personal or corporate income tax
If you’re considering other areas in Dubai, our Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai page provides an in-depth comparison.
Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup in Dubai Internet City
Setting up a company in DIC involves a series of well-defined steps. Here’s how Ideas Business Setup Expert can guide you:
Key Benefits of Dubai Internet City Business Setup
- Full foreign ownership rights – Keep full control of your business.
- No currency restrictions – Trade freely in any currency.
- Simplified company registration – Faster and smoother compared to mainland.
- Networking opportunities – Collaborate with leading tech companies.
- Modern infrastructure – Access to high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and business support services.
For entrepreneurs interested in other specialized zones, you might also explore:


Licensing Options Available in DIC
DIC offers a range of licenses that cater to different tech-related activities:
- IT Services License
- Software Development License
- E-commerce License
- Consultancy License
Each license type comes with its own set of requirements and benefits. Our experts help you choose the one that aligns with your vision.
For a better perspective on specialized zones with unique licensing, visit:
Required Documents for Company Formation
Generally, you will need:
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Business plan (if applicable)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- No Objection Certificate (if required)
For a comprehensive checklist, read:

Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Internet City
The cost of setting up a business in Dubai Internet City (DIC) varies depending on your chosen license, office space requirements, number of visas, and additional services. Below is an estimated cost breakdown:
Estimated Cost Table
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (AED) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | 15,000 – 25,000 | Annual license fee based on activity type. |
| Registration Fee | 3,500 – 5,000 | One-time company registration charge. |
| Office Space (Flexi Desk) | 15,000 – 20,000 | Shared or flexi-desk option. |
| Dedicated Office Lease | 40,000 – 80,000+ | For private office spaces. |
| Visa Allocation (per visa) | 3,000 – 5,000 | Government and processing fees per visa |
| Bank Account Setup Assistance | 2,500 – 5,000 | Varies depending on the chosen bank |
| Additional Approvals | 5,000 – 10,000 | Document attestation, PRO services, etc. |
What Influences the Cost?
Several factors affect the final setup cost in Dubai Internet City:
- Type of license – IT, e-commerce, consultancy, or software license.
- Office size – Flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated workspace.
- Visa requirements – More visas mean higher costs.
- Additional services – Such as bank account opening for free zone business, legal documentation, and business consulting.
For a broader understanding of free zone setup pricing across the UAE, you can refer to our detailed guide on Free Zone Business Setup Cost UAE.
Visa and Banking Facilities
Setting up in DIC allows you to obtain investor visas and employee visas depending on your office size and license type.
Key highlights:
- Fast-track visa processing
- Investor and partner visas available
- Assistance in Bank Account Opening for Free Zone Business


Start Your Journey with Ideas Business Setup Expert
Dubai South Free Zone is a future-ready business destination offering unmatched advantages for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations. With its strategic location, tax benefits, and simplified regulations, it is a perfect choice for anyone looking to expand in the Middle East.
At Ideas Business Setup Expert, we specialize in making your company formation process seamless – from choosing the right license to obtaining visas and opening a bank account.
Yes. A physical presence is mandatory, but DIC offers flexible solutions such as flexi-desks, shared offices, and dedicated office spaces depending on your budget and visa requirements.
Yes. Dubai Internet City allows full foreign ownership, meaning you retain total control over your company with no need for a local partner.
Typically, the process can take between 7 to 14 working days, depending on the complexity of your business structure, the type of license you choose, and document submission accuracy.
Comparison with Other Dubai Free Zones
Dubai Internet City focuses on IT, technology, and digital businesses. If your business falls outside this category, you may consider other zones:
- Dubai Airport Free Zone Business Setup– Ideal for aviation and logistics.
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Business Setup– Suitable for trading and manufacturing.
- Dubai South Free Zone Business Setup– Great for logistics and aviation industries.
- Meydan Free Zone Business Setup– Perfect for SMEs and startups.
Other specialized options include:
- Dubai Outsource City Business Setup
- Dubai Maritime City Business Setup
- Dubai Logistics City Business Setup
- International Humanitarian City Business Setup
- Dubai Science Park Business Setup
- Dubai Gold & Diamond Park Business Setup
- Dubai Textile City Business Setup
- Dubai Flower Centre Business Setup
- Dubai Technopark Business Setup
- Dubai Enpark Business Setup
- Dubai Auto Zone Business Setup
- Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone Business Setup
- Dubai Studio City Business Setup

