Dubai free zone, DMC
Set up your company in Dubai Media City Free Zone
Dubai Media City (DMC Free Zone) is a world-renowned media business community, home to regional and international companies and providing a vibrant, creative environment for businesses to grow and thrive. For the past 20 years it has cemented its position as the region's most credible media community, housing the largest global and local media brands. It is a community where freelancers, startups, SMEs and large enterprises co-exist, contributing to Dubai being named the capital of Arab Media.
- 100% foreign ownership
- 1,300+ media entities
- Six license types
- Freelance permits available
Why Dubai Media City
The region's home for media.
More than 1,300 entities are registered in the DMC (Dubai Media City) free zone. Since 2000, Dubai's media city has been the centre of most media business operations in the Emirates, and it remains the favourite media hub for the most significant media corporations in the UAE and the Middle East. From media and TV stations to logistics, hospitality and food and beverage, there is always room for startups in such a diverse community.
Strategic location
Located in the heart of Dubai, with easy access to major highways and transportation hubs.
Favorable tax system
No corporate or personal income tax, no import or export tax, and no currency restrictions.
Wide range of business activities
Trading, manufacturing and service-related activities, suiting businesses across many industries.
Business-friendly environment
Streamlined company formation, with a dedicated customer service team to help with any inquiry.
State-of-the-art infrastructure
Modern office buildings and advanced telecommunications and IT infrastructure.
Free zone benefits
100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and no restrictions on the number of visas.
What DMC issues
Six licenses for media businesses.
DMC offers licenses suited to media and creative industries, from trading and services to production and publishing. We match the right one to your activity.
Commercial license
Trading and buying or selling goods and services.
Service license
Consultancy, management and technical media services.
Freelance permit
For individuals working under their own name in media.
Event license
Organising events, exhibitions and conferences.
Film & TV production
Producing films, television and other media.
Publishing license
Printing, publishing and distribution of media.
Not sure which license fits? An advisor will match it to your media activity in minutes.
What it costs
Dubai Media City setup cost.
DMC cost depends on your license, facility and visas. These are the parts that make up the figure, and a quote based on your exact needs is more accurate than a single advertised price.
License and registration
Initial approval, name reservation and the DMC license fee.
Facility
A flexi-desk, office or studio space within the media community.
Visas and immigration
Establishment card and each residence visa for your team.
Activity approvals
Some media activities need additional permits or approvals.
How we help
From activity to open for business.
- 01
Receive a Consultation
Share your media activity, visa needs and budget in a quick call.
- 02
We file with DMC
Name approval, application and your DMC paperwork, handled.
- 03
License and facility
We secure your desk, office or studio and issue the license.
- 04
Visas and bank
We assist with residence visas and corporate banking introductions once your company is established.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior advisory.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- 1,300+
- DMC entities
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- Media
- Specialist hub
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Dubai.
Good to know
Dubai Media City questions, answered.
- What is Dubai Media City (DMC) best for?
- Dubai Media City is the region's leading media free zone, home to more than 1,300 entities since 2000. It is best for media and creative businesses, including broadcasters, production houses, marketing and PR agencies, publishers, event companies and media freelancers.
- What license types does DMC offer?
- DMC offers six license types: commercial, service, freelance permit, event, film and TV production, and publishing. The freelance permit suits individuals working under their own name, while the production and publishing licenses are suited to media operations. We match the right one to your activity.
- Can I get a freelance permit in Dubai Media City?
- Yes. DMC offers a freelance permit for individuals in media and creative fields, and DMC is also one of the communities covered by the TECOM GoFreelance package. We can advise whether a freelance permit or a full company license suits your plans best.
- Do I get 100% ownership in DMC?
- Yes. A DMC free zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor, full repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, and no corporate or personal income tax.
- How much does it cost to set up in Dubai Media City?
- DMC cost depends on your license, facility and the number of visas you need. The main components are the license and registration, your facility (from a flexi-desk to a studio), and visas and immigration. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote, including visas, before you commit.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.