Dubai Media City(DMC) Free Zone Company Formation

Established in 2000 by the government, the Dubai Media City Free Zone (DMC) is a regional hub for media companies from around the world. Currently there are over 1500 companies established in the DMC Free Zone that represent more than 140 countries. Dubai Media City has become a regional center for Media companies such as publishing, online media, advertising agencies, production houses, news groups and broadcast facilities.

Dubai Media City (DMC) operates under the authority of Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone (DTMFZ). All licenses in DMC are issued by the Registration and Licensing Department within the DTMFZA. DMC is home to many international media and entertainment companies like CNN, CBS, Showtime and many regional media companies.

Benefits

Complete ownership to foreign entity
Exemption from duties and taxes on personal and corporate incomes for 50 years
Simple and quick company registration and formation process thanks to latest electronic system, one window operation and transparent company regulations
Availability of residence and work permits after company formation in DMC
Presence of several personal and corporate facilities including business centers, commercial offices, car parking system, commercial & real estate properties etc
A company is allowed to change its name, business activity, address and status (from branch office to LLC) after adopting the required procedure
No minimum capital investment required
Allowed to hire foreign employees

Types of licenses

There are three types of licenses available according to the requirement of the business.

Free zone LLC (limited liability company)
Branch (of a local or foreign company)
Freelancing permits (for professionals)

Requirements

Submission of application along with required documents in DTMFZA
Application process for FZ-LLC and Branch office is quite similar. But there is a difference in documents between FZ-LLC, branch of a local company and branch of a foreign company
In case of freelancing permit, few additional documents are also required including sample of work/portfolio, personal reference letters (3 or more) and others
There is a specific fee to be paid for all types of licenses in DMC. The fee may differ according to the type of business entity