Dubai Media City

Dubai · Dubai Development Authority · Est. 2001

Media & BroadcastingPublishing & JournalismAdvertising AgenciesFilm & TV Production

Dubai Media City (DMC) is the regional media capital, hosting major international networks such as CNN, BBC, Reuters, and Sony. Entry packages start from AED 12,542 for license fees, with full operational setups (including flexi-desks) starting around AED 30,000, supporting up to 6 visa allocations with moderate corporate banking access. Part of the TECOM Group, DMC is tailored for broadcasting, publishing, marketing, and media production agencies.

From

AED 12,542

Year 1

Quick facts

Registered companies2,050+

Processing time5–14 days

Banking difficultyModerate

Dependent visasAllowed

Pricing packages

GoFreelance Permit + 1-Year Visa

AED 12,542

Freelancer Permit · None · 1 visa

Renews at AED 12,542

Zero Visa Package

AED 30,000

Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 0 visas

Renews at AED 30,000

1 Visa Package

AED 37,340

Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 1 visa

Renews at AED 33,000

2 Visa Package

AED 42,680

Standard Licence · Flexi Desk · 2 visas

Renews at AED 34,000

3 Visa Private Office Package

AED 73,020

Standard Licence · Private Office · 3 visas

Renews at AED 60,000

Estimated

6 Visa Private Office Package

AED 124,040

Standard Licence · Private Office · 6 visas

Renews at AED 104,000

Estimated

Features

Mainland trading

Dual licence allowed

Forensic analysis

Substance

High

Audit risk

Moderate

Forensic ease

8/10

Creative Powerhouse; High Sensitivity to 'Mainland Service' Reclassification.

Dubai Media City is the region's leading hub for the creative economy.

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Common questions

How much does it cost to set up in DMC?

The cheapest published package for Dubai Media City is GoFreelance Permit + 1-Year Visa at AED 12,542 for Year 1, renewing at AED 12,542. Costs scale with visa count, office type, and licensed activities.

How long does DMC setup take?

Typical processing time is 5–14 business days, though bank account opening usually adds further time.

Is banking easy to set up with a DMC licence?

Banking difficulty for DMC is rated "Moderate". Known banking partners include Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, RAKBANK.

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