Cost breakdown
Full cost of the company
| Cost item | Paid at setup | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| License package — entry price (first year) market benchmark; depends on activity set and visa quota | AED 15,712 | — |
| Establishment card 96 packages in the catalog, from this price | AED 15,712 | — |
| Corporate bank account support 97 packages carry the banking step | On request | — |
| Medical insurance per visa holder depends on the plan and insurer | On request | — |
| Total | AED 15,712 | — |
Figures are market reference points from the September 2026 snapshot — the final quote is itemized on request.
HowTo · 5 steps
How the registration goes
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Consultation and activity confirmation
1–2 daysWe map your business model to the activity group, fix the package type and the visa quota you need, and confirm the exact scope before payment.
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Name reservation and initial approval
2–4 daysWe check the company name against the registry rules, reserve it and submit the application with passport copies of the shareholders.
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Signing and payment
1–3 daysThe license agreement is signed remotely and government fees are paid — no travel to the UAE is required at this stage.
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License issuance and establishment card
3–7 daysThe license is issued, then the establishment card is filed — the document that unlocks residence visas and the corporate bank account.
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Visa filing and corporate bank account
1–5 daysResidence visa applications are submitted for shareholders and staff, and the corporate account application goes to the banks that fit the profile.
Residence visas
Visa options
Residence visas are filed through Dubai Media City: the catalog lists — investor visa packages. The visa quota depends on the chosen package and office solution.
Investor / partner visa
On request
- 2 years, renewable
- for shareholders of the company
Employee visa
On request
- 2 years, renewable
- quota depends on the package
Dependent visa (family)
On request
- spouse, children, parents
- requires tenancy and salary proof
Activity group · 72+ registry codes
About the activity
General Services & Freelance is one of the largest tracked activity groups on the platform: the September 2026 snapshot lists 75 license combinations across its providers, with a median package from AED 6,875* and entry packages from AED 64*.
At Dubai Media City this group counts 7 packages with entry prices from AED 15,712*. The authority licenses freezone companies in Dubai: incorporation is handled remotely, and the same license supports residence visa applications for shareholders and staff.
The cluster spans 72 official activity codes. The catalog lists the full code-by-code breakdown with per-zone availability — the table above shows the license packages.
Included: Company operations under the General Services & Freelance activity group, licensed by Dubai Media City; activity codes are combined in one license where the package allows it.
UAE · Dubai
About Dubai Media City
Dubai Media City (Dubai Media City) accounts for 97 license combinations in the September 2026 snapshot, spread over 17 of the 52 activity clusters tracked on the platform. The strongest cluster here is Marketing & Advertising with 24 packages, followed by Media Production & Broadcasting (23 packages).
- Activity combinations
- 97 17 of 52 clusters
- Median package
- from AED 20,590* market benchmark
- Price range
- AED 6,192 – 25,590* min–max in snapshot
- Setup time
- 15–33 days fastest → slowest filed
Entry packages start at AED 6,192*, the median combination runs from AED 20,590*, and the fullest configurations in the catalog reach AED 25,590*. Filed setup timelines range from 15 to 33 days depending on the activity mix, visa quota and office option.
Dubai Media City is the TECOM media cluster hosting regional broadcasters, agencies and publishing houses since 2000. This guide breaks the zone down by activity: the strongest clusters below, then the visa, establishment-card and bank-account steps that come bundled with Dubai Media City licenses — all figures from the same market snapshot.
Jurisdiction facts checked with the provider on Sep 2026. Prices and fees are reviewed monthly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does a general services & freelance license in Dubai Media City cost?
In the September 2026 snapshot, entry packages at Dubai Media City start from AED 15,712*. The exact figure depends on the activity set, visa quota and office option — the final quote is confirmed before payment.
How long does setup take at Dubai Media City?
Filed packages at Dubai Media City run from 15 to 33 days, fastest to slowest. Most of the timeline is document preparation and government approvals, which we handle remotely.
Can I get a residence visa with this license?
Yes — the investor visa packages are listed in the Dubai Media City catalog. Employee and dependent visas are filed through the same establishment card.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai Media City company?
Dubai Media City is a free zone authority: a company can be 100% foreign-owned, trades internationally and inside the free zone, and is licensed outside the mainland DED framework.
Does the package include a corporate bank account?
97 packages in the Dubai Media City catalog carry the banking step, with support from AED 6,192*. We prepare the KYC pack and match the profile to banks that accept freezone companies.
Same activity in other jurisdictions
Popular in Dubai Media City
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