Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East's original technology free zone and one of Dubai's most prestigious business addresses for IT, software, and digital companies. Home to regional headquarters of Google, Microsoft, Meta, LinkedIn, and IBM, DIC offers unmatched tech-sector networking density. Setup costs are higher than budget free zones, but the brand signal and ecosystem make it worthwhile for established tech firms and funded startups.
From
AED 30,000
Established
1999
Companies
4,000
Max Visas
6
Banking
Moderate
DIC Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Visa Package | AED 15,000 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 30,000 | AED 30,000 |
| 1 Visa Package | AED 15,000 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 37,340 | AED 33,000 |
| 2 Visa Package | AED 15,000 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 42,680 | AED 34,000 |
| 3 Visa Private Office Package | AED 15,000 | 3 | Private Office | AED 73,020 | AED 60,000 |
| 6 Visa Private Office Package | AED 15,000 | 6 | Private Office | AED 124,040 | AED 104,000 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Premier tech ecosystem — home to Google, Microsoft, Meta, LinkedIn, IBM, and 1,600+ companies
- Strong brand signal for tech companies — DIC address carries weight with clients and investors
- Flexi desk packages from AED 15,000/year for license plus AED 15,000 for workspace
- Easier banking than newer free zones — established relationships with major UAE banks
- Part of TECOM Group ecosystem with access to DMC, DKP, and other clusters
- DCCA digital portal for streamlined license processing — 5-7 business days typical
- 100% foreign ownership with no minimum capital requirement for most license types
- Prime Al Sufouh location near Dubai Marina, JBR, and Palm Jumeirah
Watch out for
- Higher setup costs than budget zones — Year 1 with 1 visa starts around AED 40,000+
- Physical office or flexi desk mandatory for visa eligibility — no virtual office option
- Activity scope limited to technology, media, and related sectors — not for general trading
- Private office rents range AED 1,200-1,800/sqm/year, significantly above average
- Visa quota tied to office size — flexi desk limited to 2-3 visas maximum
- No crypto-specific licensing framework — requires separate VARA or SCA approval
Visa Information
Max Quota
6 visas
Flexi desk: 2-3 visas. Private office: scales with office size, typically 1 visa per 9 sqm.
Processing Time
21 days
Renewal Cost
AED 0
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 0
Dependent visa available through GDRFA. Costs vary by sponsor salary and dependent type.
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,500
Investor Visa
AED 3,500
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical V I P
AED 850
Emirates Id Typing
AED 390
Approximately 3 weeks end-to-end including medical, Emirates ID, and stamping.
Banking
Partner Banks
DIC's 25-year track record means banks are familiar with the license type. Expect 2-4 weeks for corporate account opening. Emirates NBD and Mashreq are the most common choices. Standard KYC documentation required.
Features
Mainland Trading
Free zone entity can trade internationally and within DIC. Mainland operations require a mainland branch permit.
Physical Office Required
Flexi desk or private office required for visa eligibility. No virtual office option.
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
No DIC-specific crypto framework. Crypto activities require separate VARA licensing.
Shared Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed.
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
DCCA digital portal for license application, renewal, and visa processing.
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Annual audited financial statements required for license renewal.
Share Capital Requirement
None required for most license types
Special Ecosystems
Recent Developments
- Oct 2024: DIC celebrated 25th anniversary with over 1,600 companies in the ecosystem
- 2025: TECOM Group continued expansion of co-working and flexi desk options across DIC buildings
- 2025: DCCA streamlined digital licensing portal for faster application processing
- 2024: New AI and smart city-focused companies attracted to DIC following Dubai AI strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai Internet City (DIC) license cost in 2026?
A DIC service licence costs approximately AED 15,000/year. With a flexi desk (AED 15,000/year), the minimum entry point is AED 30,000/year before visa costs.
How many visas can I get with a DIC flexi desk?
A DIC flexi desk typically supports 2-3 residency visas. For larger teams, a private office is required, with visa quotas scaling based on office size (roughly 1 visa per 9 sqm).
What types of businesses can set up in Dubai Internet City?
DIC is focused on technology, media, and related sectors. Permitted activities include software development, IT services, digital marketing, AI, data analytics, e-commerce, and telecommunications. General trading is not available.
Is it easy to open a bank account with a DIC license?
Moderately easy. DIC's 25-year track record means banks are familiar with the license. Emirates NBD and Mashreq are common choices. Expect 2-4 weeks for corporate account opening with standard KYC documentation.
How long does DIC company setup take?
License processing takes 5-7 business days through the DCCA digital portal. Full setup including visa, medical, and Emirates ID typically takes 3 weeks.
Which major companies are based in Dubai Internet City?
DIC hosts regional headquarters of Google, Microsoft, Meta, LinkedIn, IBM, Oracle, HP, Dell, and SAP among others. Over 1,600 companies operate within the free zone.
What is the difference between DIC and Dubai Media City (DMC)?
Both are TECOM Group free zones under DCCA. DIC focuses on technology and IT companies, while DMC targets media, publishing, and entertainment firms. They share the same licensing authority and similar fee structures.
Does DIC require an annual audit?
Yes, DIC requires annual audited financial statements for license renewal. Budget AED 3,000-10,000/year for accounting and audit services depending on company size.
Ready to set up with DIC?
Get a personalised quote for your DIC business setup. Compare packages and find the best deal.
Starting From
AED 30,000 /yr