What Are the Benefits of Dubai Internet City Company Formation in UAE?

Dubai Internet City (DIC) has some benefits that make it a strategic location for many companies. Below are some of the key benefits:

  • Tax Advantages
    Establishing a business in DIC allows you to benefit from various tax incentives, like no personal income tax and a low corporate tax for firms with profits greater than USD 100,000.
  • Streamlined Setup Process
    Setting up a business in DIC is straightforward and efficient, usually completed in less than a week. At Emirates Advisory, we specialize in assisting individuals and companies in setting up their companies in Dubai Internet City.
  • Business Policies
    The DIC free zone offers business-friendly regulations that grant flexibility in managing and operating your company.
  • Complete Ownership and Profit Repatriation
    By establishing a business in Dubai Internet City, you retain full ownership of your company and are entitled to repatriate 100% of your profits.
  • Currency Flexibility
    DIC does not impose any restrictions on currency use, which allows firms to interact easily with their partners and companies from any country.
  • Government Support
    The DIC-free zone enjoys full governmental support and provides up-to-date telecommunication, internet, banking, and office amenities.

Free Zone

Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Setup Time Frame

3-5 days

Location

Dubai Internet City is located near Sheikh Zayed Road, close to Dubai Marina.

Share Capital

No paid-up capital requirement

Financial Audit Report

Required Annually

Overview of Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is a technology-focused business hub organized by the Dubai government in partnership with TECOM Investments. For over two decades, it has been a centre of innovation and business activity, playing a pivotal role in developing tech zones across the UAE to foster IT-related systems and services. DIC offers a strategic option for companies targeting the emerging market of Dubai and the broader Arab region.
Since its inception in 1999, DIC has become the most significant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre in the Middle East and North Africa. Today, the area is home to more than 1,600 companies, many of which are global tech giants, and offers more than 1.5 million square feet of premium commercial office space.
To attract global and local companies, DIC provides a business-friendly environment with substantial advantages for foreign businesses. These advantages comprise property rights, tax, and customs benefits that are assured for 50 years. This strong framework has attracted many global IT firms, such as:

  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Dell
  • Intel
  • Samsung
  • Microsoft
  • IBM
  • Oracle Corporation
  • Tata Consultancy
  • Cisco
  • HP
  • Nokia
  • MicroStrategy

This list of global giants highlights DIC’s reputation as a premier hub for innovation. Apart from international companies, local tech leaders such as Ducont have established their bases in DIC and benefited from the proximity of other industrial clusters to promote collaboration and innovation.

Key Considerations Before Opening a Company in Dubai Internet City (DIC)

For companies planning to set up operations in a DIC, it is crucial to understand the key business functions supported by the free zone. DIC is specifically designed for companies involved in:

  • Software development
  • Internet and multimedia development
  • Telecommunications and networking
  • IT services provision

Steps to start a Dubai Internet City Freezone Company

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Types of Licenses & Activities Offered by Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) offers licensing and operational activities tailored to the needs of technology companies. DIC provides a favourable growth environment for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and global businesses. As the leading innovation centre, DIC fosters various business activities and licences.

Software License

This license is for companies developing, modifying, and supporting software products.

Internet & Multimedia

The Internet and Multimedia License is for businesses and entrepreneurs involved in producing and distributing online or multimedia content, including search engines, social media platforms, video games, music, and videos.

Telecommunications & Network

This license supports companies focused on the development, modification, and operational support of networks, including satellite, telecom, and mobile infrastructure, as well as services like cybersecurity systems and online conferencing.

IT Services

The IT Services License is designed for companies and entrepreneurs offering IT-related services, including consultancy, integration of IT products and solutions, and Big Data analytics.

Data Center

Data centre licenses are for companies that provide data hosting, processing, distribution, and disaster recovery services.

Freelancer

The Freelancer License is designed for individuals working independently. It offers the opportunity to rent shared office spaces (hot desks) and obtain a visa quota.

Business Legal Structures Under Dubai Internet City

Several forms of legal entity are available in Dubai Internet City (DIC) through which an entity can set up a business depending on its needs and operation. These include:

Free Zone LLC

In Dubai Free Zones, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can have between 1 and 50 shareholders, whether individuals or corporations. The minimum share value is AED 1,000, and the required share capital is AED 50,000.

Branch of UAE Company

A UAE-based applicant can establish a branch without any capital requirements.

Branch of Foreign Company

Foreign companies can open a branch in Dubai International City (DIC) without a minimum capital requirement.

Why Choose Emirates Advisory?

Emirates Advisory is a boutique legal advisory firm assisting individuals and companies looking to establish business in Dubai Internet City (DIC). With extensive knowledge of UAE and DIC regulations, we handle the business formation process with all documentation. Our wide range of services, such as corporate structuring, bank account opening for IT companies, concierge service, global attestation, and POA, make us your one-stop solution for all corporate needs. Contact us today to start your journey in DIC and unlock your business’s full potential.