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Business Setup in Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East’s largest technology and ICT business community, and the regional home of the world’s leading tech companies. Part of the TECOM Group, DIC brings together global technology firms, software companies, telecoms, digital businesses and startups in one connected ecosystem — making it the natural base for technology and internet-led companies entering or scaling in the region.

We manage your DIC setup end to end — company structure, license activities, facility selection, registration, visas and corporate bank account introduction — working directly with the free zone.
[ CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM ]
TECOM Group Infrastructure

Established in 1999, Dubai Internet City is operated by the TECOM Group, the same authority behind Dubai’s leading industry clusters. For technology businesses, the value of DIC lies as much in its community and connectivity as in the license itself.

[1.0 / REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS]

About Dubai Internet City

DIC hosts the regional headquarters of many of the world’s most recognisable technology companies, alongside a thriving community of SMEs and startups. Through TECOM’s In5 innovation centres, it also offers dedicated incubation and acceleration support for early-stage tech ventures.

Why Choose Dubai Internet City

[1.1]
  • The region’s ICT hub — a base alongside global technology leaders and a dense industry community.
  • 100% foreign ownership — full enterprise control with no local partner required across segments.
  • Built for technology — tailored to software, IT, telecoms, internet and digital services.
  • Startup support — incubation and acceleration through TECOM’s In5 innovation centres.
  • Prime location — a central Dubai address near Dubai Marina and Media City.
  • Tax efficiency — 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and full capital repatriation.

License Classifications & Activities

[1.2]

DIC licenses focus specifically on technology and ICT activities. Common operational activity groups include:

Software and IT services — software development, SaaS, IT consulting and systems integration.
Internet and digital — web, e-services, cloud, data and AI-related activities.
Telecommunications — communications and network services.
Technology trading and support — sale and technical support of technology products and solutions.
[1.3 / CORPORATE TYPES]

Legal Formations & Ownership

DIC offers distinct legal company structures depending on the number of stakeholders and the operational design of your enterprise.

FZ-LLC / FZCO Formations Structured for one or more shareholders, accommodating individual or corporate entities.
Branch Formations Direct corporate branches of an existing UAE mainland company or international foreign firm.

DIC companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits. A company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate. We coordinate with our corporate tax teams to keep your structure compliant and tax-efficient.

[1.4 / TARGET AUDIENCE & INFRASTRUCTURE]
Target Segments & Workspaces

DIC provides tailored environments for tech-first companies:

  • In5 Co-working & Incubation: Desks and acceleration support for early-stage tech ventures.
  • Serviced & Commercial Offices: Fitted offices within DIC's towers and business centres.
  • Custom Office Space: Larger fitted floors for established firms and regional headquarters.

Ideal for technology/software entities, product or SaaS platforms, internet/digital-first setups, and network infrastructure providers.

[1.5 / IMMIGRATION PATHWAYS]
Visa Allocation Framework

Your legal visa quota in DIC is linked directly to your chosen office scale and corporate license package.

Investor & Partner Visas
Employment Visas for Staff
Family Sponsorship Paths
Long-Term Golden Visas
[1.6 / SYSTEM SEQUENCE]

DIC Setup Process

We manage each stage with the free zone authority on your behalf.

01. Activity Selection
we confirm your specific technology activities, company type and license.
02. Name & Initial Approval
we secure your unique company name and preliminary regulatory approvals.
03. Office Selection
we match your team to In5 co-working, a serviced office, or custom space.
04. Documentation Filing
we prepare and submit the formal application and corporate incorporation files.
05. License Issuance
DIC formally issues your official trade license and incorporation certificate.
06. Identity Protocols
we process the establishment card, investor/staff visas, Emirates ID and medical.
07. CORPORATE BANK ACCOUNT INTRODUCTION — we introduce you to our banking partners and assist with the application.
[1.7 / REQUIRED DOSSIER]

Documents Required for DIC Setup

Core requirements across corporate variants. A completely customized checklist is provided post-consultation.

Individual Shareholder Corporate Shareholder Branch Company
  • Passport copy of each individual shareholder and director.
  • UAE visa and Emirates ID copy for residents, or entry-stamp page.
  • Recent passport-size photograph.
  • Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Completed application form and business plan, where required.
  • Certificate of incorporation of the parent company.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • Board resolution approving the DIC incorporation.
  • Official register of directors and shareholders.
  • Passport copies of directors and authorised signatories.
  • Corporate documents fully attested and legalised for UAE use.
  • Parent company trade license and core incorporation files.
  • Board resolution to open a DIC branch and name the manager.
  • Power of attorney for the designated branch manager.
  • Audited financial statements of the parent, where requested.
  • Attested and legalised corporate documents.
[ESTIMATED SETUP TIME]
Efficient Zone Incorporation
A DIC company is typically incorporated within 5 to 7 business days once documents are in order. Visa and Emirates ID processing usually takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.
[VALUATION PARAMETERS]
Premium Corporate Hub Pricing
DIC is a premium technology hub, with costs reflecting its community, location and facilities. In5 packages offer a more accessible entry point for startups. Total costs depend on license activities, office selection, visa quota, and specialized approvals. Contact us for an all-inclusive quote.
Why Choose Legacy Partners for DIC Setup

Direct corporate configurations aligned to your technical deployment timelines.

Direct free zone experience
we manage DIC and TECOM registrations, offices and approvals daily.
End-to-end service
licensing, office allocations, visas, and bank introductions under one roof.
Transparent pricing
clear, all-inclusive corporate packages with no surprise invoices.
Multilingual advisors
a single dedicated point of contact throughout your formal setup.
[ INTRA-ZONE INQUIRIES ]

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East’s largest technology and ICT business community, part of the TECOM Group, and home to the regional headquarters of many global tech companies.

DIC is ideal for technology, software, IT services, telecommunications, internet and digital businesses, as well as tech startups.

DIC is operated by the TECOM Group, the authority behind several of Dubai’s industry clusters, including Dubai Media City and Dubai Design District.

Yes. Through TECOM’s In5 innovation centres, DIC offers incubation, acceleration and co-working support designed for early-stage technology ventures.

Yes. DIC companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner, plus full repatriation of capital and profits.

A DIC company that qualifies as a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard rate.

A free zone company trades freely outside the UAE and within the zone. To sell directly in the UAE mainland, it works through a local distributor or a mainland branch.

Incorporation typically takes 5 to 7 business days once documents are ready, with visas and Emirates ID adding about 2 to 3 weeks.
[REGIONAL COMPLIANCE ROUTER]

Compare your options on our main Company Formation in UAE hub, or explore other technology and Dubai free zones — Dubai Silicon Oasis, DMCC, IFZA, Meydan and Dubai South. For post-setup support, see our Corporate Tax, VAT, Audit, Accounting, Trademark and Business Advisory services.

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