Dubai Media City cost in 2026
Dubai · prices checked
In short
The cheapest Dubai Media City licence costs 15,000 AED a year. The renewal is 15,000 AED a year.
- Home to CNN, BBC, Reuters and MBC, with editorial freedom written into its framework.
- It publishes its freelance permit and its visa fees, plus its capital and visa quota rules.
About Dubai Media City
Dubai Media City licence cost in 2026
| Package | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
GoFreelance permit Cheapest
| 1 year licence | 7,520 AED |
Standard segment licence
| 1 year licence | 15,000 AED |
Dubai Media City visa cost
| Costs and conditions | |
|---|---|
| Employment visa, 1 year | 4,600 AED |
| Employment visa, 2 years | 5,042 AED |
| Establishment card, required before any visa | 2,000 AED |
| Family sponsorship | Available, ask the free zone* |
| Visas per licence type | |
| Quota | one employee sponsored per 80 square feet of leased space |
Dubai Media City freelance visa cost
GoFreelance, media: 7,520 AED for the permit, one year; residence visa paid separately, 4,600 AED for 1 year or 5,042 AED for 2, after a 2,000 AED establishment card.
Dubai Media City office and desk cost
| Fitted and non-fitted commercial offices | |
|---|---|
| Boutique villas and studios | |
| Coworking, one work permit | |
| Dedicated desk, two work permits | |
| Private office, two work permits and above |
Dubai Media City renewal and closing fee
First year, licence
15,000 AED
Renewal, per year
15,000 AED
Closing the company
1,500 AED
Details
Renewal, per year. 15,000 AED per year for a standard segment. The Dubai Development Authority decision that sets this fee states it as an annual fee, so the same amount falls due at each renewal. A one-off registration of 3,500 AED applies in year one only.
Closing the company. 1,500 AED to deregister a free zone limited liability company, reduced to 1,000 AED for companies incubated at in5. Published by the Dubai Development Authority, not by the zone.
Dubai Media City other fees and penalties
Administrative fees
- Minimum refundable share capital, free zone limited company10,000 AED
- Minimum capital, branch of a foreign or UAE companynone
- Establishment card2,000 AED
Important to know
Rules that apply
- Licences and permits run one year and renew annually.
- Companies may only operate inside the free zone, not on the UAE mainland.
- One employee visa per 80 square feet of leased space.
- A free zone limited company needs 10,000 AED of minimum refundable capital. Branches need none.
Points to confirm before you sign
- The freelance portal headline says 7,500 AED per year while its own FAQ and dmc.ae both say 7,520 AED for the same package.
- The zone lists warehouses and light industrial units among its offerings, while the group site places those at Dubai Production City and Dubai Science Park.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a licence at Dubai Media City cost?
What does Dubai Media City cost in year two?
What does a residence visa cost at Dubai Media City?
Where is Dubai Media City and who runs it?
All prices and terms come from the free zones and may change at any time without prior notice. Free Zone Radar cannot be held responsible for any change, error or omission. Always confirm the final price and terms in writing before you sign or pay.
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What happens next
- 1Our setup expert partner contacts you within one working day, to understand your project.
- 2He sends you a detailed quote with the official price of Media City, fees included.
- 3You decide. If the quote suits you, he handles everything until your licence is issued.
- 4
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Go further
Nearby free zones
Sources
dmc.ae/offerings/freelance-license · dmc.ae/connect/faqs · gofreelance.ae · tecomgroup.ae/products
