Dubai Internet City (DIC) Setup
Set up your tech company in Dubai Internet City (DIC) — the region's leading technology free zone, home to Microsoft, Google, Meta, and 5,000+ tech companies. TECOM licensing with 100% foreign ownership.
Description
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East's largest technology business community and the region's most prestigious address for tech companies. Part of TECOM Group, DIC is home to over 5,000 companies including global giants such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, Oracle, Dell, and SAP, alongside thousands of regional startups and scale-ups. A DIC license positions your technology business alongside the strongest tech ecosystem in the region.
DIC supports technology-focused activities — software development, IT services, cloud computing, AI and data science, cybersecurity, telecoms, internet services, e-commerce platforms, and technology consultancy. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, and access to the TECOM ecosystem including in5 Tech startup incubator, networking events, and talent pools from the co-located Dubai Outsource City and Knowledge Park communities.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete DIC setup — activity selection from the TECOM tech list, package selection (flexi-desk, business centre, or commercial office), trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Establishment Card, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard DIC setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- DIC Trade License (TECOM)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Region's Leading Technology Free Zone Address
- Access to TECOM Tech Ecosystem and in5 Incubator
- Flexi-Desk / Business Centre / Commercial Office Options
- Up to 5 Related Tech Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
- Free UAE Corporate Tax Consultation
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Technology-related business activity from TECOM approved list
- Trade name following TECOM naming rules
- Flexi-desk minimum, upgrade for more visa capacity
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Company Profile
- Business Plan (for some tech activities)
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Tech Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on DIC activity and package selection
- Trade name reservation with TECOM
- Submit KYC application and shareholder documents
- TECOM review and initial approval
- Facility selection and lease agreement
- Pay DIC license and facility fees
- MOA signing and corporate documents
- Receive DIC Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 28,000
- Service Fee: AED 5,000
- VAT (5%): AED 1,650
- Total: AED 34,650
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Dubai Internet City for a tech company?
DIC is the region's most established technology ecosystem — being licensed alongside Microsoft, Google, and Meta gives your tech brand instant credibility with enterprise clients, investors, and talent. The networking, events, and TECOM ecosystem access are unmatched for technology businesses in the Middle East.
What activities are available at DIC?
DIC supports technology-focused activities: software development, IT services and consulting, cloud computing, AI and data analytics, cybersecurity, telecommunications, internet and web services, e-commerce platforms, fintech technology providers, and tech R&D. Non-tech activities are directed to other TECOM communities.
How much does DIC company setup cost?
DIC license packages typically start at approximately AED 28,000-35,000 in government fees including a flexi-desk. Commercial office packages are higher based on space. Service fees, visa processing, and bank account setup are additional.
How long does DIC setup take?
Standard DIC setup completes in 10 to 14 working days from KYC submission. TECOM's review process includes activity verification, which can add a few days for specialised tech activities.
Can DIC companies serve UAE mainland clients?
DIC companies can provide B2B technology services to mainland clients in most cases, as professional tech services are treated differently from physical goods trading. For selling physical tech products to mainland, a distributor arrangement is required. We advise on the right structure for your business model.
What is in5 Tech and can my startup join?
in5 Tech is TECOM's startup incubator located in DIC, offering subsidised licensing, mentorship, investor access, and workspace for early-stage tech startups. Eligibility requires an innovative tech concept and application approval. We can advise whether the in5 route or standard DIC licensing suits your stage.
How many visas can I get with a DIC license?
Flexi-desk packages support 2-4 visas. Business centre and commercial office packages support more based on space, following the standard ~1 visa per 9 sqm rule. DIC's visa processing runs through TECOM's dedicated government services centre.