Film Production
Feature films, TV series, commercials, and on-location shoots.
Production
Dubai Studio City Free Zone
Launch your media, entertainment, or production company in Dubai Studio City, the UAE's premier creative industries free zone. We handle licensing, facility leasing, documentation, and visa processing to get your media business operational quickly.
Excellent
Activity & license selection
Complete document support
Studio or office space leasing
Trade license & incorporation
Visa processing & bank setup
Excellent
About DSC
A Leading Hub for Media and Entertainment
Launched in 2005 by TECOM Group and regulated by the Dubai Development Authority, Dubai Studio City spans a dynamic business environment tailored for film production, broadcasting, music, and digital content companies. DSC hosts over 275 media companies and thousands of creative professionals across state-of-the-art production facilities.
The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no personal or corporate income tax for 50 years, full capital repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures, attracting independent filmmakers, production houses, and multinational media corporations alike.
Why DSC
Why Choose Dubai Studio City
DSC provides a specialised ecosystem combining creative infrastructure with business flexibility, making it ideal for media businesses.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright with limited liability and no local sponsor requirement.
50-Year Tax Exemption
A 50-year exemption on personal and corporate income tax on all earnings.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Access production studios, sound stages, editing suites, and specialised media infrastructure.
Strategic Location
A central location near the city centre with easy access across Dubai.
Simplified Licensing
Streamlined licensing and setup procedures built for creative industries.
Full Capital Repatriation
Repatriate 100% of your capital and profits with no currency restrictions.
Sectors
Key Sectors at Dubai Studio City
DSC supports the full spectrum of media, production, and creative content activities.
Broadcasting
TV and radio broadcasting, channels, and live production.
Broadcast
Music Production
Recording studios, music production, and audio engineering.
Audio
Digital Media & Content
Digital content creation, social media, and online media production.
Digital
Post-Production Services
Editing, VFX, animation, colour grading, and finishing.
Post
Media Consultancy
Creative consultancy, media advisory, and production support.
Advisory
License Types
DSC License Types
DSC offers licenses tailored to media trade, creative services, freelancers, and branches.
Service License
Covers professional and creative services including film production, broadcasting support, animation, digital content, consultancy, and post-production studios.
- Film & broadcasting support
- Animation & digital content
- Consultancy & post-production
Freelance License
Enables individual practitioners to operate solo in creative fields like film production, music, digital content creation, and graphic design without corporate formation.
- Individual practitioners
- Film, music & content
- No corporate formation
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE media companies to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation requirements.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Service License
Covers professional and creative services including film production, broadcasting support, animation, digital content, consultancy, and post-production studios.
- Film & broadcasting support
- Animation & digital content
- Consultancy & post-production
Freelance License
Enables individual practitioners to operate solo in creative fields like film production, music, digital content creation, and graphic design without corporate formation.
- Individual practitioners
- Film, music & content
- No corporate formation
Branch License
Allows branches of foreign or UAE media companies to operate under parent company ownership without separate incorporation requirements.
- Foreign or UAE parent
- Parent company ownership
- No separate incorporation
Legal Forms
Legal Forms in DSC
The Dubai Development Authority provides flexible business structures for solo creators, production partnerships, and corporate media entities. Choose the setup matching your ownership and operational needs.
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC)
- Limited liability company with one or more shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership
- Minimum share capital per DDA regulations
- Best for new media ventures
Branch of a Company
- Legal extension of a UAE or foreign parent company
- Operates under the DSC license
- Remains tied to the parent entity
- No new incorporation required
Requirements
Required Documents for DSC Setup
Submitting complete and accurate documents helps ensure smooth processing within DSC. Requirements vary based on shareholder type and activity.
Shareholder Documents
- Individual: passport and Emirates ID copy, proof of address, CV or professional portfolio
- Corporate: certificate of incorporation
- Corporate: Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Corporate: board resolution for setup
- Corporate: passport of representatives
Common Documents
- Completed application forms
- Business plan or media proposal
- Trade name reservation proof
- Signed studio or office lease
Full setup
12-15
Working days
Timelines are indicative; visa processing and medical tests add 1-2 weeks.
Good to know Facility choice and visa quota are confirmed during leasing, based on the square footage you select.
Timeline
DSC Business Setup Timeline
Follow this general timeline to understand how the Dubai Studio City setup process typically progresses.
- Day 1-3: Submit application with KYC documents
- Day 4-7: Approval and trade name secured
- Day 8-12: Sign lease and pay licensing fees
- Day 13-15: Receive license and certificate
Setup Process
Steps to Company Formation in Dubai Studio City
Setting up in Dubai Studio City involves a streamlined process designed for media and entertainment businesses. Follow these steps with expert guidance to launch your creative company efficiently and in full compliance with DDA regulations.
Step 1
Business Consultation
Discuss your media activities, production requirements, and licensing needs with our specialists to identify the optimal setup structure for your creative company.
Step 2
Trade Name Reservation
Select and reserve an approved trade name that complies with DSC naming regulations and accurately reflects your media business activities and brand identity.
Step 3
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents including passports, proof of address, shareholder KYC, business or production plans, and lease agreements for studio facilities.
Step 4
Application Submission
Submit your completed application and supporting documents through the DDA platform and respond promptly to any additional information requests from authorities.
Step 5
Facility Lease
Choose and lease a studio space, production facility, or office that matches your operational needs and meets visa quota requirements based on square footage.
Step 6
Payment and Licensing
Pay all required registration and licensing fees, complete final approvals, and receive your official trade license and incorporation certificate from DDA.
Step 7
Establishment Card and Visas
Apply for your establishment card, which is required for sponsoring UAE residency visas for investors, creative staff, and employees working in your company.
Step 8
Medical Fitness and Biometrics
Complete mandatory medical fitness tests and biometric registration at approved centres for visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance within the UAE.
Step 9
Bank Account Opening
Use your trade license and legal incorporation documents to open a corporate bank account with local or international banks to facilitate business operations.
Visas
Visa Allocation and Costs in Dubai Studio City
Visa quota is based on leased space, typically one visa per 100 square feet of studio or office area.
- Investor, employee, and manager visas available
- Family sponsorship options for spouses and dependent children
- Entry permit processing within 5 to 7 business days; visa stamping 1 to 2 weeks after medical tests
- Establishment card mandatory annually for visa sponsorship and must be renewed to maintain legal authority
Pricing
Cost of Dubai Studio City Setup
Setup costs vary based on license type, facility size, and visa requirements. Basic packages start around AED 40,000 for the first year. Studio and office rentals begin at AED 30,000 annually, while specific production facilities depend on equipment and space within DSC.
Basic Package
From AED 40,000/year
An entry package covering license and a DSC base, suited to freelancers and lean media services.
Studio / Office Setup
Rentals from AED 30,000/year
A license with a dedicated studio or office and visas, suited to production and post-production teams.
Production Facility Setup
Space & equipment based
Larger production facilities and higher visa quotas for broadcasting and multi-activity media groups.
Our guidance covers
License & facility comparison
Comparing license types and facility options to fit your activity.
Registration & licensing fees
Calculating registration and annual licensing fees.
Visa & establishment card
Calculating visa and establishment card costs per quota.
Bundled packages
Identifying bundled packages and flexible plans.
Tailored breakdown
Providing a tailored cost breakdown per activity.
Note
All figures are indicative. Contact Riz & Mona to get your full Dubai Studio City business setup estimate.
Get Started
Launch Your Media Company in Dubai Studio City
From license and facility selection to DDA approvals, visas, and banking, we handle your Dubai Studio City setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•Studio / office leasing•Trade license & incorporation•Visas & bank account
