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Company Formation & Business Setup in
Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Authority - DCCA

Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Authority License Cost
Starting from AED 15,900 AED 11,900

includes govt fee – See Pricing Details

The Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation (DCCA), formerly known as the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was established in the year 2000. This was in order to establish Dubai as a global hub for knowledge-based industries such as:

  • Information technology (IT).
  • Film and television production.
  • Science and technology and so on.

Hence, the DCCA is in charge of seven industries across nine free zones. Also, it currently has over 4,500 companies operating and approximately 70,000 people employed in the free zones.

DCCA Location

ifza-infographics-3

Types of Licenses Approved by DCCA

  • Free Zone Limited Liability Companies Licenses under the Publishing Segment.
  • Licenses under the Broadcasting TV and Radio Segments.
  • Licenses under the Food Segment.
  • Licenses under the Storage Activity Segment.
  • Licenses under the Manufacturing and Productivity Segment.
  • Licenses under the Higher Education Provider Segment.

DCCA License Packages

Licenses

Retail License

Starting Price

1 year license

AED11,900

Trade name reservation
Initial approval
MoA
License fee
Dubai company address

Corporate Bank Accounts

We work closely with several banks in UAE so we can best assist our clients with opening their corporate bank accounts.

Emirates NBD
adib

Requirements For Business Setup in DCCA

  • Form of application.
  • Business plan.
  • Shareholders’ and directors’ passport copies.
  • Certificate of Incorporation.
  • Additionally, certificate of good standing’s continuation or existence.
  • The parent company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) (only for a branch)
  • The shareholder’s curriculum vitae (s)
  • Then, the shareholder’s bank reference letter (s)
  • Resolution in support of incorporation
  • Bank proof of share capital or deposit receipt in the trust account

Timeline

Here are the timelines for establishing a free zone company with Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation (DCCA)

Day 1 - Application submission
You will sign and submit your application.
1
Day 2 - Submit the Documentation to DCCA
We will reserve the name of your company with DCCA Dubai.
2
Day 3 - Open your Bank Account
We will submit your application along with the required documents to DCCA.
3
Day 4 - Sign the Land Lease Agreement
Your trade license will be issued by DCCA. We will send you a scanned copy for yo to start your business activity.
4
Day 5 - Deposit the minimum share capital
Day 6 - Obtain the Registration Certificate and License

Why Choose DCCA for Business Setup in Dubai?

Some of the world’s most recognized companies have come to the DCCA to do business. Dubai Internet City, for example, is home to Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. On the other hand, Dubai Media City is home to Bloomberg, CNN, and Dow Jones. And Dubai Design District is home to Adidas, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin.

While DCCA free zones are home to some of the industry’s biggest names, they all welcome smaller businesses as well. so this will provide them with an incredible opportunity to work alongside industry giants.

Benefits of Company Formation in DCCA

  • There are numerous visa options.
  • Setup is adaptable.
  • Cluster working environment that promotes interaction and cooperation among companies along the value chain of the industry.

About Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation

The Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation (DCCA), formerly known as the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), was established in the year 2000. This was in order to establish Dubai as a global hub for knowledge-based industries such as:

  • Information technology (IT).
  • Film and television production.
  • Science and technology and so on.

Hence, the DCCA is in charge of seven industries across nine free zones. Also, it currently has over 4,500 companies operating and approximately 70,000 people employed in the free zones. Additionally, it is in charge of developing and implementing regulations. These regulations are in line with global standards so that businesses can operate effectively in free zones.

In addition, the free zone is divided into four sections:

  • Firstly, the media cluster.
  • The education cluster.
  • The information and communication cluster.
  • Lastly, the sciences cluster.

The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Free Zones

DCCA has nine free zones. They are as follows:

Dubai Internet City.

This is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s largest ICT hub. Hence, some of the world’s largest online and technology companies, including Facebook, Google, Dell, Microsoft, Cisco, and Nokia, are headquartered in DIC.

Dubai Media City.

On the other hand, DMC is home to thousands of organizations from a variety of industries, including:

  • Advertising and communication.
  • Media and marketing services.
  • Media support services.
  • Event management.
  • Event support services.
  • Media consultancy.
  • Freelancers and associations (non-profit).

The Dubai Knowledge Park

DKP is the world’s only free zone dedicated to human resource management and learning excellence. Additionally, it is home to a diverse range of businesses and institutions, including:

  • Executive search firms.
  • Non-governmental organizations.
  • Academic service providers.
  • Assessment and testing centers.
  • And a large number of freelancers.

The Dubai Studio City.

Now let’s talk about DSC. This is a great FZ since it is open to businesses in broadcasting, film production, TV, music, and entertainment. Also, it houses the largest facilities of the region:

  • Sound stages.
  • As well as workshops.
  • Film studios.
  • Production offices. 
  • Recording studios.
  • Additionally, it counts on water tanks for underwater film shoots.

The Dubai Outsource City.

DOC free zone is dedicated to local and international outsourcing companies. Hence, it is specifically in charge of:

  • Business process outsourcing (BPO).
  • HR outsourcing,
  • IT outsourcing,
  • Call center operations.

The Dubai Design District. 

Now it is the turn of the d3. The d3 free zone offers a mix of office space for lease and open-plan land for development. In addition, it mainly targets the design and fashion-related industries. Moreover, it is home to many prestigious global brands as well as local and boutique design studios and fashion houses.

Without a doubt, the d3 will be the paradise for all the greatest fashion designers around the world.

Dubai Production City

DPC is a global and local production industry hub. Also, it is home to highly qualified business professionals from all over the world who trade in a variety of industries such as:

  • Graphic art.
  • Media production.

Dubai International Academic City

DIAC is the world’s largest free zone dedicated to higher education and intellectual growth. Additionally, it is home to many local and international colleges and universities that serve students from all over the world.

Dubai Science Park.

The DSP has ample office and laboratory space and aims to foster business and entrepreneurship within the scientific community. So, it was designed specifically for the needs of businesses and professionals working in the life sciences.

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority Strategic Objectives

Establishing a business in Dubai would help the city grow in a number of areas. Thus, the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority has specific goals that emphasize the development of Dubai as a creative hub. Let’s take a look at some of these:

  • Firstly, providing a world-class infrastructure to make doing business easier.
  • Maintain friendly business relationships that will help international expansion.
  • Extending the talent and skill pool to attract new talent.
  • Encouraging entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to foster new ideas.
  • Creating a dynamic industry ecosystem that meets the needs of the industry.
  • Providing high-quality research and market insights.
  • Improving organizational effectiveness.
  • Lastly, invest in people because they are the organization’s assets.

The benefits of establishing your business in DCCA

Dubai Creative Clusters Free zone Company formation authority is unquestionably the best place for businesses to establish a presence in the UAE market. Hence, investors who want to establish a business in the UAE can take advantage of DCCA’s low prices, simple procedures, and minimal requirements.

However, other advantages of forming a company with DCCA include:

  • Total foreign ownership. This means that foreign investors can own 100 percent of the land in a free zone.
  • Furthermore, it provides first-rate business infrastructure. DCCA is the ideal hub for creative entrepreneurs for business owners looking for world-class facilities and infrastructure.
  • It offers a pleasurable way of life, because Dubai is not only known as a multicultural business hub, but it also provides excellent opportunities to interact with people from other cultures.
  • Additionally, it facilitates business transactions and interactions. This is because Dubai Creative Clusters Authority is a clustered environment, it is home to a variety of SMEs and start-ups. This facilitates access to other businesses, which may lead to potential mergers and acquisitions.
  • Because It gives SMEs and start-ups international exposure, Establishing your business in Dubai Creative Clusters Authority provides you with international exposure as well as a great platform for creative business corporations.
  • Because of a 50-year exemption from personal and corporate income taxes. Establishing your business in Dubai Creative Clusters Authority also entitles you to a complete exemption from individual and corporate taxes.
  • Customs duty exemption.
  • Moreover, there is full repatriation of capital and profits, Great location. This is because DCCA is conveniently located near Dubai’s world-class airport, seaports, and major highways. so this can turn highly lucrative to your business.
  • Lastly, you can get easy access to high-end residential housing Real-estate options tailored to your organization’s requirements.

Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation and Residence Visa Issuance Process

Why DCCA?

Some of the world’s most recognized companies have come to the DCCA to do business. Dubai Internet City, for example, is home to Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. On the other hand, Dubai Media City is home to Bloomberg, CNN, and Dow Jones. And Dubai Design District is home to Adidas, Chanel, and Christian Louboutin.

While DCCA free zones are home to some of the industry’s biggest names, they all welcome smaller businesses as well. so this will provide them with an incredible opportunity to work alongside industry giants. Aside from that, there is more to Dubai Creative Cluster Authority, such as:

  • There are numerous visa options.
  • Setup is adaptable.
  • Cluster working environment that promotes interaction and cooperation among companies along the value chain of the industry.

How to Set Up a Free Zone Company with DCCA?

Here is the procedure for registering the company and obtaining a license to begin operations. DCCA grants a variety of licenses for various business activities. So this makes DCCA more appealing and business-friendly to investors looking to establish a company in Dubai.

Thus, setting up a company in Dubai is not as simple as it appears, but with the assistance of business set up consultants in Dubai, the process becomes stress-free. The procedure is not time-consuming and you can complete it in as little as two weeks. Among the procedures are:

  1. Submit your application.
  2. Submit the documentation:
    1. Copies of passports.
    2. Business strategies.
    3. The appointed manager’s resume.
    4. Memorandum of Association.
  1. Open a corporate bank account in Dubai.
  2. Then, signing the Land Lease Agreement.
  3. Depositing the Minimum Share Capital.
  4. Obtaining the Registration Certificate and License.

How to Obtain a UAE Freelance Visa through a DCCA company?

First step.

Firstly, contact Connect Zone and we can talk about what you are looking for. We will then recommend the right jurisdiction in DCCA and notify you of the compliance documents that you must collect.

Second step.

Secondly, we can handle the necessary documents and application forms once we have everything we need. We will then submit the application to the appropriate authority and take care of everything. Thanks to this, you will save a lot of time and stress.

Third step.

When everything has been approved, we will collect all of the company documents and notify the client that everything is ready. You can keep the originals at your home or our offices. That is it! You are all set to launch your new company.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

The Dubai Freelance Visa and Permit allows freelancers working in the media, technology, and education sectors to easily apply for a permit and visa. People pursuing roles such as: 

  • Training advisor.
  • Customer service.
  • Web development.

Thus, the freelancer visa and permit are ideal for people on a spouse or parent’s visa who need a license to work as a freelancer.

Optional Office Space Solutions

Package
Flexi desk
Flexi desk +
Dedicated office
Private office
Personalised office
12 month price
AED 5,760
AED 8,640
AED 13,440
AED 18,240
1,400 (per square meter)
  1. Conference rooms can be used based on usage with flexi desks and flexi desks+
  2. IFZA P.O Box cost: AED 1200 / year
  3. Call handing charges: AED 150 / month
  4. In case of private and personalized offices an additional utility fee is payable at 6% of the office rent
  5. Additional phone line: AED 75 / month per connection
  6. Additional workstation: AED 100 / month
  7. Small meeting room: AED 75 / hour (during office hours) or AED 100 / hour (outside office hours)
  8. Conference room: AED 150 / hour (during office hours) or AED 200 / hour (outside office hours)
  9. Printing; AED 50 for 100 pages
  10. Parking space for flexi desk and flexi desk+: AED 250 / month
  11. Outgoing calls: Call + 10% (deposit of AED 500 required for any individual office lines or any international call forwarding requirement)
  12. In case of dedicated, private and personalised offices one (1) month rent is required to be deposited as security

Flexi desk

It is a furnished shared desk that can be used for a maximum of ten (10) hours per week from Sundays to Thursdays from 8:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. The flexi desk includes a wifi connection, company address at the IFZA free zone, meeting room usage of one (1) hour per month. Conference rooms can also be used on additional payment.

Flexi desk+

It is a furnished dedicated desk located at the free zone. There is no time restriction on usage of these desks. Additional facilities include wifi connection, meeting room access of five (5) hour per month, and one (1) parking space. Conference room can also be accessed on making additional payment.

Dedicated office

This is a dedicated office space of nine (9) square meter in a shared space. The office space will comprise of one (1) workstation and will come with access to wifi, meeting rooms for five (5) hours per month, conference room for one (1) hour per month, and one parking space.

Private office

IFZA offers private offices of 12.5 square meter fitted with one (1) executive desk or two (2) workstations. This office can be used 24 X 7. Ancillary services include wifi connection, meeting rooms for seven (7) hours per month, conference room for two (2) hours per month, and one (1) parking space. Private offices can be used 24*7.

Personalized office

A personalized office at IFZA is an unfurnished space of twenty (20) square meter and above. Along with a personalized office, a user gets access to wifi, meeting rooms for seven (7) hours per month, conference rooms for five (5) hours per month, and two (2) parking spaces. Like private offices, personalized offices can be used 24×7

Key Features

Here are the key features of IFZA

InterDubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Authority Dubai
International Free Zone Authority Dubai is the one of the most promising upcoming free zones in the UAE.
Type of Company
Limited liability company in free zone with minimum of one (1) shareholder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions related to Dubai Creative Clusters Free Zone Company Formation, Dubai, UAE.

The authority (under which the company is incorporated) is who is going to determine the costs. However, it is also determined by the legal structure chosen and the new entity’s activity. Registration fees are usually low.

For example, under DCCA, the registration fee for establishing an FZ company or a branch is AED 3,500. License fees, on the other hand, differ depending on the FZ cluster. For instance, if you select D3, license fees can range from AED 7,500 to AED 20,000.

Hence, the timeframe varies depending on the authority. After submitting all required documents, they can issue the license for about two months.

You are ready to open a corporate bank account once you have received your license and established your business in your preferred DCCA FZ. Moreover, the application procedure is quick and easy.

Thus, we can advise you on the best bank to meet your needs. Also, we can even arrange in-branch meetings for you. Additionally, we are company formation specialists, so we can also help you with this and more.

The new law allows freelancers to legally live and work in the UAE. Applicants do not need to rent office space. Additionally, they are free to apply for residency visas for themselves and their families. You will only need a freelancer permit to start working. This is if you are a UAE resident on your spouse’s or parent’s visa.

Hence, you will be able to be a freelancer in DCCA.

The answer is no. If you want to immigrate to the UAE to work as a freelancer, you must first obtain a work visa. Anyone who works in the UAE but is not a permanent resident or citizen will need a work permit. Otherwise, there will be repercussions.

You will receive an entry permit within 5 to 7 working days after submitting your application. Once you have received your entry permit you must complete certain residency visa procedures in Dubai, such as your medical exam. This permit will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Government Departments

We can help you with the processes in the following government departments.

Government Department
get-in-touch

Get In Touch

We would love to discuss your project and ideas with you.
Get in touch to go over legalities and pricing in order to make your idea a reality. 

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Our Location

804, City Tower 2, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

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