Starts from AED 7,500 (Premium) — best for Established tech companies, multinationals, and specialized freelancers seeking a prestigious address and strong ecosystem..
Starts from AED 7,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Film, TV, broadcast, and media production companies seeking specialized infrastructure and a dedicated industry ecosystem..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Year 1 Total
AED 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
GoFreelance Permit
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is a freelance permit, not a full company license. An Establishment Card (AED 2,000) is required to apply for a visa.
Flexi-Desk / Hot-Desk Package
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 27,020
NoteEstimated cost including License Fee (15,020), Registration (3,500), Establishment Card (2,000) and Hot Desk facility (~6,500). Some sources indicate the license fee is reduced when taking a desk facility.
GoFreelance Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is a permit for individual freelancers. To get a visa, an Establishment Card (AED 2000) and visa fees must be paid separately.
SME / FZ-LLC Package (Estimated)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
Custom
NoteDubai Studio City does not publicly advertise bundled company packages with fixed prices. Costs are calculated based on individual fees for license, registration, and office lease. This is an illustrative example.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai Studio City offers a lower starting price point at AED 7500
Dubai Studio City typically processes new licenses in ~2 days
Dubai Studio City allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai Internet City carries a premium market perception and positioning
Dubai Studio City wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Dubai Internet City targets companies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Its primary focus is on software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and telecommunications. The ideal investor profile ranges from innovative tech startups and entrepreneurs to multinational technology corporations seeking a strategic base for their regional operations.
Key Advantages
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Businesses involved in general trading, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, or those requiring a license for crypto/virtual assets, as these activities are not supported.
Dubai Studio City targets companies and professionals in the broadcasting, film production, television, music, and entertainment industries. Its primary investor profile includes major international production houses, local filmmakers, sound and post-production studios, and industry freelancers. The zone is known for having the largest sound stages in the region, attracting large-scale film and TV productions.
Key Advantages
Dubai Studio City is the undisputed leader for businesses involved in the physical production of content—film, television, music, and large-scale broadcasting—that require state-of-the-art sound stages, backlots, and a complete, co-located industry value chain.
Businesses seeking a General Trading license, companies in the cryptocurrency sector, or startups looking for the absolute lowest-cost entry point. Its focus is purely on the media and entertainment production industry.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai Studio City is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 7,500. In the broader market context, Dubai Studio City is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
Dubai Studio City typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Dubai Studio City, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Dubai Internet City: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Dubai Studio City: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Dubai Internet City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai Studio City: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Best for established B2B technology companies and ambitious startups in software, cloud, AI, and IT services that prioritize ecosystem value, networking with global giants, and a prestigious address to attract clients and talent.
Dubai Studio City is the undisputed leader for businesses involved in the physical production of content—film, television, music, and large-scale broadcasting—that require state-of-the-art sound stages, backlots, and a complete, co-located industry value chain.
