Business Setup in Dubai Studio City Free Zone: A Complete Guide for 2025

Among 46+ free zones in UAE and 20+ free zones in Dubai, this country is moving towards globally expanding the business beyond the oil and gold productions.

One of the industries that has high potential but is still not popular among people is the media.

Yes, business setup in Dubai Studio City is calling out all the creative, innovative entertainers from all over the world to take media and communication to the next level.

Along with this, there are two more free zones exclusively for media – Dubai Media City & Dubai Production City.

Dubai Studio City was founded by TECOM in 2008, This is a public company that is headquartered in UAE.

It has played a major role in developing strategic, sector-focused business districts across the emirate of Dubai since 1999.

The ultimate main goal of DSC is to provide awe-inspiring facilities to businesses in the entertainment, music, and film industries. 

The focused areas are production offices, recording studios, and offices to suit the demands of the creative community.

This free zone is spread across 22 million square feet & built to serve Hollywood-style service providers. It shouldn’t be surprising if Dubai Studio City is the next ‘Hollywood’ destination.

What is Dubai Studio City Free Zone?

Since when have you shifted from TV channels to OTT platforms? Well, that is the evolving state of the media and entertainment industry! How is it connected to Dubai Studio City?

Now, the crowd is slowly moving to small screens (OTTs & Social Media Platforms). At this point, the creative thoughts and ideas are expected to reach the audience’s expectations.

This makes Dubai Studio City the ideal free zone to set up a business. The infrastructure and massive technology allow you to move beyond your thoughts of creativity.

As mentioned above, your outputs can stand out among Hollywood movies. Nominated as the best spot for big production companies because it has famous offices and studios of well-known filmmakers.

Many local and international media companies like Apple, Disney, and Comcast, are based in DSC. 

Why Choose Dubai Studio City Free Zone for Your Business?

Ownership and Tax Benefits

Dubai Studio City Free Zone provides 100% ownership and zero corporate tax for businesses, allowing entrepreneurs full control over their businesses. It can help you keep more profits and invest them back into your business. 

Business Flexibility

Dubai Studio City Free Zone does not restrict currency exchange, facilitating international operations. It’s strategically located in Dubai, a gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia for media and entertainment businesses. Here, you can run your business in the global market. 

Networking and Industry Focus

A thriving media, entertainment, and tech ecosystem for collaboration and growth. Access to a community of over 2,800 businesses in creative industries.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Cutting-edge infrastructure, including sound stages, studios, and offices tailored for creative professionals.

Types of Licenses Available in Dubai Studio City

Commercial License

This license is valid for companies that exchange goods and services within the free zone. It enables you to distribute, export, and import products. Some of the examples are media equipment suppliers, etc. 

Service License

This license is for companies that offer professional services in the free zone. The license covers various consulting, media, and technology-related services.

Freelance License

Serves those operating individually as freelancers in the free. The license provides freedom and economy of cost to these undertakings’ sole operations.

Process of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Studio City

Choose Your Business Activity and License

Determine what exact activity your business will be involved in (film production, design services, software development, etc.). Based on your activity, select the best license type. DSC Free Zone offers a wide range of licenses to cater to various creative activities.

Application Submission

Collect the information required by DSC, usually passport copies of shareholders and directors. A passport-size photo & completed application forms.

Open a corporate bank account

Choose a bank and open a corporate bank account for your business transactions. Provide the necessary documents, including your trade license and company registration certificate. 

Leasing Office Space

There are many office space options available in DSC, such as co-working desks, private offices, and production studios. You can choose between shorter-term monthly leases or longer-term annual leases, whatever suits your business needs.

Visa Process

To establish a business in Dubai Studio City and get visas for business owners and employees, you have to register your business, apply for investor visas (which can be the green visa or golden visa), and obtain Emirates IDs & health insurance for employees. Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to have it stamped in your passport.

Business Setup Costs and Compliance in Dubai Studio City

Business establishment in Dubai Studio City has multiple costs such as licensing, office rental, and visa charges.

The investment cost is between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000, depending on the business type and choice of workspace. The cost can be varied over time based on regulatory changes and market trends.

Initial setup cost

License fees: Around AED 15,000, depending upon the business activity. Office space charges: Dependent on flexi-desks, dedicated offices, or sound studios. Visa processing & labour cards: For business owners and employees.

Cost-effective options

Bundle packages combining office space and licensing benefits. Freelancer and sole proprietorship packages begin at approximately AED 25,000.

Ongoing compliance costs

Annual license renewal fees: Compulsory for ongoing operations. Employee visa renewals: Medical tests, health insurance, and residency renewal. Regulatory compliance: Office relocations, Business changes, and personal updates.

Additional Services and Amenities in Dubai Studio City

• Office and Studio Facilities – Co-working desks, private offices, and fully-equipped production studios are available for businesses.
• Banking and Financial Services – Support for setting up corporate bank accounts with local banks.
• Networking Opportunities – Regular events, seminars, and workshops to foster business growth and collaboration within the media and entertainment community.
• Support Services – Legal, financial, and business consultants are available to guide companies in DSC.

Comparison: Dubai Studio City vs Other Free Zones

Key differentiators – Dubai Studio City is purpose-built for media, entertainment, and creative enterprises, thus, it is the top option for film production, music, and digital content production. As opposed to other free zones, DSC offers world-class production studios, sound stages, and post-production suites, responding to industry-specific requirements.

Cost and benefits comparison – DSC provides competitive licensing fees and office space suited for media companies at lower setup costs compared to DIFC. In contrast to JAFZA, which specializes in warrehousing, DSC has co-working offices, boutique studios, and production suites.

Location and market access – Close to Dubai Media City and international airports, DSC provides robust industry links and worldwide accessibility, perfectly suited for media businesses. DSC emerges as the best option for media companies looking for specialized infrastructure, affordability, and excellent market access.

Challenges of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Studio City

Complicated Procedures

Initial registrations can be done easily through business consultant service companies – Arnifi. We cover registrations, licenses, tax compliance, and other post-setup services so the owners can focus on growth.

Apart from this, the major problem faced in Dubai Studio City is adapting to these complicated policies, which might hinder the budget.

Example – If you’re looking for a large space within a highly populated apartment that suits the business idea. Then the costs are higher than the expectations.

Cultural Difference

There are people from across the globe who reside in Dubai and nearby DSC free zones.

The creative media launch will not go well with all of them, so you need to consider their choices as well. Anything that is launched should respect the local traditions, which is important to build a good relationship among the localities.

Competition

As usual, in any industry you consider, there are competitors in every market. Since this is in the creative and entertainment group, you need to crack the code of audience interest.

Once you master what they’re into, you can create content and develop ideas revolving around that; the competition no longer exists.

Conclusion

Dubai Studio City provides media, entertainment, and technology companies a perfect location with tax incentives, world-class facilities, and hassle-free setup. It continues to be the first choice of companies to set up shop in the region’s creative sector in 2025.