In 1999 Dubai Internet City was created by the Dubai government as an information technology park and free economic zone. It was conceived as a centrally located base for targeting regional markets. Dubai Internet City provides a number of benefits for company formation. A few of the benefits are 100% foreign ownership; very minimal taxation and customs streamlining. A number of instantly recognizable information technology names have located in the region to access the regional markets.

Business Formation in Dubai Internet City

Local registration of companies in Dubai Internet City is regulated by Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) which oversees all related procedures. There are two major license types for commercial operations within the Free Zone: a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) and a branch of a foreign company (there is also an option for a UAE company already operating outside the free zone). Business activities allowed in Dubai Internet City include:

• Developing, modifying, and installing software products – either their own or third party
• Developing and distributing multimedia and internet content
• Providing network-based applications, online platforms for interaction between companies or individuals
• Operating, developing, installing, modifying network-based applications and services
• Providing or developing IT-based services such as security solutions, localization and training

Manufacturing and direct trading of physical products in the UAE market is not allowed.

Required Documents

I:Required Documents for Individual Applicants setting up a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) in Dubai Internet City:
• Proof of physical address for the business – This is usually a certified lease agreement for approved office space
• If a local representative agent is utilized there must be a notarized Power of Attorney appointing the agent
• A filled out personal information sheet for the applicant and any shareholders or managers
• Copies of the applicant’s passport
• Copies of the applicant’s C. V. or resume
• Proof of initial approval of activities from the Free Zone Authority
• Proof of trade name approval (a list of at least 3 proposed names must be submitted for approval)
• Any additional documents requested by the registrar
Dubai Internet City requires AED 50,000 (US$ 13,698) capital investment

II:Required Documents for Shareholder-based corporate applicants for a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) in Dubai Internet City:
• A notarized (by the UAE Embassy in the original country) certificate of registration (business license or certificate of incorporation) for the existing company
• A board resolution from the existing company board of directors expressing intent to establish the new set up abroad. This must be notarized by the UAE Embassy in the origin country.
• Documentation of the physical address of the existing business
• A notarized Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association for the existing company
• A lease agreement for approved office space establishing a physical address for the new company
• Copies of the Passport and C. V. for the designated Manager
• Passport copies of the shareholders
• Completed personal information sheet for each shareholder and manager
• Proof of approval from the authority for initial activities
• Proof of trade name approval (a list of at least 3 proposed names must be submitted for approval)
• Any additional documents requested by the registrar

Dubai Internet City requires AED 50,000 (US$ 13,698) capital investment

III: Requirements for establishing a branch of a foreign company in Dubai Internet City
• Copies of shareholder passports
• Copies of passport and C. V. or resume for the designated Manager of the branch office
• Completed personal information sheet for each shareholder
• Proof of trade name approval (a list of at least 3 proposed names must be submitted for approval)
• Proof of approval from the authority for initial activities
• A notarized (by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin) Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association for the existing company
• A board resolution from the existing company board of directors expressing intent to establish the Branch Office in Dubai Internet City. This must be notarized by the UAE Embassy in the origin country.
• A certificate of registration for the parent company. This can be a business license or a certificate of registration for the parent company notarized by the UAE Embassy in the origin country
• A certificate of good standing issued by the registrar of companies in the origin country and approved by the UAE Embassy
• A lease agreement for minimum approved office space. This establishes a physical address for the Branch Office
• A feasibility study or business plan
• Documents describing the company profile
• The physical address of the parent business
Dubai Internet City does not require a minimum investment for Branch Offices of foreign companies

IV: Documents required for setting up a branch of a Local Company in Dubai Internet City

There are some variations in the requirements depending on if the applicant is an individual or a corporate entity. For corporate (shareholder-based) applicants the requirements are:
• Documents describing the parent company’s business profile
• The physical address of the parent company
• Copies of passports for shareholders
• Completed personal information sheets for shareholders and managers
• Passport copy and C.V. (resume) for the designated manager who must have a university degree
• Proof of trade name reservation for the new branch
• Documented initial approval for initial activities setting up the new branch
• Notarized Memorandum of Association for the parent company
• Notarized Articles of Association for the parent company
• A board of directors resolution expressing intent to establish a branch office in Dubai Internet City
• A certificate of registration or trade license for the main company
• A valid Chamber of Commerce certificate
• A lease agreement for minimum approved office space. This establishes a physical address for the Branch Office
Dubai Internet City does not require a minimum investment for Branch Offices of local companies

For individual applicants the requirements are:

• Passport copy and C.V. (Resume) for the applicant.
• Personal Information sheet the applicant
• Proof of trade name approval/reservation for the new branch
• Proof of initial approval for the activities for establishing the new branch
• Notarized Memorandum of Association and/or Articles of Association for the existing main branch
• Lease agreement describing minimum office space as required by the authority. This establishes your physical address.
• Certificate of registration for your existing company/entity, license or certificate of incorporation of your existing company/ entity attested and notarized
• Physical address for the parent business.

Dubai Internet City does not require a minimum investment for Branch Offices of local companies

How we can help

One of the many valuable services PushDigits offers is assistance with the process of business formation in UAE Free Zones including the Dubai Internet City. We can help you navigate the bureaucracy of business authorities in the region. The myriad of required documents looks intimidating. We will make sure you have all required documents when and when they’re needed and that the documents are properly completed. We are familiar with the local culture and with the authorities and agencies involved so we can make the process as quick and painless as possible. After the New business or branch is up and running we offer additional services to make your business life easier.