How to set up a Business in Dubai Studio City (DSC)?

Company formation in Dubai Studio City (DSC):

Dubai Studio City’s business-friendly environment attracts foreign investors, entrepreneurs, startups and creative professionals into the free zone. Leading international and regional players have chosen Dubai as regional hub for growing their business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Dubai Studio City was established with the objective to empower the region’s film industry. The process of business setup in Dubai Studio City enables foreign investors to leverage unparalleled facilities such as outstanding production services, backlots, sets, water tanks, production offices, recording studios etc.

DSC offers customized real estate specifically built for production, post-production and broadcasting such as studios, sound stages and commercial offices. Its services include satellite uplink, digital distribution of content, industry networking opportunities, film permits for shooting in Dubai, production and location assistance and short-term and long-term visa facilitation.

DSC invites best-in-class audio-visual media companies by providing internationally benchmarked infrastructure, talent and services. Dubai Studio City is an unique free zone has been built to empower and drive the entertainment industry in the Middle East Region. The free zone also boasts of the largest sound stages in the region, which will satiate the creative needs of media investors and professionals.

Company Structures at Dubai Studio City (DSC):

1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
2. Branch of an existing company
3. Branch of a Foreign Company
4. Freelancer permits

Types of Licenses Available for Dubai Studio City (DSC) Company Registration:

1. Animation
2. Film Support Services
3. TV network Satellite
4. Radio Station Satellite
5. Music and Entertainment
6. IP Streaming
7. Broadcasting services
8. Theme Amusement and Recreation
9. TECOM General

Business Activities Permitted in Dubai Studio City (DSC):

1. Broadcasting TV: TV Station Satellite, TV Network Satellite, TV Station Terrestrial, TV Network Terrestrial, IP Streaming/Internet TV, Over the Top Video Content
2. Broadcasting Radio: Radio Station, Radio Network, IP Streaming/Internet Radio
3. Broadcast Support Services
4. Broadcast Service Providers
5. Digital Content Creation
6. Film Support Services
7. Production (Film/TV and Radio)
8. Production Support Services
9. Music and Entertainment
10. Themed Amusement and Recreation Activities

Facilities offered at Dubai Studio City (DSC):

1. Commercial Spaces
2. Boutique Studios
3. Sound Stages
4. Production Offices

Advantages of Company Set up in Dubai Studio City (DSC):

• Full ownership of companies
• The company set up process is easy, straightforward and fast.
• 100% direct tax free
• Excellent connectivity to all trading hubs in the region
• World-class infrastructure
• Best amenities for media companies
• High-end technology use
• Strategic location boosting opportunities
• Dynamic international community
• 100% repatriation of capital & profits
• Networking opportunities
• Excellent facilities for leisure, sports, education, shopping and healthcare
• Easy to sponsor dependants.
• 24 hours customer service

Documents Required to Register Company in Dubai Studio City ( DSC):

• An application form for business setup in DSC
• Passport copies of Shareholders, managers and secretary
• Issuance of e-agreement
• Sign e-agreement and share capital letter
• A description of the company’s activities
• No objection by the current sponsor, manager if a resident of UAE or UAE employment visa holder
• Attested and notarised Memorandum of Association/Article of Association
• Board resolution to be resolute by the board of directors of your existing company/entity at the place of origin, expressing the intent of establishing a new setup abroad
• Business Plan
• Manager’s specimen signature

Steps to be followed on registering the company in Dubai Studio City (DSC):

1. Identify the legal form of company
2. Decide on business activity from DSC activity list
3. Get an initial approval from the authority
4. Submit documents and pay fees
5. Get an office space
6. Apply for the UAE Residence Visa
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Cost of setting up a company in Dubai Studio City (DSC):

The cost of setting up business in Dubai Studio City would start from approximate AED 20,000 however it may depend on other requirement such as your location, business activities, company size and other operational costs.

To make it easier, once you have your business plan ready in your hand, you can always take help from the expert business setup consultants in Dubai UAE, who will help you with every step of the process, from choosing a business activity and company name to registering with the relevant authorities, easily opening corporate bank accounts and processing visa applications.