You incorporate a free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC) or register a branch of an existing company, in a technology segment that Dubai Internet City licenses. It says registration usually takes seven working days once documents and payments are in.
An FZ-LLC has a minimum paid-up capital requirement. A branch does not. NXTSTAR matches your activity to the right segment and prepares the application.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Who Dubai Internet City suits
Dubai Internet City is for technology companies: software, AI, cloud, e-commerce platforms, IT services, telecoms, gaming and digital content.
A business outside technology will not fit its licence segments and should look at a general free zone.
Company structures
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), a new incorporation.
- Branch of an existing foreign or UAE company.
- Freelance permit through the GoFreelance programme, issued in the individual's own name.
Licences and activities
- Software solutions: creating, installing and modifying software, with consultancy and support.
- Internet and multimedia: digital content and platforms, including gaming, video and social media.
- IT services, telecommunications, cloud, e-commerce, AI and blockchain technologies.
Documents
- Application and business plan describing the technology activity
- Passport copies for shareholders, directors and the manager
- For a branch: the parent company's corporate documents and a board resolution
The process, step by step
- Confirm the activity fits a licensed segment.
- Submit the application for initial approval, which Dubai Internet City puts at four working days.
- Complete documents, lease and payment. It puts licence issue at three working days.
- Use the axs platform for visas and government services.
What is particular to Dubai Internet City
It is a sector-specific zone run by TECOM Group, and services such as visas and registration run through TECOM's axs platform. Licences are valid for one year and renew annually.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
- We help you choose the structure, licence and activities.
- We prepare and submit the application.
- We handle the visa and bank account steps afterwards.
- We do not decide approvals. The authority does, and banks decide on accounts.
- We are an independent consultancy and are not part of Dubai Internet City.
Common questions
How long does Dubai Internet City registration take?
It says registration usually takes seven working days after documents and payments are submitted: four for initial approval and three to issue the licence.
Is there a minimum capital?
An FZ-LLC must have a minimum paid-up capital. A branch of an existing company has no minimum capital requirement.
Can a freelancer work from Dubai Internet City?
Yes, through the GoFreelance permit, which is issued in your name as it appears on your passport.
How much does Dubai Internet City setup cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates authority fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 7 October 2026.
Talk to NXTSTAR about Dubai Internet City
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.