Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Studio City | DDA FZ-LLC registration component | AED 38,540 for film production/distribution licence (from sijil.ae comparison data covering government registration and licence fees). GoFreelance individuals: AED 7,500/yr. Total with office and 1 visa: AED 45,000–60,000+. Quote-based via AXS for most FZ-LLC configurations. Confidence: Indicative public price |
Quote-based renewal – activity licence and facility depend on the selected district Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total – depends on licence, facility and renewal evidence Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Visa allocation and immigration services depend on the selected facility and are separate | A TECOM/DDA district facility or lease is selected and priced separately | Indicative public price | Official DDA FZ-LLC registration service; partial setup component | Current package / renewal confirmation required | July 2026 |
| What is included | The current DDA service page publishes an AED 3,500 registration fee and lists certificate of incorporation, commercial licence, registers of directors and articles of association as service deliverables. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Activity licence fee, Knowledge and Innovation Dirhams, office or facility, deposit, establishment card, visas, insurance, external approvals and advisory support. |
| Hidden-cost risk | AED 3,500 is only the FZ-LLC registration component. DDA states that licence fees are calculated from the selected activities; the district facility and immigration configuration also require a current quote. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Film, television, broadcasting, music and production businesses needing studio infrastructure in Dubai. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.
Dubai Studio City Cost 2026 — Full Breakdown of Fees
Here is the complete cost breakdown for setting up and maintaining a company in Dubai Studio City, including licence fees, visa costs, and 3-year total cost projections.
Dubai Studio City Cost Summary
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence + Setup | AED 38,540 |
| Annual Renewal (Year 2+) | AED 32,000 |
| Investor Visa (per visa) | AED 4,000 |
| Base Visa Quota | 1 visas |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 106,540 |
What Does the Dubai Studio City Year 1 Fee Include?
The year 1 cost of AED 38,540 typically includes:
- Trade licence issuance fee
- Registration / application fee
- Flexi-desk or registered address fee
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) preparation
- Initial compliance fee (if applicable)
It does not typically include: investor visa fees (AED 4,000 extra per visa), health insurance, notarisation of documents, or bank charges.
3-Year Cost Projection — Dubai Studio City
| Year | Cost (AED) | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | AED 42,540 | AED 42,540 |
| Year 2 | AED 32,000 | AED 74,540 |
| Year 3 | AED 32,000 | AED 106,540 |
How Dubai Studio City Compares on Cost
See how Dubai Studio City compares with other UAE free zones: View all UAE free zone costs →
Are there hidden fees at Dubai Studio City?
Always ask the zone specifically about: visa medical fees, Emirates ID fees, health insurance (mandatory), document notarisation, typing centre fees, and any mandatory zone-specific insurance. These can add AED 1,500–4,000 per person to the total cost.
Can I get a discount at Dubai Studio City?
Many UAE free zones offer launch promotions or early-renewal discounts. Contact Dubai Studio City directly for current promotional pricing. Business setup agents also sometimes have access to preferential rates.