DDA Free Zone Company
Are you looking forward to starting a business within the media, tech or creativity market of Dubai in 2026?
Let’s explore the Dubai Development Authority DDA Free Zone company setup cost smartly through this blog.
At first, it is necessary to understand that DDA free zone authority monitors three major business zones namely — Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Internet City (DIC) and Dubai Designed District (D3).
All these powerful business zones are offering unmatchable advantages for DDA free zone company setup. Let’s learn about 2026 updated cost breakdown that can assist entrepreneurs opting for DDA free zone company setup to make choices right and avoid hassles.
You might question that — why two companies even in the same DDA free zone might pay completely different set up costs? Here are certain factors that highlight influence on DDA Free Zone company setup cost.
- Business activity and license type: Design, consultancy, technology, media and trading license of every business type carry its unique pricing.
- Office space selection: Shared office, private workspace and Flexi-desk are directly impacting overall cost.
- Visa quota necessity: Higher visa allocation impacts license and office space expenses by increasing the cost.
- Mandatory government fees: Immigration, registration and establishment cards require particular fees in every business setup type.
- Compliance and renewal: Annual license, regulatory update and lease renewal require cost for updating forms.
DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost in Dubai Media City (DMC) 2026
Are you passionate about the media house sector?
You must opt for DDA Free Zone company setup in Dubai Media City (DMC) 2026. Is a perfect business hub for PR business, digital, broadcasting and media production that offer premium infrastructure with premium pricing. Here is a quick cost breakdown for DMC entrepreneurship in DDA free zone company setup 2026.
| Cost component | Details | Est. Cost (AED) |
| License type | PR, Broadcasting, digital content and media production. | 15,000 to 25,000 |
| Company registration | Approval fees and one time Incorporation. | 9,000 to 12,000 |
| Studio or office space | Shared office, private office, Flexi-desk and studio. | 18,000 to 150,000 |
| Establishment card | Necessary for Visa processing. | 1,500 to 2,000 |
| Visa cost | Each Visa: Emirates ID + Stamping + medical + Quota | 4,200 to 7,500 |
Read about features and facilities at Dubai Free Zones.
DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost in Dubai Internet City (DIC) 2026
How about launching a technology venture in the premier innovation hub of Dubai?
The idea is good as per growing trend in the DDA Free Zone Company setup. Let’s explore the cost in DIC 2026.
| Cost component | Details | Est. Cost (AED) |
| License & registration | Activity-based license, software, artificial intelligence and information technology businesses cost: AED 15,020. | 15,000 to 17,000 |
| Shared desk and flexi-desk | Low-cost workspace suitable for startup with minimal staff such as flexi-desk at an annual cost of AED 12,000. | 12,000 to 20,000/year |
| Larger space / dedicated office | For higher number of staff and operations, for example private office space: 190 m-sq.m lease cost is around AED 150,000 including fees and license charges. | 150,000 + license & registration |
| Establishment card & One-Time fees | Establishment card including initial cost and authority card under one quote starting from AED 2000. | 2,000 – 5,000 (one-time) |
| Visa and immigration cost | Visa cost comprising stamping, Emirates ID and medical check. | 4,000 to 10,000/visa |
Learn about DIC Company setup here.
DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost in Dubai Design District (D3) 2026
You might have skipped the above two as you are a creative entrepreneur — am I right?
Looking into Dubai Design District (D3) is a good choice for you to enter DDA Free Zone Company Setup. Here is a quick breakdown for company setup cost in 2026.
| Cost component | Details | Est. Cost (AED) |
| License & registration | Architectural activities, registration, design, fashion and creativity | 18,500 to 20,000 |
| Desk space / office / studio | Co-working with approx. 220 per sq.m and premium studios. | 5,250 to 120,000 |
| Visa and admin fees | Establishment card, Emirates ID, stamping and medical cost at varying rate. | 4,000 to 10,000 per Visa |
Read here about license and business setup at D3.
Stepwise cost impact to make DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026 affordable
Planning your DDA Free Zone Company setup budget as affordable is not about cost cutting but being sustainable. It is estimated that nearly 40% saving can be achieved by smartly avoiding hidden costs and achieving punctuality in mandatory payments. Here is a quick breakdown for you.
| Steps | Cost management | DDA Free Zone Cost Impact (AED) |
| Right license structure | No extra activity payment. | Savings: 3000 to 7000 |
| Desk solution | Avoid premium office rent. | Savings: 20,000 to 90,000 |
| Multi-year license discount | Minimize annual renewal burden. | Savings: 10 to 15% |
| Bundled package | Low entry cost for desk + license. | Savings: 5,000 to 12,000 |
| Stepwise payment | Initial approval, name reservation, licensing Visa and establishment card. | Savings: 1,000 to 20,000+ |
Try our cost calculator for a more customized package and savings.
Tips for DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026
We don’t want you to spend your valuable dirhams without having these important tips effective in 2026. Here is a quick pick for your DDA Free Zone Company Setup Cost 2026.
- You should opt for DDA Free Zone Company Setup that aligns your business type and license. This can achieve your company set up cost affordability.
- Start with shared space or Flexi-desk depending on the upgrade required.
- Ensure that your business setup properly follows DDA Free Zone Company Setup regulations and compliance.
- Your business must have one corporate bank account with a minimum required balance of AED 25,000 to 150,000 with proper check of VAT threshold.
Conclusion
Let me ask you about your preference. Is it DMC for media activity, DIC for tech or D3 for creative entrepreneurship? Well, we explored some fresh key takeaways here — licensing, visas, office space type, DDA Free Zone Company Setup 2026 procedure and all this in terms of business setup cost suitability. Now it’s your turn to make a decision call.
Are you still seeking help?
Here comes our responsibility straight for you. A commitment to bring your dream come true. Only you need to click and Connect with Us. Let’s establish a DDA Free Zone Company Setup at your affordable cost in 2026.
Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum cost for setting up a company in the DDA free zone in 2026?
The low entry set up cost in the DDA free zone starts at AED 25,000 to 30,000 depending on desk option and license type.
For a beginner, which is the most ideal and cheapest option in the DDA free zone?
D3 is most affordable for startups as it provides a license combination for creative entrepreneurs with Flexi-desk criteria.
Is it necessary to have an office to achieve a DDA Free zone visa?
Yes, the visa quota for the DDA free zone depends on its office size such as desk solutions that offer 1-2 visas.
Is it true that applying for a DDA license with multi-year renewal gets cheaper and affordable?
Yes, it is true that getting a DDA free zone license for 2 to 3 years minimizes the renewal cost annually by 10 to 15%.
Can I run multiple business activities with one DDA freezone business license?
Yes multiple activities can be operated but only if the activities belong to similar categories, otherwise mixing activities can cost additional charges.
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