United Arab Emirates
Company Formation in Dubai Studio City
Dubai Studio City Free Zone (DSC / TECOM Group)
Overview
Dubai Studio City (DSC), launched in 2005 by TECOM Group, is the Middle East's premier production hub for film, television, cinema, music, radio, animation, broadcast engineering, and post-production. Spanning 22 million square feet in central Dubai near Motor City and Arabian Ranches, DSC provides the most advanced cinematic and broadcast infrastructure in the region. Highlights include the Middle East's largest sound stages (Sound Stages 1, 2, and 3, featuring 25,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft of soundproof filming space), massive water tanks for underwater filming, green-screen studios, Dolby Atmos-certified audio mixing suites, editing rooms, and outdoor backlots. In direct partnership with the Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), DSC offers a one-stop-shop for location shooting permits, script approvals, and film financing incentives, making it the preferred destination for Hollywood and Bollywood productions, regional television networks, and digital streaming platforms.
Why Choose Dubai Studio City
The Middle East's premier capital for film, television, animation, and cinema production
Home to the largest sound stages in the region (Sound Stages 1, 2, and 3)
Specialized underwater filming tanks, green screens, and Dolby Atmos audio suites
Streamlined filming permits and script clearances via Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC)
Ecosystem of top directors, cinematographers, CGI animators, and post-production houses
100% foreign company ownership and 100% repatriation of capital and profits
0% personal income tax and 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax
Complete TECOM Group corporate ecosystem and Tier-1 UAE commercial banking access
Business Entity Types
| Entity | Ownership | Directors | Capital | Tax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) | 100% | 1 individual | AED 50,000 | 0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT | Film production companies, VFX studios, animation houses, casting agencies |
| Branch of UAE or Foreign Company | 100% | 1 appointed manager | None | 0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT | International film studios, streaming platforms, and broadcast networks |
| Freelance Permit | 100% | N/A | None | 0% personal tax | Actors, directors, cinematographers, sound designers, video editors |
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Activity & Studio Selection
1–2 daysSelect film/broadcast activities and choose office, editing room, or soundstage.
Initial Approval & Name Clearance
2 daysSubmit passport copies and media portfolio to TECOM Group.
Lease Contract Signing
1–2 daysSign lease for commercial office suite or production facility in DSC.
License Issuance
1–2 daysPay authority fees and obtain Dubai Studio City Commercial License.
Visa Processing & Banking
1–2 weeksProcess residence visas for crew and staff, and open corporate bank accounts.
Costs & Fees
| Government / License Fee | AED 15,000+ |
| Our Service Fee | USD 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Annual Renewal | AED 12,500+ |
Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.
Get Custom QuoteBanking
DSC companies enjoy top-tier standing with UAE commercial banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB) and digital banks (Wio Bank), ensuring seamless corporate multi-currency banking setup.
Recommended Banks
Tax Overview
Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) producing international films, streaming content, and global broadcast licensing pay 0% corporate tax.
Visa & Residency
Investor / Partner Visa
2 years (renewable)For film producers, studio owners, and corporate shareholders
Creative Talent Golden Visa
10 yearsFor distinguished film directors, actors, and cinematographers endorsed by Dubai Culture
Employment Visa
2 years (renewable)For camera crew, sound engineers, VFX artists, and production managers