Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) (previously known as the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority) governs seven industries across nine Free Zone clusters. The Free Zone clusters consist of more than 4,500 businesses employing over 70,000 people.
DCCA is in charge of providing the policy framework and regulation to enable the development and long-term competitiveness of Dubai Creative Clusters. The TECOM group owns and operates the Free Zone clusters.
DCCA governs visa, licensing and zoning rules for various Dubai Free Zones such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai Design District (D3) and Dubai International Academic City.
Types of Businesses that can be established in Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA)
1. Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
A Free Zone LLC is established as a separate legal entity, with shareholders as individuals and Corporates.
The minimum capital requirement for Free Zone incorporation is AED 50,000, depending on the business activity.
FZ-LLC license types:
- Natural Individual
- Corporate Entity
- Natural and Corporate Individual(s)
2. Freelance Permit
The permit provides the ability to function as a freelance professional and identifies the individual as a sole practitioner. The business name can be conducted on the individual’s birth name.
3. Branch of a Company
Branch of a UAE or foreign company is not a legal entity separate from its parent. It manages the operations inherent in the business of the parent. There is no share capital requirement for a branch company.
Branch company license types:
- Branch of a UAE company
- Branch of a Foreign company
Advantages of forming a DCCA company
- Full foreign ownership
- No income taxes (for 50 years)
- Complete repatriation of profits and capital.
- No corporate tax (for 50 years)
- No personal tax (for 50 years)
- Easy incorporation process
- Strategic location
- World class infrastructure
- Business-friendly regulations, ease of doing business
- Employ students enrolled at the creative clusters’ 23 academic institutions on a part-time basis
