Innovation-driven economy. Among its many free zones, Dubai Studio City Freezone (DSC) stands out as a premier destination for businesses in the media, entertainment, and broadcasting industries.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, production house, or media support provider, DSC offers the ideal platform to set up and grow your business. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Dubai Studio City Freezone in 2025—from business setup and benefits to activities, facilities, and more.

Dubai Studio City Freezone (DSC) is a government-backed free economic zone designed specifically to support media and production companies. Launched in 2005 and developed by TECOM Group, DSC offers a creative ecosystem where film, TV, radio, music, and digital content companies can operate efficiently.

It provides top-class infrastructure, specialized studios, sound stages, and flexible office spaces, along with streamlined licensing and setup processes. It is located close to key transport links and other TECOM zones, making it convenient for both local and international media players.

As of 2025, DSC continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for media and production companies for several reasons:

1. 100% Business Ownership

Businesses in DSC enjoy full foreign ownership. You do not need a local sponsor, which gives you complete control over your company.

2. Tax Benefits

Companies registered in DSC are exempt from personal income tax and corporate tax. There is also no import or export duty within the free zone.

3. Specialized Infrastructure

DSC provides state-of-the-art sound stages, green rooms, pre- and post-production studios, dubbing studios, and more—everything needed for professional media production.

4. Business-Friendly Environment

The freezone has a simplified and efficient licensing process. Entrepreneurs can get started quickly without excessive paperwork or long wait times.

5. Strategic Location

Situated near Dubai’s main roads and close to Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, DSC is well connected to other key business hubs.

6. Growing Creative Community

DSC is home to local and international media companies, production houses, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Dubai Studio City is not just limited to film or television. A wide range of businesses are welcome, including:

• Film production companies
• TV and radio broadcasting firms
• Post-production and editing services
• Animation and graphic design studios
• Talent management agencies
• Media training centers
• Event management and live entertainment services
• Digital content creation firms
• Sound recording and dubbing studios
• Costume and set design workshops
• Equipment rental services

DSC is particularly ideal for companies involved in content creation, media technology, and production support services.

Setting up a business in DSC in 2025 is simple and straightforward. Here are the main steps:

1. Choose a Business Activity

You must first choose your business activity or activities from the approved list provided by the free zone authority. These can range from broadcasting to production services.

2. Select a Legal Structure

In DSC, you can choose between the following legal types:

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): Suitable for a single shareholder or multiple partners.
• Branch Office: For companies already established in the UAE or abroad that wish to open a branch in DSC.

3. Reserve a Trade Name

You must select and reserve a unique trade name that reflects your business and complies with naming rules.

4. Submit License Application

Fill out and submit your business license application along with necessary documents like passport copies, business plan, and shareholder details.

5. Sign the Lease Agreement

You will need to choose an office space, sound studio, or production facility and sign the lease agreement.

6. Obtain a Business License

Once approved, you’ll receive your business license, which allows you to legally operate in DSC.

7. Apply for Visas

After your license is issued, you can apply for investor, employee, or dependent visas as per your company’s quota.

DSC offers a variety of workspaces and production areas tailored to creative needs:

1. Sound Stages

These are fully equipped for film, TV, and video shoots. There are large-scale soundproof stages with lighting grids, control rooms, and climate control.

2. Studios

Studios are available for photography, green screen shoots, music production, dubbing, and editing.

3. Commercial Office Spaces

Furnished or unfurnished office spaces are available in different sizes. Shared and private offices are also options for small businesses or startups.

4. Production Support Areas

These include makeup rooms, wardrobe rooms, rehearsal spaces, workshops for set-building, and more.

5. Retail and Hospitality

DSC includes cafés, restaurants, gyms, and convenience stores to support staff and visitors.

As of 2025, DSC offers several license types to suit different business models:

• Broadcasting License – For radio, TV, and online broadcasting
• Production License – For film and TV production companies
• Music and Entertainment License – For music recording and performance
• Post-Production License – For editing, dubbing, sound design, etc.
• Event Management License – For organizing shows, concerts, and festivals
• Media Support Services License – For services like equipment rental, set design, etc.
• Consultancy License – For media training and advisory services

Each license type allows you to carry out specific activities, and you can include multiple related activities under a single license.

Costs can vary depending on business type, office size, and visa needs. However, here’s a general idea of setup costs in 2025:
Item Estimated Cost (AED)
Trade Name Reservation 1,000 – 2,000
License Fee (annual) 10,000 – 25,000
Office Space (annual lease) 15,000 – 50,000+
Registration Fee 3,000 – 5,000
Visa (per person) 4,000 – 6,000

These figures can change based on promotions or company structure, so it’s best to check with the freezone authority for the latest pricing.

Businesses registered in DSC are eligible to apply for UAE residency visas for their owners and employees. Visa quotas depend on office size and license type.

Some key points:

• Visas are valid for 2 years and renewable.
• Owners, partners, employees, and dependents can apply.
• Medical tests and an Emirates ID are required.
• Freelancers can also apply under the freelance permit scheme offered by TECOM.

DSC also supports freelancers with a dedicated freelance permit. This is ideal for independent media professionals such as:

• Photographers
• Videographers
• Voice-over artists
• Scriptwriters
• Editors
• Graphic designers
• Content creators

Freelancers benefit from:

• Lower startup costs
• Access to studio and co-working spaces
• Community networking events
• Ability to work with multiple clients legally

Several well-known names in media and entertainment have set up in DSC, including:

• MBC Group – A major broadcasting company in the Middle East
• CNN – Regional production and broadcasting operations
• Endemol Shine – Known for shows like Big Brother and MasterChef
• Chalhoub Group – For content production and branded storytelling

DSC has helped hundreds of businesses, large and small, bring their creative visions to life and expand into the Middle East market.

While DSC offers many advantages, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Businesses cannot trade directly with mainland companies unless through a distributor or with a dual license.
• Some production activities may require special permits or government approvals.
• Space availability for large-scale sound stages may be limited during peak filming seasons.

Planning and working with a setup consultant can help overcome these challenges.

DSC continues to grow in 2025, with an increasing number of companies choosing it as a base for media production. The UAE government supports creative industries through funding, events, and training programs, which makes DSC even more attractive.

Key future trends include:

• Growth of virtual production and green screen technologies
• Rise in regional content demand across digital platforms
• Expansion of freelance opportunities in creative fields
• Greater demand for Arabic content in film and TV
• Development of partnerships with international media firms

Dubai Studio City Freezone (DSC) is the perfect place to launch and grow your media, production, or entertainment business in the Middle East. With a strong ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, tax-free incentives, and full foreign ownership, it offers everything you need to succeed.
Whether you’re a startup, a global media house, or a creative freelancer, DSC gives you the space, support, and community to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to start your media or production business in Dubai?

Dubai Studio City Freezone (DSC) is your gateway to the Middle East’s growing creative economy. Whether you’re a filmmaker, digital content creator, or production company, DSC offers the ideal platform with full ownership, tax-free benefits, and top-class facilities.

Don’t let paperwork and licensing slow you down.

Let experienced business setup consultants guide you through every step—from choosing the right license to securing the perfect workspace and visa.

Start your journey today in Dubai’s media hub.

Get in touch with a trusted setup expert and bring your creative vision to life at Dubai Studio City Freezone.

1. What is Dubai Studio City Freezone (DSC)?

Dubai Studio City Freezone is a business zone in Dubai designed to support companies in the media, production, and entertainment industries. It offers office spaces, sound stages, and licensing services tailored to content creation and broadcasting businesses.

2. Who can set up a business in DSC?

Anyone working in media, production, or related services can set up in DSC. This includes filmmakers, radio stations, animation studios, video editors, event planners, and freelancers.

3. What are the benefits of setting up in DSC?

Key benefits include 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, zero corporate tax, no import/export duties, specialized infrastructure, fast setup process, and access to a growing creative community.

4. How much does it cost to set up a company in DSC?

Costs vary based on your license type, office space, and visa needs. On average, expect to spend between AED 25,000 and AED 60,000 for the full setup, including license and office.

5. Can freelancers work in Dubai Studio City?

Yes, freelancers can apply for a freelance permit in DSC. It allows professionals like videographers, writers, and designers to work legally in the UAE without forming a company.

6. How long does it take to start a business in DSC?

If all documents are ready, the process can take as little as 7 to 10 working days. A consultant can speed up the process and reduce paperwork for you.