DIC vs DMCC: Side-by-Side Comparison
Dubai Internet City is purpose-built for tech companies — Google, Microsoft, Meta, and the regional startup scene all cluster here. DMCC is broader and handles trading, commodities, and professional services with bigger banking depth.
- Tech startups
- Software companies
- Digital agencies
- Trading companies
- Commodities
- Professional services
- Tech cluster benefits
- Prestigious address
- Great for talent recruitment
- Global reputation
- Excellent banking
- Large business community
- Service licenses only
- Higher cost
- Limited to tech activities
- Higher cost than alternatives
- Minimum share capital required
- Slower than newer zones
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| DIC | DMCC | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | dubai |
| License from | AED 20,000/yr | AED 15,000/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 18,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Setup time | 5-7 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Min share capital | None | AED 50,000 |
| Established | 1999 | 2002 |
| License types | service | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce |
| Office options | flexi desk, shared office, private office | flexi desk, shared office, private office, warehouse |
Cost breakdown
DIC
- License (starting from)
- AED 20,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 18,000
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 5,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 13,000
DMCC
- License (starting from)
- AED 15,000/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 15,000
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 5,750
- 3 visas
- ~AED 15,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 25,000
- Min share capital
- AED 50,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick DIC if
You're a tech company, SaaS, or need to be in the regional tech ecosystem.
See full DIC profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, DIC or DMCC?
DMCC is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 15,000/year vs AED 20,000/year for DIC — a difference of AED 5,000 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at DIC vs DMCC?
DIC advertises 5-7 business days and DMCC advertises 3-5 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
What's the minimum share capital for DIC vs DMCC?
DIC requires no minimum in share capital. DMCC requires AED 50,000. For most activities, the capital only needs to be declared — not physically deposited upfront — but rules vary by license type.
What license types does each offer?
DIC issues service licenses. DMCC issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.