Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)
DKP is a Dubai-based free zone with packages starting from AED 7,500, supporting up to 10 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) is Dubai's specialised free zone for education, training, HR, and professional development businesses and freelancers. It sits within TECOM Group's education ecosystem and is regulated under Dubai's creative clusters framework.
From
AED 7,500
Established
2003
Companies
700
Max Visas
10
Banking
Moderate
DKP Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoFreelance Permit Only | AED 7,500 | 0 | None | AED 7,500 | AED 7,500 |
| GoFreelance + 1 Visa | AED 7,500 | 1 | None | AED 16,080 | AED 10,520 |
| FZ-LLC + Flexi Desk + 2 Visas | AED 15,000 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 48,140 | AED 37,020 |
| FZ-LLC + Private Office + 4 Visas | AED 15,000 | 4 | Private Office | AED 103,260 | AED 81,020 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Purpose-built cluster for HR, training, and education with a strong sector ecosystem
- Over 700 businesses in the community — good credibility signal for counterparties
- Freelancer permit at AED 7,500/year via GoFreelance — clear, transparent pricing
- Fast freelancer licensing: estimated 2 working days for sole professional registration
- Part of TECOM Group with access to AXS smart services platform
- Strong public-sector visibility — 20-year milestone covered by Government of Dubai Media Office
Watch out for
- Dubai premium-zone economics: costs rise quickly with visas, immigration fees, and office commitments
- Corporate license fees vary by segment/activity — budgeting requires activity confirmation
- Visa costs include refundable deposits (often AED 2,500) on top of processing fees
- Free zone structure limits direct mainland trading without additional licensing
- Banking is moderate friction for new entities — depends on substance and activity profile
Visa Information
Max Quota
10 visas
Processing Time
12 days
Renewal Cost
AED 5,560
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 5,000
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 5,560
Investor Visa
AED 5,560
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical VIP
AED 850
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
DDA FZ-LLC registration: Stage 1 provisional approval ~10 working days + Stage 2 registration ~2 working days. Visa processing adds additional time after license.
Banking
Partner Banks
Expect 2–6 weeks for new DKP/DDA entities. Clean company profile (clear activity, real contracts, adequate substance) improves outcomes. Digital-first banks can be faster for low-risk profiles.
Features
Mainland Trading
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Share Capital Requirement
Varies by activity and legal form; some advisors cite AED 50,000 nominal for FZ-LLC
Special Ecosystems
Location
Recent Developments
- February 2026: DDA registration and licensing services continue operating through online channels with published timelines
- September 2025: DDA Licensing Categories Decision remains the core public reference for fees and segments
- December 2023: Government of Dubai Media Office highlighted DKP's 20-year milestone with 700+ customers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DKP freelance permit cost in 2026?
DDA's licensing framework states the freelancer permit fee is AED 7,500 per annum, plus Knowledge & Innovation Dirham fees per transaction. DKP also offers GoFreelance as an official route.
What is the cheapest way to set up in DKP without a visa?
The lowest-cost option is a freelancer permit with zero visa quota: AED 7,500/year. If you later add a visa, budget for establishment card, immigration fees, and visa processing costs.
How much does a DKP free zone visa cost?
TECOM documentation cites residence visas starting from AED 4,720 (2-year validity) with a refundable deposit of AED 2,500 often required. Medical (~AED 450) and Emirates ID (~AED 390) are additional.
How long does DKP company registration take?
DDA's FZ-LLC registration takes about 10 working days for provisional approval plus 2 working days for registration. Freelancer licensing is estimated at 2 working days.
How many visas can I get in DKP?
Visa quota is linked to your office/lease size. Many providers market DKP packages supporting up to around 10 visas, but final quota is determined by the authority's leasing/immigration process.
Is DKP good for banking?
Banking is moderate difficulty. Expect compliance checks, UBO documentation, and a lease requirement. Many DKP entities use major UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK), with timelines spanning several weeks.
Do DKP companies need audited accounts?
Audit obligations depend on your structure (company vs freelancer). DDA's framework references audited accounts for licensees, and some advisors note audit reports may be required from later renewals.
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Starting From
AED 7,500 /yr