Dubai Production City (DPC)
DPC is a Dubai-based free zone with packages starting from AED 36,540, supporting up to 10 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. Dubai Production City (DPC) is a specialized TECOM/DDA free zone built around printing, publishing, packaging, and related production supply chains, with options from offices to warehousing and light industrial space. Licensing is segment-based (often AED 15,000 for core segments), making it strongest when your activity fits DPC's print/packaging ecosystem.
From
AED 36,540
Established
2003
Companies
250
Max Visas
10
Banking
Moderate
DPC Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FZ-LLC Starter (0 Visa) | AED 18,540 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 36,540 | AED 33,020 |
| FZ-LLC + Flexi Desk (1 Visa) | AED 18,540 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 45,120 | AED 36,040 |
| FZ-LLC + Dedicated Desk (2 Visas) | AED 18,540 | 2 | Dedicated Desk | AED 58,680 | AED 44,040 |
| FZ-LLC + Private Office (4 Visas) | AED 18,540 | 4 | Private Office | AED 106,800 | AED 81,040 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Purpose-built licensing segments for printing, packaging, signage/exhibition, publishing support, and warehousing
- Transparent baseline licence pricing: AED 15,000 for most core DPC segments (higher for specialized segments)
- Published registration timelines: 10 working days provisional approval + 2 working days registration
- Known authority fee components: registration AED 3,520, establishment card AED 2,020, visa from AED 4,720
- One-stop axs services for visa processing and licensing workflows across TECOM communities
- Range of real-estate types: offices, industrial units, warehouses aligned to production/logistics needs
- Freelancer pathway available: DDA publishes AED 7,500 for Sole Professional License
Watch out for
- Not a universal zone: segment-based licensing optimized for print/publishing/packaging — other zones may suit broader activities
- Some DPC segments carry higher fees (AED 20,000-25,000 tiers), so AED 15,000 is not guaranteed for all activities
- Office/lease pricing not published as a single tariff — many setups require quotes, and costs can dominate Year 1 totals
- Visa starting from AED 4,720 excludes refundable deposit (AED 2,500) and medical/Emirates ID, which increases all-in cost
- Banking can be slower for media/production activities vs. simple consulting — expect more compliance questions
- Media freelancing may be routed through Dubai Media City rather than DPC — confirm correct community before applying
Visa Information
Max Quota
10 visas
Processing Time
12 days
Renewal Cost
AED 5,560
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 5,560
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 publishes 10 working days provisional approval + 2 working days registration for FZ-LLC. Visa processing adds additional time for medical and Emirates ID steps.
Banking
Partner Banks
Expect 2-6 weeks depending on shareholder profile, activity risk, proof of contracts/invoices, and whether you need a physical office lease. Media/production supply-chain businesses can face extra KYC questions.
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
Unspecified (activity-dependent; typically not required to be deposited publicly)
Special Ecosystems
Location
Recent Developments
- February 2026: UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism updated the official DPC free-zone profile
- September 2025: Updated pricing commentary circulated by consultancies aligned to DDA segment fee tiers
- January 2021: DDA Decision No. (1) of 2021 published DPC licence segment fee table (AED 15,000 baseline; AED 20,000-25,000 tiers)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dubai Production City license cost in 2026?
For core DPC segments, the published annual licence fee is AED 15,000 (commonly AED 15,020 with levies). Some specialized segments publish AED 20,000-25,000 tiers. New companies add a one-time registration fee of AED 3,520.
What is the total cost to set up in DPC with 1 visa?
Conservative model (FZ-LLC + flexi desk + 1 visa): Year 1 is about AED 45,120 — AED 18,540 (registration+licence) + AED 18,000 office + AED 2,020 establishment card + AED 5,560 visa + AED 1,000 insurance.
Can I get a freelancer permit in Dubai Production City?
DDA publishes a freelancer permit fee of AED 7,500 for a Sole Professional License. However, media freelancing may be routed through Dubai Media City — confirm the correct licensing community before applying.
How long does DPC company registration take?
DDA publishes a two-stage timeline: 10 working days provisional approval + 2 working days registration (12 total). External approvals and office leasing can extend the timeline.
How much is a DPC visa and is there a deposit?
TECOM fee summaries state residence visa starts from AED 4,720 plus a refundable deposit of AED 2,500. Visas are typically valid for 2 years. All-in cost increases with medical and Emirates ID.
Does DPC require an office?
Yes — most TECOM/DDA setups require a leased premise within the business community. DPC promotes coworking and scalable space options, but you need a compliant lease for licensing and renewals.
Is Dubai Production City good for packaging businesses?
Yes — DPC is explicitly built for publishing, printing, and packaging with purpose-built licensing segments, warehouse facilities, and production supply chain infrastructure.
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Starting From
AED 36,540 /yr