JAFZA
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 16,480Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~10 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 25 visas
Best for: Importers and exporters, Logistics companies
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Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
DubaiEst. 2007Updated Oct 2026
Setup time
~10 working days
Visa quota
Up to 6
Activities
Up to 5 per licence
Office
Flexi-desk, Private office
Renewal from
AED 15,965
DIAC overview
Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) is a free zone in Dubai. Companies set up here can be 100% foreign-owned and are licensed for the activities listed on their trade licence.
It is usually chosen by training institutes, education consultants, education freelancers. Packages start from an estimated AED 16,500, with setup typically taking around 10 working days once your documents are complete.
Best for
- Training institutes
- Education consultants
- Education freelancers
DIAC packages & prices
Buy online and upload your passport straight away, or request a tailored quote.
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Typically included
- Trade licence (1 year)
- Flexi-desk facility
- Certificate of formation & Memorandum of Association
- Freezone King setup & document handling
- Establishment card
- 2 visa allocations
Not included
- Visa medical test & Emirates ID fees (per person)
- Bank account opening (optional add-on)
- Corporate tax registration (optional add-on)
Licence types & activities
Service / Professional Licence
Sell your skills and services.
Freelancer Permit / Licence
Work for yourself, legally, with a visa.
Activity categories available
Not sure your exact activity is allowed? Search 50+ activities or ask an advisor.
Visa & office options
DIAC companies can sponsor up to 6 residence visas, depending on the office you choose. In most free zones, a flexi-desk supports a small number of visas, and larger quotas need a shared or private office. The investor (owner) visa usually counts towards the quota.
Available office options in DIAC: flexi-desk, private office. If you expect to hire, choose a package with room to grow — upgrading later is possible but often costs more than starting with the right setup.
Minimum share capital: no fixed minimum for most activities.
Documents required
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Proof of residential address (some zones)
- Short business profile or CV (some activities)
You can upload these securely after checkout.
Setup steps & timeline
- Day 0Choose your package & pay online
- Day 0–1Upload passport & photo; we reserve your company name
- Day 1–10Initial approval, licence & incorporation documents issued
- +3–5 daysEstablishment card & visa entry permit
- +5–10 daysMedical test, Emirates ID & visa stamping
- Anytime afterBank account opening & corporate tax registration
Location
DIAC FAQs
How much does a DIAC licence cost?
DIAC packages start from an estimated AED 16,995 for a licence without visas. Visa packages cost more. Annual renewal is estimated from AED 15,965. Confirm the latest fees with our advisor before you pay.
How long does DIAC company setup take?
Around 10 working days for the licence once your documents are complete. Residence visas usually take 1–3 more weeks.
How many visas can a DIAC company get?
Up to 6 visas, depending on the package and office type you choose.
Can foreigners own 100% of a DIAC company?
Yes. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Does DIAC allow crypto activities?
DIAC is not usually chosen for crypto. Consider DMCC, RAK DAO, DWTC or ADGM for Web3 businesses.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in DIAC?
Usually not for the licence — it can be done online. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Compare DIAC with other zones
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