Apply for a Film TV & Video Production Business License in Dubai

Dubai's media and entertainment sector is expanding rapidly, with the UAE's creative economy contributing billions to GDP and attracting global production houses seeking a tax-efficient, strategically located base. The UAE's media and entertainment market is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2027, underpinned by strong government investment in creative industries and a surge in demand for original content across streaming and broadcast platforms.

Securing a Film, TV and Video Production Business Licence under Activity Code 5910 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone gives producers, broadcasters and content creators a compliant, cost-effective platform to operate across the region and beyond. This guide covers everything you need to know, from market context and permitted activities to setup costs, compliance obligations and frequently asked questions.

Dubai's Film and Video Production Market at a Glance

The UAE media and entertainment industry has demonstrated consistent growth over the past decade, driven by rising consumer spending on digital content, government-backed cultural initiatives and a rapidly expanding expatriate population with diverse content appetites. Streaming platforms operating across the Middle East and North Africa region have significantly increased their commissioning budgets for Arabic-language and international co-productions, creating sustained demand for local production capacity.

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone has positioned itself as a key destination for ICT and creative industry businesses. Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and its purpose-built free zone infrastructure make it particularly well suited to production companies that require efficient logistics for equipment and talent movement across borders.

Activity Code 5910, classified under the International Standard Industrial Classification system, covers motion picture, video and television programme activities. This includes the production of theatrical films, television programmes, video content for digital platforms and related services. The ICT category classification reflects the convergence of technology and creative production in the modern media landscape, ensuring businesses in this sector benefit from the free zone's technology-focused incentives and support ecosystem.

Key Stats: Film & Video Production in Dubai

• UAE media and entertainment market projected value: USD 4.5 billion by 2027

• Activity Code: 5910 (Motion Picture, Video and Television Programme Activities)

• Licence Type: Business Licence, ICT Category

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted, no local sponsor required

• Corporate Tax: 0% on qualifying free zone income

• Typical Licence Processing Time: 3 to 7 working days for straightforward applications

What the Film TV and Video Production Licence Covers

The Business Licence issued under Activity Code 5910 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits a broad range of production-related activities. Licence holders may engage in the production of motion pictures, television programmes, video content for digital and streaming platforms, documentary production, advertising films and corporate video content. Post-production services, including editing, sound design, visual effects and colour grading, also fall within the permitted scope.

Operations may be conducted within the free zone and for export to international markets. Free zone entities are permitted to provide services to clients outside the UAE without restriction, making this licence well suited to businesses serving regional broadcasters, global streaming platforms and international corporate clients.

It is important to note that activities outside the scope of this licence include the retail sale of recorded media, cinema exhibition and the operation of broadcasting transmission facilities. Businesses wishing to engage in broadcasting or distribution should seek additional approvals from the relevant UAE regulatory authorities.

Who This Licence Is Suited To

The Film, TV and Video Production Business Licence is appropriate for a wide range of operators in the creative and media industries, including:

• Independent filmmakers and feature film production companies seeking a regional base

• Television production studios producing content for broadcast and streaming

• Advertising agencies and corporate video producers requiring a free zone structure

• Post-production service providers offering editing, animation and visual effects

• Streaming content creators and digital media companies producing original programming

• Foreign investors and international production houses wanting 100% ownership without the requirement for a local sponsor

Setup Costs and Steps to Obtain the Licence

Licence fees at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone vary depending on the business activity, number of shareholders and the type of workspace selected. Typically, a Business Licence for an ICT category activity such as film and video production involves a government licence fee, an establishment card fee and, where applicable, a workspace or flexi-desk arrangement. Total first-year setup costs for a single-shareholder company opting for a flexi-desk generally range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000, though costs should be confirmed directly with the free zone authority as fee structures are subject to periodic revision.

Flexi-desk options provide a cost-effective entry point for businesses that do not require dedicated office space on-site. Dedicated office units are available for companies requiring a physical presence within the free zone and are linked to higher visa allocation entitlements.

The application process follows these steps:

• Trade name reservation and initial activity selection aligned to Activity Code 5910

• Submission of incorporation documents and shareholder details

• Initial approval from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone authority

• Payment of applicable licence and establishment fees

• Licence issuance and company registration certificate

• Application for investor or employee visas as required

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documentation before submitting their application:

• Passport copies for all shareholders and directors

• Recent passport-sized photographs for each shareholder

• A business plan or activity description clearly aligned to ISIC code 5910

• Memorandum of Association and shareholder structure details

• UAE residence visa copy or entry stamp, where applicable

• Any additional approvals required from UAE media regulatory bodies, depending on the specific nature of content production activities

Licensing, Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Beyond the free zone business licence, companies engaged in broadcast content, film distribution or public screening activities in the UAE may require approval from the relevant national media authority. The National Media Council oversees content classification, broadcast licensing and the regulation of media production activities within the UAE. Production companies creating content intended for UAE broadcast or public release should engage with the relevant authority early in the planning process to ensure full compliance.

Free zone compliance obligations include annual licence renewal, maintenance of a registered address within the free zone and, for larger entities, submission of audited financial accounts. Visa entitlements are linked to the type of workspace selected; flexi-desk arrangements typically support a limited number of visas, while dedicated office spaces allow for greater headcount.

Production equipment imported into the free zone benefits from customs duty exemptions applicable within Dubai South's free zone boundaries. Equipment may also be re-exported to other markets without incurring UAE import duties, subject to compliance with applicable customs procedures. Companies should maintain accurate records of all equipment movements to satisfy free zone and UAE customs requirements.

Why Dubai South Is a Strong Base for Film and Video Production

Dubai South's location adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport provides a significant logistical advantage for production companies that regularly move equipment, props and crew across international borders. Fast customs clearance and proximity to one of the world's busiest air freight hubs reduces lead times and operational costs considerably.

The UAE's current tax environment offers substantial financial advantages. Qualifying free zone businesses benefit from a 0% corporate income tax rate on eligible income, and there is no personal income tax on salaries. Full profit repatriation is permitted, meaning shareholders can transfer dividends and capital to their home countries without restriction.

The 100% foreign ownership structure available within the free zone eliminates the need for a local Emirati sponsor, giving international investors complete control over their business. Dubai's broader production infrastructure, including world-class studios, a multilingual talent pool and a well-developed supply chain for production services, further strengthens the case for establishing a media production entity in the emirate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Film TV and Video Production licence at Dubai South cost?

Total first-year costs depend on the workspace option selected and the number of shareholders. As a general guide, a single-shareholder company with a flexi-desk arrangement can expect to pay between AED 12,000 and AED 25,000, covering the government licence fee, establishment card and workspace costs. Dedicated office units attract higher fees but support greater visa allocations. It is advisable to request a current fee schedule directly from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, as costs are reviewed periodically.

Can a foreign national own 100% of a film production company at Dubai South?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership of companies registered within the zone. There is no requirement to appoint a local Emirati sponsor or partner. This applies to individual foreign investors as well as foreign corporate shareholders, making it a straightforward structure for international production companies wishing to establish a UAE entity.

What regulatory approvals are needed beyond the free zone licence?

Companies producing content for UAE broadcast, public cinema release or distribution through UAE-based platforms may require approval from the National Media Council or the relevant UAE media authority. The National Media Council regulates content classification and issues permits for film and media production activities within the UAE. Companies operating solely for export or producing content for international platforms should confirm their specific obligations with a local regulatory adviser.

How long does it take to obtain the licence?

For straightforward applications with complete documentation, the processing time from document submission to licence issuance is typically between three and seven working days at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. More complex applications involving multiple shareholders, foreign corporate entities or activities requiring additional regulatory approvals may take longer. Engaging a formation specialist familiar with the free zone can help reduce delays.

What profit margins can a film and video production business expect in Dubai?

Profit margins in the film and video production sector vary considerably depending on the type of content, client base and scale of operations. Corporate video and advertising production businesses in the UAE typically operate on net margins of between 15% and 35%, while feature film and television production margins depend heavily on distribution deals, co-production arrangements and funding structures. The absence of corporate and personal income tax in the free zone environment directly improves net profitability compared with many other jurisdictions.

Can production equipment be imported and re-exported through Dubai South?

Yes. As a designated free zone, Dubai South allows companies to import professional production equipment without paying UAE customs duties, provided the goods remain within or are re-exported from the free zone. Equipment can be re-exported to third countries in accordance with applicable customs procedures. Companies should maintain detailed records of all equipment imports and exports to comply with free zone and UAE Federal Customs Authority requirements.

Are there specific facility or studio requirements for this licence?

A physical registered address within Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is required to hold the licence. A flexi-desk arrangement satisfies the minimum workspace requirement for most applicants and does not mandate the operation of a dedicated production studio on-site. Companies that require studio facilities may lease or use third-party studios elsewhere in Dubai. If a dedicated studio within the free zone is required, larger commercial units are available subject to availability and applicable rental rates.

Can the licence be used to produce content for international streaming platforms?

Yes. The Film, TV and Video Production Business Licence under Activity Code 5910 permits the production and delivery of content for international clients and platforms, including global streaming services. Free zone entities are authorised to provide services to clients outside the UAE, and there are no restrictions on distributing finished content internationally. Companies should ensure that any content intended for UAE audiences or UAE-based platforms complies with National Media Council classification requirements.

Conclusion

A Film, TV and Video Production Business Licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone under Activity Code 5910 offers producers and content creators a tax-efficient, fully foreign-owned structure with strong logistics links and access to a growing regional media market. The combination of 0% corporate tax, 100% ownership rights, customs-free equipment handling and a strategically located free zone makes Dubai South a compelling choice for both established production companies and emerging content creators looking to build a sustainable regional presence.

Speak with a Dubai South formation specialist today to confirm your activity scope, calculate your setup costs and begin your licence application.

References and Further Reading

• Dubai South Free Zone Official Website

• National Media Council UAE

• UAE Ministry of Economy

• UAE Cabinet - Corporate Tax Information

• Federal Customs Authority UAE

• Statista - UAE Media and Entertainment Market Outlook