Dubai · Free Zone
Coming as channel partnerComing soon · channel-partner agreement in progress
We're finalising our direct agreement with DIAC so we can pass wholesale pricing straight to you (like we do with our 17 verified partners). In the meantime, we can still help you form here — contact us for the current rate plus a Formenzo guided setup.
Dubai International Academic City
Institutional setup only — 27 universities, not for typical company formation
14d
License in
∞
Visa quota
50+
Activities
7/10
Bank score
DIAC is TECOM's education campus housing 27 colleges and universities with 27,500+ students. Primarily for institutional and academic setups — not a typical company-formation free zone.
Starting from
AED 36,000
Formenzo all-in estimate
Includes: Government fees, Formenzo service, flexi-desk, establishment card
Source: Formenzo 2026 operational data
Banking partners
Banks that open accounts for DIAC companies with 90%+ approval.
Average time to IBAN
21 days
from license issuance
Formenzo setup timeline
Day-by-day what we deliver end-to-end, from signed engagement to funded IBAN.
Initial approval
We file your application with the Free Zone authority.
~5 days
License issued
Trade license + Establishment Card in hand. You can sign contracts.
~9 days
Investor visa
Entry permit → medical → Emirates ID → stamping.
~4 days
Bank account opened
Funded UAE IBAN ready to receive payments.
~3 days
Full cost breakdown
Every fee, transparent. Real 2026 AED pricing, no surprise invoices.
| Government license fee | AED 15,000 |
| Formenzo service fee (all-inclusive) | AED 4,000 |
| Flexi-desk / office lease | AED 15,000 |
| Establishment Card (only with visas) | AED 2,000 |
| Per-visa cost (optional) | AED 4,200 |
| Emirates ID (per person) | AED 370 |
| Medical fitness (per person) | AED 320 |
| Minimum setup (no visa) | AED 36,000 |
| With 1 investor visa (most founders) | AED 40,890 |
Why founders pick DIAC
- ✓27 colleges and universities on 129M+ sqft campus
- ✓27,500+ students — 500+ academic programs
- ✓Institutional and academic setups only
- ✓Adjacent to Dubai Silicon Oasis
- ✓Part of TECOM ecosystem — licensed by DDA
Best for these activities
education
Not allowed
DIAC — frequently asked questions
Quotable, answer-first, optimized for AI search (Perplexity, ChatGPT, Google AI Mode).
How much does a DIAC license cost in 2026?
+
A Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) license costs AED 36,000 all-in for the zero-visa package in 2026 — that includes government license fee, Establishment Card, flexi-desk lease, and Formenzo's all-inclusive service fee. Add one investor visa (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping) and the total becomes AED 40,890.
How long does DIAC company setup take?
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DIAC issues the trade license in 14 business days after initial approval (5 days). A residency visa adds approximately 4 more days. Opening a UAE corporate bank account adds 3 days on top. Total from signup to funded UAE IBAN: about 21 days.
How many visas can I get with DIAC?
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DIAC default package includes 3 visas, and the maximum allowed per license is unlimited. Each additional investor or employment visa costs approximately AED 4,200 including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and stamping.
Which UAE banks open accounts for DIAC companies?
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DIAC companies primarily bank with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB. Formenzo coordinates the KYC process and typical time from license issuance to funded account is 7 days. Bank approval rates vary by nationality; we pre-match you to the right bank before filing.
What business activities does DIAC allow?
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DIAC permits approximately 50 business activities. It is best suited for education. Activities not allowed include restaurant, retail physical, industrial — these require a UAE Mainland license.
Can I form a DIAC company without visiting the UAE?
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Yes — DIAC formation is fully remote through Formenzo. We handle document collection, trade name reservation, MOA drafting, and submission without a UAE visit. You only come to the UAE for one day to complete the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics — and only if you want a residency visa. The trade license itself can be issued with zero travel.
Is DIAC eligible for 0% UAE Corporate Tax?
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Yes. DIAC is a recognized UAE Free Zone, so companies qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) can maintain a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is taxed at the standard 9% above AED 375,000. DIAC companies must register with the Federal Tax Authority within 3 months of incorporation — Formenzo handles this filing.
Why choose DIAC over other UAE Free Zones?
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Institutional setup only — 27 universities, not for typical company formation. 27 colleges and universities on 129M+ sqft campus. 27,500+ students — 500+ academic programs. Banking score: 7/10. Setup speed: 14 days. Starting cost: AED 36,000. Take Formenzo's 60-second assessment to compare DIAC against 47 other UAE Free Zones based on your nationality, budget, and business activity.
Other Dubai Free Zones
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Ready to form your DIAC company?
Take our 60-second assessment. We'll prepare your docs, file with DIAC, and have your license in 14 days.