1. What Exactly is the in5 Ecosystem? (Beyond the Building)
Before you pull out your calculator, you need to understand the game you are playing. in5 is not just a building; it is a government-backed startup incubator founded by the massive TECOM Group. This is the same holding company that owns "Dubai Internet City" (home to Google, Microsoft, and Oracle) and "Dubai Media City."
The Core Difference:
In a standard Free Zone setup, the government acts as a regulator: you pay them money, they give you a paper license. End of transaction.
At in5, the government acts as an investor. They heavily subsidize your setup costs because they want you to build the next unicorn. They don't want your rent money; they want your innovation.
The Three Pillars of in5:
- in5 Tech: For software developers, AI startups, Blockchain, SaaS, and e-commerce platforms (Like TekinGame).
- in5 Media: For content creators, production houses, and creative agencies.
- in5 Design: For fashion designers, architects, and product designers.
2. The Financial Breakdown: Myths vs. Reality
This is the most critical section of this dossier. Let’s be transparent. "Cheap" does not mean "free," but compared to the open market, the discounts are staggering.
A) The Trade License Cost
This is the legal document that allows you to operate a business.
- Standard Market Price: Approx. 15,000 to 25,000 AED per year.
- in5 Member Price: Just 1,000 AED per year! (Valid for the first 3 years).
Yes, you read that correctly. The government has effectively removed the licensing fee barrier for accepted startups.
B) The Workspace (Flexi Desk)
To obtain a residency visa and open a corporate bank account in the UAE, you are legally required to have a physical office address (Ejari). in5 does not force you to rent expensive private offices. Instead, they offer the "Flexi Desk" option.
- Flexi Desk Cost: Approx. 15,000 AED per year (Inclusive of VAT and utilities).
- What do you get? 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art coworking space, high-speed fiber internet, free meeting rooms, 3D printing labs, and a prestigious address in Dubai Internet City.
C) The Residency Visa Cost
- Validity: 3 Years (Standard for Free Zone investors/partners).
- Total Cost: Approx. 3,000 to 3,500 AED per person.
- Breakdown: This covers the Entry Permit, Medical Fitness Test, and the Emirates ID card.
- Allocation: You can apply for up to 4 visas (1 for you, 3 for your core team).
To survive your first year, you need a budget of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 AED.
(1k License + 15k Desk + Visa costs + Medical).
Compare this to traditional mainland setups that require 60,000+ AED upfront, and the value proposition becomes undeniable.
3. The 5-Step Roadmap: From Idea to Residency
Getting into in5 is not easy. It is a meritocracy. Money doesn't talk here; "Product" and "Team" do.
Step 1: The Online Submission
You must complete an application form on the official in5 portal. You will need to upload your Pitch Deck or Business Plan. This document must clearly outline the problem you are solving, your solution, market analysis, and revenue model.
Pro Tip: Having an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) increases your acceptance chances by 10x. Show them code, not just slides.
Step 2: Validation & Shortlisting
The in5 team reviews your application. This is the first filter. If your idea is scalable and tech-driven, you will receive an email titled "Application Shortlisted."
Congratulations, you have passed the gatekeeper.
Step 3: The Pitch to the Committee
This is your "Boss Fight." You will be invited (either online via Zoom or in-person) to present your startup to a committee of industry experts. You have roughly 8 minutes to pitch, followed by a Q&A.
What do they ask?
• How do you make money? (Unit Economics)
• What is your Go-to-Market strategy?
• Why do you need to be in Dubai?
Step 4: Incubation & Lease Signing
If the committee gives you the green light, you receive the "Accepted" email. You will then sign the Lease Agreement for your Flexi Desk, pay the fees (approx 16k total for desk + license), and receive your Trade License.
Step 5: The Visa Process
With your License and Lease in hand, the government portal opens for you. You apply for your Entry Permit, fly to Dubai (if you aren't there), do your medical test, and get your visa stamped.
4. The Hidden Perks (Value Beyond Money)
Membership in in5 is not just about a cheap visa. It unlocks an ecosystem of value that money cannot buy:
- 100% Ownership: Your company is registered in a Free Zone, meaning you own 100% of the shares. You do NOT need a local Emirati sponsor (Kafeel).
- Cloud Credits: in5 startups often receive massive support packages, such as $10,000 to $100,000 in free credits from AWS (Amazon) or Microsoft Azure.
- Investor Access: You are working in the same ecosystem where VCs and Angel Investors hunt for the next big thing. in5 regularly hosts demo days.
- Media Lab Access: For media startups, access to green screen studios, recording booths, and editing suites is included or heavily discounted.
5. Why Do Applications Get Rejected? (The Pitfalls)
At TekinGame, we have analyzed numerous case studies. Here are the top reasons for rejection:
- ❌ No MVP: Do not just bring a PowerPoint. Build something. Even a beta version proves you are serious.
- ❌ Lack of Innovation: If your idea is just "Uber for X" with no technological differentiator, you will likely be rejected. The market is saturated with copycats.
- ❌ Vague Revenue Model: Saying "we will get ads later" is a red flag. You need a concrete plan on how the business generates cash flow.
- ❌ Solo Founder Risk: While allowed, solo founders are viewed as higher risk. Investors and incubators prefer teams with complementary skills (e.g., a Tech Lead + a Business Lead).
6. Final Verdict: Is Dubai Right For You?
This path is not for those looking to simply "buy residency." This path is for builders.
If you have a product with global potential, a team that can execute, and the grit to compete internationally, the 15,000 AED desk fee is negligible. It is simply the ticket price to enter the global major leagues.
Are you ready to turn your local code into a global business?
TekinGame is here to light the path.