IT Company Setup Service in Dubai - UAE
IT Company or Business Setup in Dubai – Dubai is a destination that has many investment opportunities for those who want to open a company. With the development of the dedicated free trade zones in Dubai like the Dubai Media City, the Dubai Internet City, and the Dubai Silicon Oasis, setting up IT companies in Dubai has become very easy. Cost for starting IT company in Dubai.
The Dubai Government supports IT ventures, and many major IT giants have opened their subsidiaries in Dubai. The lack of corporate taxes and the full repatriation of the profits if the IT company is set up in a free zone have attracted the attention of many IT investors. Besides this, the availability of a talented pool of employees is a big plus in its favour. IT company registration in Dubai.
The city still holds out plenty of scope for smaller IT companies as well. Setting up an IT company in Dubai is a simple process once all the requirements are met. Before deciding on the location of the IT company, search out a local sponsor or partner. He will own 51% of the company’s shares, while in the case of free zone companies, the expatriate will fully own the company.
Categories of IT consulting firms
- Generalist consulting firms with a separate IT consulting unit
- Global firms specialise in information technology.
- SME IT firms that focus on a specific service
Registering an IT company in Dubai
If you’re considering establishing a company in the IT (information technology) sector in Dubai, the initial consideration is the location within Dubai where your business will operate. IT company formation in DubaiNotably, in Dubai, there are dedicated free zones tailored for IT companies conducting UAE-related information technology business.
Open IT company in Dubai. You can start your IT business in Dubai Free Zones like Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Village, Dubai Outsourcing Zone, or any other of your choice. Dubai mandates onshore IT companies to register their trade within the city. Conversely, free zone companies must register with the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (TECOM) to conduct business within a Dubai free zone. IT business incorporation in Dubai. Our company registration experts at Black Swan will help you register your onshore or free-zone IT company in Dubai and assist in each and every step of IT company formation in Dubai.
Types of licenses for IT company
Companies in the information technology sector in Dubai can apply for two types of licenses, each based on the activities undertaken by the IT company.
- Professional License
- Commercial License
Professional license for an IT company in Dubai
- Step 1: Before setting up the IT company in Dubai, one needs a professional license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) to engage in business activities.
- Step 2: Hire the services of a local agent who will deal with obtaining the employment visa, the license, and any other required documents.
- Step 3: Reserve a name and seek activity approval from the DED. In Dubai, you can register IT companies as professional firms with full foreign ownership or as sole proprietorships. If the IT company involves multiple partners, there’s no mandatory share capital, but the articles of association must specify the amount.
The license to set up a free zone IT company will be issued by the respective free zone authority.
Documents to be submitted for registering an IT Company
- Passport copies of the person and his or her partners
- Proof of payment of the initial approval fee
- A copy of the naturalisation book of the local partner
- Sponsor’s No Objection Letter for Expatriate Partners
- A notary should witness the partnership agreement.
- The tenancy contract of the registered office
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IT company setup in Dubai?
Registering a tech business with DET or free zone to offer software, cloud, cybersecurity, and IT consulting legally across UAE.
Mainland vs free zone for IT setup?
Mainland enables onshore clients, government tenders; free zones (DIC, DMCC, IFZA) give 100% ownership, flexible costs, quick setup; use mainland agent for onshore contracts.
How much does IT company setup cost in Dubai?
Typical budgets for free zones are between AED 12,000 and AED 60,000 but they can be higher for mainland premises and bigger visa quotas.
Which activities are allowed under an IT license?
Software development, mobile apps, SaaS, IT consulting, system integration, cloud services, managed services, cybersecurity, AI/ML research; fintech or telecom may need extra approvals.
Documents required for IT company formation Dubai?
Trade name, shareholder passports, professional profiles, activity list, lease/Ejari or flexi-desk, MOA, business plan, insurance quotes and—if sponsored—NOC from employer.
How long does IT licensing take in Dubai?
With complete paperwork, approvals often finish within 3–7 working days;add time for lease, visas, corporate bank account and optional telecom setup.
What about visas and staffing for a Dubai IT firm?
Visa quotas depend on office size and zone; sponsor tech staff, issue labour contracts, WPS payroll, health insurance and maintain HR records.
How to open banking for a Dubai IT startup?
Open a corporate bank account with KYC, UBO, invoices, contracts; maintain clean transactions, VAT filings, and operational substance to pass compliance reviews.
Taxes and accounting for IT companies in Dubai?
Register VAT at thresholds; corporate tax 9% on eligible profits; keep audited financials, contracts, timesheets, and IP assignments for solid compliance.
How do I renew an IT company license in Dubai?
Renew annually: pay DET/free-zone fees, update lease/Ejari, renew visas, insurance, and activity approvals; maintain AML/KYC, cybersecurity, and data-privacy documentation.
