IT & Software Company Setup Dubai – UAE

Seeking a lucrative business opportunity in the Middle East? Consider establishing an IT & Software company in Dubai. Dubai ranks among the fastest-growing, most innovative cities globally. It boasts a thriving IT sector, drawing talent and investment worldwide.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps and requirements for starting an IT & Software business setup in Dubai, and explain why it is a smart move for your business.

Why start an IT & Software company in Dubai?

Dubai is a global hub for technology and innovation. Consequently, the city has a vision to become a smart city that leverages digital solutions to enhance the quality of life and economic growth. Dubai offers many advantages for IT & Software entrepreneurs, such as:

• A strategic location that connects Asia, Africa and Europe, and allows access to a large and diverse market of over 2 billion people.
• A low tax environment that exempts IT & Software companies from corporate and personal income tax, as well as customs duties on imports and exports.
• A supportive business ecosystem that provides various incentives, subsidies, grants and funding opportunities for IT & Software startups and SMEs.
• A world-class infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art telecommunications, transportation, utilities and internet services.
• The skilled workforce in Dubai is multicultural. It comprises over 200 nationalities. This diverse workforce holds high levels of education. They have proficiency in English and Arabic. Additionally, they possess expertise in various IT & Software domains.
• Dubai boasts a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle. It embraces rich cultural diversity. The city maintains a high standard of living. It provides a safe and secure environment. Additionally, it offers a plethora of leisure and entertainment options.

How to start an IT & Software company in Dubai?

Starting an IT & Software company in Dubai is not a complicated process, but it requires some planning and preparation. Here are the main steps you need to follow:

• Choose a suitable location: When establishing your IT & Software company in Dubai, you’re faced with a choice between two types of locations: mainland or free zone. Mainland areas, overseen by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), enable direct trading with the local market without restrictions. On the other hand, free zones, as special economic zones, offer advantages like 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of capital and profits, alongside various other benefits. However, free zones have certain limitations on the type and scope of business activities you can conduct. Some of the most popular free zones for IT & Software companies in Dubai are Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), Dubai Internet City (DIC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Dubai Outsource City (DOC).
• Register your trade name: You need to register a legal trade name for your company under the government of Dubai. Your trade name should reflect the nature and activity of your business, and should not be similar or identical to any existing trade name in the UAE. However, you can check the availability of your trade name online through the DED or the free zone authority websites.
• Get license approvals: You need to obtain a business license from the relevant authority to operate your IT & Software company in Dubai. Depending on your business activity, you may need either a commercial license or a professional license. A commercial license allows you to engage in trading activities such as buying, selling, importing and exporting IT & Software products or services. A professional license allows you to provide consultancy, advisory, design, development or maintenance services related to IT & Software. You may also need to obtain additional approvals from other government entities depending on your specific business activity.
• Visa: You need to apply for a visa for yourself and your employees to work legally in Dubai. The type and number of visas you can obtain depend on your business location, license type and share capital. Generally, free zones offer more flexibility and options for visas than mainland areas. You can also sponsor your family members to join you in Dubai once you have obtained your visa.