IT Consultancy
Business Setup in Dubai, UAE

Dubai offers several jurisdictions where you can establish your IT business, each with its benefits and regulations. The two main options are:

Mainland:

IT consultancy in Dubai mainland allows you to conduct business anywhere in Dubai and the UAE. You need a local sponsor who holds 51% of the industry’s shares.

Free Zone:

Setting up an IT consultancy in the Dubai free zone offers 100% ownership, tax benefits, and simplified set-up procedures. However, business activities are typically restricted to within the free zone or international markets.

Popular Free Zones for IT Businesses:

• Dubai Internet City (DIC)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Clearly define the scope of your IT consultancy setup in Dubai. The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the respective free zones have lists of approved business activities.

Common IT business activities include:

• Software Development
• IT Consulting
• Cybersecurity Services
• Data Analytics
• Cloud Computing Services

Choosing a trading name for your business involves adhering to specific naming conventions and regulations:

Uniqueness:

The name should be unique and not already registered by another entity.

Appropriateness:

It should not include offensive or blasphemous language.

Structure:

If you’re naming the business after an individual, it must include their full name (no initials or abbreviations).

Submit your trade name for approval to the DED (for mainland businesses) or the relevant free zone authority.

To set up an IT consultancy firm in Dubai, obtaining a business license is crucial and involves several steps:

Mainland License

1. Apply for initial approval from the DED, ensuring you can start mainland IT consultancy.
2. Memorandum of Association (MOA): Draft and notarize the MOA with your local sponsor.
3. Secure an office space and obtain a tenancy contract.
4. Submit all required documents to the DED, including the initial approval, MOA, tenancy contract, and identification documents.
5. Pay the necessary licensing fees.
6. Once approved, you’ll receive your trade license, allowing you to operate your IT business.

Free Zone License

1. For IT consultancy set up in Dubai free zone, apply to the chosen free zone authority, including details of your business activities and shareholders.
2. Obtain initial approval from the free zone authority.
3. Choose an office space within the free zone.
4. Provide the necessary documents, such as passport copies, business plan, and initial approval.
5. Pay the applicable licensing and registration fees.
6. Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your business license.