Technology businesses in Dubai operate in one of the most actively digitalising economies in the world. Government initiatives across smart city infrastructure, AI adoption, and digital transformation have created a deep and sustained commercial pipeline for IT service providers and hardware suppliers alike.  

Whether you are building a hardware distribution business, an IT services company, or a combination of the two, the license structure at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is designed to accommodate both without overcomplicating the setup. 

What Does a Computer Hardware and IT Services License Cover? 

A computer hardware and IT services license covers two distinct but complementary business areas. On the hardware side, it authorises trading, importing, and distributing computers, peripherals, networking equipment, and IT accessories.  

On the services side, it covers IT consultancy, systems integration, network management, software installation, and technology support. For a detailed look at the full technology licensing environment at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, the ICT hub page covers the landscape in depth. 

Computer Hardware and IT Services License Requirements 

The standard documentation applies: passport copy for all shareholders, proof of residential address, and a proposed company name. Most computer hardware trading and IT services activities carry no specialist third-party approval requirements and can be licensed within one business day.  

Certain cybersecurity-related services may require additional licensing depending on the nature of the work involved. 

Computer Hardware and IT Services Activity Codes 

Activity codes for computer hardware and IT services businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone: 

• 4651.01, Wholesale of Computers and Computer Peripheral Equipment 

• 4741.86, Computer Equipment and Requisites Trading 

• 4741.88, Computer and Data Processing Requisites Trading 

• 6201.00, Computer Programming Activities 

• 6202.00, Computer Consultancy Activities 

• 6202.90, Computer Systems Consultancies 

• 6202.91, Information Technology Consultants 

• 6202.92, Information Technology Network Services 

• 6209.03, Software Installation 

• 6209.00, Other Information Technology and Computer Service Activities 

The full list of ICT activity codes is available on the business activities page. 

Setup Costs for a Computer Hardware and IT Services Business 

A license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year, with the first five activity codes included. Each additional code beyond five costs AED 2,000. For a business combining hardware trading and IT services codes, this makes it straightforward to cover both operations under one license cost-effectively.  

Visa requirements and additional services determine where your total lands beyond the base. IT businesses operating lean with a small remote team have a different cost profile than hardware distributors who need warehouse staff and logistics support from day one. Investor visas, Emirates ID, medical checks, and bank account assistance are all priced separately. Run your specific configuration through the cost calculator before you commit.  

Setting Up Your IT Business 

Use the name check tool to confirm your business name before applying. The full application is digital and the license can typically be issued within one business day. As a free zone company, you benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full repatriation of profits, with no local sponsor or UAE national partner required. For businesses that operate remotely and serve clients internationally, the remote license structure at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides a compelling and cost-efficient base. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What license do I need for a computer hardware trading business in Dubai? 

You need a free zone trade license with relevant hardware trading activity codes such as 4651.01 or 4741.86 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

Can I combine IT services and hardware trading under one license? 

Yes. Trading and services activity codes can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost. 

Do IT consultancies in Dubai need any special approvals? 

Most IT consultancy activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone carry no third-party pre-approval requirement. Cybersecurity-related services may require additional licensing depending on scope. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of an IT company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits full foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required. 

What is the minimum cost to set up an IT services business in Dubai? 

A license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. 

Can a Dubai free zone IT company serve mainland UAE clients? 

Yes. Free zone IT services companies can provide services to clients across the UAE mainland without restriction. 

How long does it take to get a computer hardware or IT services license? 

For standard activities without third-party approval requirements, the license is typically issued within one business day. 

Is VAT applicable to IT services in the UAE? 

IT services provided within the UAE are generally subject to 5% VAT. Services exported to non-UAE clients may be zero-rated. Confirm your VAT position with a qualified adviser. 

Can I operate my IT business from home or remotely? 

Yes. A flexi-desk arrangement at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone gives you a registered business address without requiring a physical office, which is well suited to remote-first IT businesses. 

What are the benefits of setting up an IT business in a Dubai free zone? 

Key benefits include 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, no minimum capital requirement, and proximity to one of the world's most advanced digital infrastructure environments.