Trade License
How to Register an ICT Business in Dubai Free Zone
How to Register an ICT Business in Dubai Free Zone
Trade License
How to Register an ICT Business in Dubai Free Zone
How to Register an ICT Business in Dubai Free Zone
How to Register an ICT Business in Dubai Free Zone
The UAE’s national digital transformation agenda, AI strategy, and smart city programmes have created one of the most commercially active technology markets in the world. Government mandates, enterprise adoption, and a deep pool of regional tech talent make Dubai a genuinely productive base for ICT businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT and technology activities, the broadest technology license category in the free zone, with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and same-day license issuance.
The UAE’s national digital transformation agenda, AI strategy, and smart city programmes have created one of the most commercially active technology markets in the world. Government mandates, enterprise adoption, and a deep pool of regional tech talent make Dubai a genuinely productive base for ICT businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT and technology activities, the broadest technology license category in the free zone, with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and same-day license issuance.
The UAE’s national digital transformation agenda, AI strategy, and smart city programmes have created one of the most commercially active technology markets in the world. Government mandates, enterprise adoption, and a deep pool of regional tech talent make Dubai a genuinely productive base for ICT businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT and technology activities, the broadest technology license category in the free zone, with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and same-day license issuance.
What Does an ICT Business License Cover?
What Does an ICT Business License Cover?
What Does an ICT Business License Cover?
The ICT license covers software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing and data centres, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content services, publishing, telecommunications, and broadcasting. With 112 activities, this is the most comprehensive technology license available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. Businesses combining multiple technology disciplines can include all relevant codes under one license at no additional cost for the first five.
The ICT license covers software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing and data centres, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content services, publishing, telecommunications, and broadcasting. With 112 activities, this is the most comprehensive technology license available at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. Businesses combining multiple technology disciplines can include all relevant codes under one license at no additional cost for the first five.
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Third-Party Approvals
Third-Party Approvals
Most ICT activities carry no third-party pre-approval requirement. Content for UAE broadcast distribution may require NMC consideration. Regulated virtual asset services require VARA licensing. Certain cybersecurity activities of classified scope may require additional approval. Confirm your specific activity requirements before applying.
Most ICT activities carry no third-party pre-approval requirement. Content for UAE broadcast distribution may require NMC consideration. Regulated virtual asset services require VARA licensing. Certain cybersecurity activities of classified scope may require additional approval. Confirm your specific activity requirements before applying.
Popular Activities
Popular Activities
01
Computer Programming Activities
6201
02
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
03
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
04
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
05
Mobile App Development
6201.97
06
Film and Video Production
5913.01
07
Gaming Content Production
5911.13
08
Digital Content Services
6202.11
01
Computer Programming Activities
6201
02
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
03
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
04
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
05
Mobile App Development
6201.97
06
Film and Video Production
5913.01
07
Gaming Content Production
5911.13
08
Digital Content Services
6202.11
Yes. Solo developers and software studios can register at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone as a sole shareholder with a flexi-desk arrangement. The license is operational within one business day and supports UAE investor visa eligibility. No physical office is required. See same-day license options at dubaisouthbh.com.
Yes. Solo developers and software studios can register at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone as a sole shareholder with a flexi-desk arrangement. The license is operational within one business day and supports UAE investor visa eligibility. No physical office is required. See same-day license options at dubaisouthbh.com.
Yes. Solo developers and software studios can register at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone as a sole shareholder with a flexi-desk arrangement. The license is operational within one business day and supports UAE investor visa eligibility. No physical office is required. See same-day license options at dubaisouthbh.com.
Yes. Solo developers and software studios can register at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone as a sole shareholder with a flexi-desk arrangement. The license is operational within one business day and supports UAE investor visa eligibility. No physical office is required. See same-day license options at dubaisouthbh.com.
Yes. Solo developers and software studios can register at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone as a sole shareholder with a flexi-desk arrangement. The license is operational within one business day and supports UAE investor visa eligibility. No physical office is required. See same-day license options at dubaisouthbh.com.
Yes. Free zone ICT businesses can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients and government entities without restriction. There are no limitations on providing technology services across mainland boundaries from a Dubai free zone.
Yes. Free zone ICT businesses can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients and government entities without restriction. There are no limitations on providing technology services across mainland boundaries from a Dubai free zone.
Yes. Free zone ICT businesses can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients and government entities without restriction. There are no limitations on providing technology services across mainland boundaries from a Dubai free zone.
Yes. Free zone ICT businesses can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients and government entities without restriction. There are no limitations on providing technology services across mainland boundaries from a Dubai free zone.
Yes. Free zone ICT businesses can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients and government entities without restriction. There are no limitations on providing technology services across mainland boundaries from a Dubai free zone.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT activities including software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, data centres, publishing, and broadcasting activities.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT activities including software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, data centres, publishing, and broadcasting activities.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT activities including software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, data centres, publishing, and broadcasting activities.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT activities including software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, data centres, publishing, and broadcasting activities.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 112 ICT activities including software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile app development, film and video production, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, data centres, publishing, and broadcasting activities.
Dubai consistently ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the MENA region. Government digitalisation mandates, a large enterprise market, zero personal income tax, and strategic access to Europe, South Asia, and Africa make it a strong base for technology businesses targeting regional and global markets.
Dubai consistently ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the MENA region. Government digitalisation mandates, a large enterprise market, zero personal income tax, and strategic access to Europe, South Asia, and Africa make it a strong base for technology businesses targeting regional and global markets.
Dubai consistently ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the MENA region. Government digitalisation mandates, a large enterprise market, zero personal income tax, and strategic access to Europe, South Asia, and Africa make it a strong base for technology businesses targeting regional and global markets.
Dubai consistently ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the MENA region. Government digitalisation mandates, a large enterprise market, zero personal income tax, and strategic access to Europe, South Asia, and Africa make it a strong base for technology businesses targeting regional and global markets.
Dubai consistently ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the MENA region. Government digitalisation mandates, a large enterprise market, zero personal income tax, and strategic access to Europe, South Asia, and Africa make it a strong base for technology businesses targeting regional and global markets.
Yes. Software, digital content, and technology IP can be owned and licensed through your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone company. The UAE is a signatory to major international IP conventions. Qualifying IP income may benefit from favourable UAE corporate tax treatment.
Yes. Software, digital content, and technology IP can be owned and licensed through your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone company. The UAE is a signatory to major international IP conventions. Qualifying IP income may benefit from favourable UAE corporate tax treatment.
Yes. Software, digital content, and technology IP can be owned and licensed through your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone company. The UAE is a signatory to major international IP conventions. Qualifying IP income may benefit from favourable UAE corporate tax treatment.
Yes. Software, digital content, and technology IP can be owned and licensed through your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone company. The UAE is a signatory to major international IP conventions. Qualifying IP income may benefit from favourable UAE corporate tax treatment.
Yes. Software, digital content, and technology IP can be owned and licensed through your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone company. The UAE is a signatory to major international IP conventions. Qualifying IP income may benefit from favourable UAE corporate tax treatment.
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes including film production, software development, digital content, and IT consultancy can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes including film production, software development, digital content, and IT consultancy can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes including film production, software development, digital content, and IT consultancy can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes including film production, software development, digital content, and IT consultancy can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes including film production, software development, digital content, and IT consultancy can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Most ICT activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Exceptions include UAE broadcast content (NMC consideration), regulated virtual asset services (VARA), and certain cybersecurity activities. The majority of software, app, and consulting businesses can be registered and operational within one business day.
Most ICT activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Exceptions include UAE broadcast content (NMC consideration), regulated virtual asset services (VARA), and certain cybersecurity activities. The majority of software, app, and consulting businesses can be registered and operational within one business day.
Most ICT activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Exceptions include UAE broadcast content (NMC consideration), regulated virtual asset services (VARA), and certain cybersecurity activities. The majority of software, app, and consulting businesses can be registered and operational within one business day.
Most ICT activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Exceptions include UAE broadcast content (NMC consideration), regulated virtual asset services (VARA), and certain cybersecurity activities. The majority of software, app, and consulting businesses can be registered and operational within one business day.
Most ICT activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Exceptions include UAE broadcast content (NMC consideration), regulated virtual asset services (VARA), and certain cybersecurity activities. The majority of software, app, and consulting businesses can be registered and operational within one business day.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance and qualifying income conditions may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Technology companies with IP assets may benefit from favourable IP income treatment. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance and qualifying income conditions may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Technology companies with IP assets may benefit from favourable IP income treatment. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance and qualifying income conditions may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Technology companies with IP assets may benefit from favourable IP income treatment. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance and qualifying income conditions may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Technology companies with IP assets may benefit from favourable IP income treatment. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance and qualifying income conditions may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Technology companies with IP assets may benefit from favourable IP income treatment. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax advisor.
Yes. Cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS development are all available as ICT activity codes. UAE data residency requirements apply to certain government and sensitive data categories when architecting your infrastructure.
Yes. Cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS development are all available as ICT activity codes. UAE data residency requirements apply to certain government and sensitive data categories when architecting your infrastructure.
Yes. Cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS development are all available as ICT activity codes. UAE data residency requirements apply to certain government and sensitive data categories when architecting your infrastructure.
Yes. Cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS development are all available as ICT activity codes. UAE data residency requirements apply to certain government and sensitive data categories when architecting your infrastructure.
Yes. Cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS development are all available as ICT activity codes. UAE data residency requirements apply to certain government and sensitive data categories when architecting your infrastructure.
ICT licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year with the first five codes included. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised itemised estimate.
ICT licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year with the first five codes included. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised itemised estimate.
ICT licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year with the first five codes included. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised itemised estimate.
ICT licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year with the first five codes included. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised itemised estimate.
ICT licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year with the first five codes included. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised itemised estimate.