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, enterpri…
Let's Get You Started
Let's Get You Started
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.
Who Can Apply for an ICT License in Dubai?
Who Can Apply for an ICT License in Dubai?
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
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
Popular Activities
Computer Programming Activities
6201.00
Computer Programming Activities
6201.00
Computer Programming Activities
6201.00
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
Mobile App Development
6201.97
Mobile App Development
6201.97
Film and Video Production
5911.01
Film and Video Production
5911.01
Gaming Content Production
5911.13
Gaming Content Production
5911.13
Digital Content Services
6202.11
Digital Content Services
6202.11
Computer Programming Activities
6201.00
Cloud and Data Centre Services
6311.97
Mobile App Development
6201.97
Gaming Content Production
5911.13
Computer Consultancy Activities
6202.00
Cyber Risk Management Services
6209.14
Film and Video Production
5911.01
Digital Content Services
6202.11
Why Dubai South for Trading
Why Dubai South Free Zone for Trading
Why Dubai South for Trading
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For trading businesses that depend on efficient air, sea, and rail freight connections, no other UAE free zone offers the same logistics combination. The proximity alone reduces operational costs and transit times for businesses moving high volumes of goods.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Setup Process
Setup Process
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
01
02
03
04
05
Choose Your Business Activity
Browse the 112 ICT activity codes at dubaisouthbh.com/business-activities. First five codes included at no extra cost.
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
FAQs - ICT License Dubai
FAQs - ICT License Dubai
FAQs - ICT License Dubai
FAQs - ICT License Dubai
Can a Software Developer Set up a One-Person Company in a Dubai Free Zone?
Can a Software Developer Set up a One-Person Company in a Dubai Free Zone?
Can a Dubai Free Zone ICT Company Serve UAE Mainland Clients?
Can a Dubai Free Zone ICT Company Serve UAE Mainland Clients?
What Technology Businesses Can Be Registered in a Dubai Free Zone?
What Technology Businesses Can Be Registered in a Dubai Free Zone?
Is Dubai a Good Base for a Technology Startup?
Is Dubai a Good Base for a Technology Startup?
Can I Own Intellectual Property Through a Dubai ICT Company?
Can I Own Intellectual Property Through a Dubai ICT Company?
Can I Combine Media Production with Software Development Under One License?
Can I Combine Media Production with Software Development Under One License?
Does an ICT Company in Dubai Need Any Special Approvals?
Does an ICT Company in Dubai Need Any Special Approvals?
What is the Corporate Tax Position for ICT Companies in Dubai Free Zones?
What is the Corporate Tax Position for ICT Companies in Dubai Free Zones?
Can I Register a SaaS or Cloud Business in Dubai?
Can I Register a SaaS or Cloud Business in Dubai?
How Much Does an ICT Business License Cost in Dubai?
How Much Does an ICT Business License Cost in Dubai?
