How to Start an IT Consultancy Business in Dubai

An IT consultancy business can be established at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone from AED 12,500. As the UAE aggressively pursues its Digital Economy Strategy, aiming to double the sector's GDP contribution by 2031, the demand for specialized technical oversight has never been higher.  

From SMEs to enterprise-level organisations, businesses are actively investing and migrating to cloud solutions, cybersecurity frameworks, and data infrastructure, the market is actively seeking consultants who can bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and future-ready digital transformation. Setting up your IT consultancy at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone gives you a direct entry into this demand.  

All IT consultancy codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone carry no pre-approval requirements and are licensable within one business day. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers multiple IT-related consultancy activities that can be combined under a single license. This provides operational flexibility and allows businesses to offer a broader range of services.  

For a full overview of the digital setup process, see the online company registration . 

Defining Your Consultancy Scope  

An IT consultancy business license in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can cover a wide range of services depending on the selected business activities code. The license is structured to allow flexibility, enabling businesses to provide consultancy in areas such as IT strategy, network design, cybersecurity, and data management. This ensures that companies can adapt their service offerings based on market demand and client requirements. 

One of the key advantages is that these activities are issued without additional pre-approvals, which helps streamline the setup process and reduce processing time. Before finalising your selection, it is advisable to explore the complete list of activities to ensure your license structure aligns with your business objectives. 

Don’t forget to use the name check tool that simplifies the process of verifying whether your preferred company name is available and compliant with UAE company name rules and regulations.   

Cost of Setting Up an IT Consultancy in Dubai 

The cost of setting up an IT consultancy business in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500. This includes the business license and access to a flexi-desk workspace solution. 

However, the total setup cost may vary depending on additional requirements such as the number of visas, Emirates ID processing, and optional services like bank account assistance. Since each business setup is different, it is recommended to use a cost calculator to get a clear and accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.  

For personalized guidance on your digital setup, you can contact our team directly. 

Key Business Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

• 6202.00   Computer Consultancy Activities 

• 6202.91   Information Technology Consultants 

• 6202.96   Network Consultancies 

• 6202.97   Internet Consultancy 

• 6209.12   Cyber Security Consultancy 

• 6202.98   Managed Cyber Security Services Provider 

• 6209.11   Data Management and Cyber Security Services 

• 6201.98   Cyber Security Architecture 

Computer Consultancy and IT Advisory License - 6202.00 / 6202.91 

Computer Consultancy Activities (6202.00) is the broadest IT advisory code at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. It covers technology strategy, IT architecture planning, systems advisory, digital transformation consultancy, and technology governance.  

Information Technology Consultants (6202.91) is the professional services dimension of the same scope, covering the delivery of IT advisory and professional consulting engagements. Both codes are no-pre-approval and form the foundation of most IT consultancy practices. 

Under this license, you could be a technology strategy consultant advising UAE businesses on cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, or digital transformation roadmaps. You could also be an IT governance consultant helping organisations implement ISO 27001, ITIL frameworks, or UAE government cybersecurity compliance programmes. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Network and Internet Consultancy License - 6202.96 / 6202.97 

Network Consultancies (6202.96) covers the design, assessment, and optimisation of enterprise network infrastructure including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, and wireless networks. Internet Consultancy (6202.97) covers internet strategy, connectivity advisory, and digital infrastructure planning. Both codes are no-pre-approval. Together they cover the network and connectivity advisory dimension of an IT consultancy practice. 

This license is typically used by a network consultant designing secure enterprise WAN and data centre network architectures for UAE corporate clients or advising hospitality groups on their Wi-Fi and connectivity infrastructure strategy. 

Third-Party Approval: None.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Cybersecurity Advisory License - 6209.12 / 6202.98 / 6209.11 / 6201.98 

Cyber Security Consultancy (6209.12) covers the advisory dimension of cybersecurity including risk assessments, security framework design, and compliance advisory. Managed Cyber Security Services Provider (6202.98) covers ongoing managed security operations for client organisations. Data Management and Cyber Security Services (6209.11) covers the combination of data governance and security management. Cyber Security Architecture (6201.98) covers the technical design of security systems and architectures. All four cybersecurity codes carry no pre-approval requirements. 

These activities code allow you to operate as a cybersecurity consultant delivering security framework assessments, penetration testing coordination, and CISO advisory services to UAE enterprises. Or a managed security provider offering 24/7 security monitoring, incident response, and threat intelligence services on a monthly retainer. 

Third-Party Approval: None for all four cybersecurity codes.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Why Choose Dubai South for IT Consultancy? 

The UAE government digital economy agenda, targeting a 20% GDP contribution from the digital sector, is driving consistent enterprise technology investment. Mandatory cybersecurity frameworks, cloud-first government procurement policies, and a large base of international corporations with UAE headquarters all create sustained demand for IT consultancy services.  

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a business environment designed for efficiency and long-term growth. It is strategically located within a master-planned city and provides access to key infrastructure, including proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and major logistics corridors. 

The free zone also supports businesses through a fully digital setup process, flexible licensing options, and an ecosystem of service partners that facilitate smooth operations from the outset. 

How to Launch Your IT Consultancy with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Setting up an IT consultancy business in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a structured process that allows you to move from planning to operation with clarity and speed. The entire process is digital, requiring no paperwork and just a passport copy to apply. 

You can begin by checking your company name availability, browsing the business activities list to confirm your codes, estimating your setup cost, and proceeding with your application. 

All IT consultancy, cybersecurity, and network consultancy codes carry no pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications can be licensed within one business day.  

Operate with 100% ownership, no local sponsor requirement, zero paid-up capital, and full profit repatriation within a tax-efficient UAE free zone structure. Dubai South provides a strategically positioned base for online businesses serving customers across the UAE and wider region. 

Post-Setup Support Through Beyond Hub 

After obtaining your license, additional administrative and operational processes need to be completed to make your business fully functional. 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides access to Beyond Hub, which offers integrated post-setup support. This includes assistance with UAE residency visas, Emirates ID processing, bank account opening, and VAT registration. 

This centralised approach ensures that businesses can manage all essential requirements through a single, coordinated system rather than dealing with multiple service providers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How much does an IT consultancy license cost in Dubai? 

Establishing an IT consultancy firm and getting a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license starts at AED 12,500. There are no pre-approvals required for any IT consultancy or cybersecurity business activity. You can use the cost calculator for a fully itemised estimate of setup pricing including visa and workspace options. 

Q2. What codes do I need for a cybersecurity consultancy? 

Cyber Security Consultancy (6209.12) is the foundational code. Adding Managed Cyber Security Services Provider (6202.98) covers ongoing managed security operations. Data Management and Cyber Security Services (6209.11) covers the data governance dimension. And Cyber Security Architecture (6201.98) covers security systems design. All of them can be included in one Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license. 

Q3. Can I combine IT consultancy with software development? 

Yes, multiple consultancy activities can be combined under a single license, allowing businesses to offer a broader range of IT services. Software development codes (6201.00, 6201.01) can be added alongside IT consultancy codes on a single license, covering both the advisory and technical delivery dimensions of a technology practice. 

Q4. Can I serve international clients from a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone IT license? 

Yes. Free zone companies are permitted to work with clients globally without any restrictions. With Dubai's time zone acting in your favour, you can hold calls with European clients in the morning and Asian clients in the afternoon, making Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone a practical hub for internationally active IT consultants. 

Q5. Can a foreigner own 100% of an IT consultancy in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership of IT consultancy businesses. No local sponsor is required. International technology professionals can establish a fully foreign-owned UAE entity with complete commercial independence. 

Q6. Do I need a physical office for an IT consultancy? 

It not mandatory to have a physical office as A Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers flexi-desk workspace which meets the UAE business address requirement for licensing and banking. Most IT consultants and technology advisors meet clients at their offices rather than maintaining a permanent private office in the early stages of their UAE practice. 

Q7. Can I provide network design services with a Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license? 

Yes. Network Consultancies (6202.96) covers network infrastructure design, assessment, and optimisation advisory. This code supports consultants providing enterprise network architecture, Wi-Fi planning, SD-WAN strategy, data centre networking design, and connectivity infrastructure advisory to corporate and institutional clients across the UAE. 

Q8. Is cybersecurity consultancy regulated in the UAE? 

Cybersecurity consultancy codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone carry no additional regulatory pre-approval requirements beyond the standard free zone licensing process. Some client-facing cybersecurity work may require adherence to specific UAE Cybersecurity Council guidelines at the operational level, particularly when working with regulated sectors such as banking, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Beyond Hub can guide you through any sector-specific compliance considerations. 

Q9. How long does an IT consultancy license take? 

One business day for eligible applications. All IT consultancy, network, internet, and cybersecurity codes carry no pre-approval requirements at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. The digital application requires only a passport copy. 

Q10. How do I start an IT consultancy at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

To start an IT consultancy at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, first review the business activities list to identify the appropriate activity codes. Once confirmed, submit your application digitally along with the required documents. Eligible applications are typically processed and licensed within one business day.