How to Get an IT Consultancy Services Business License in Dubai
Dubai's technology sector is expanding at pace, making it one of the most strategically attractive destinations in the world for IT consultancy businesses seeking a regulated, internationally connected base. This guide explains how to obtain a Business License for computer consultancy activities (Activity Code 6202) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering what the license includes, who it suits, setup costs, and the step-by-step process.
Key Stats: IT Consultancy at Dubai South Free Zone
Activity Code: 6202 (Computer Consultancy and Computer Facilities Management Activities)
License Type: Business License | Category: ICT
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted, no local sponsor required
Typical License Issuance Timeline: 3 to 7 working days once documents are complete
UAE Corporate Tax rate on qualifying free zone income: 0%
Location Advantage: Adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai
Why Dubai Is a Strong Base for IT Consultancy
Dubai's ICT sector is a central pillar of the emirate's economic diversification strategy. The UAE's digital economy is targeted to contribute 20% of GDP within the coming decade, supported by government-backed initiatives including the UAE National AI Strategy 2031 and the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy. These programmes are generating sustained institutional and commercial demand for qualified IT advisory services.
Dubai South is particularly well-positioned for technology businesses. Located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai, the free zone sits at the intersection of global logistics, aviation, and enterprise activity. This gives IT consultancy firms immediate access to a concentrated base of multinational clients operating across the aviation, logistics, and trade sectors.
Free zone registration at Dubai South permits 100% foreign ownership without the requirement for a local Emirati sponsor. Shareholders retain full rights to repatriate profits and capital, with no restrictions on currency transfer. The growing regional demand for managed IT, cloud advisory, and digital transformation consulting across the GCC makes a Dubai South base a logical entry point for international technology firms.
What the IT Consultancy Business License Covers
The Business License issued under Activity Code 6202 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone covers computer consultancy and computer facilities management activities, as classified under the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) framework. This is an ICT category license.
Permitted activities under this license include IT strategy advisory, systems integration consulting, technology project management, IT infrastructure planning, and general computer consultancy services. Businesses may advise clients on hardware and software selection, design and implement technology roadmaps, and provide ongoing technology management guidance.
Activities that fall outside the scope of this license, such as software development, data processing, or internet service provision, carry separate activity codes and may require distinct licenses or supplementary approvals. If your business model spans multiple ICT activities, it is advisable to confirm the full activity list with Dubai South at the application stage to avoid compliance gaps.
Who This License Is Suited To
The Activity Code 6202 Business License is well-suited to a broad range of technology professionals and organisations, including:
Independent IT consultants and boutique advisory firms entering the Gulf market for the first time
International technology companies establishing a regional hub or representative office in the UAE
Entrepreneurs offering specialised services such as cybersecurity strategy, ERP consulting, digital transformation advisory, or cloud migration planning
IT project managers and technology directors seeking a compliant structure to operate on a contract or retainer basis across the GCC
Setup Costs and Licensing Requirements
Indicative costs at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone include license registration fees, which vary depending on the package selected and the number of visa allocations required. As a general guide, entry-level packages for a single-shareholder company with a flexi-desk facility and one visa allocation typically start from approximately AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year, inclusive of license and facility fees. Costs are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the free zone authority before committing.
Legal structure options include the Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder and the Free Zone Company (FZCO) for two or more shareholders. There is no mandatory minimum share capital requirement for most ICT activity licenses at Dubai South, though this should be verified at the time of application.
Visa allocations are linked to the size of the facility taken. A flexi-desk arrangement typically supports one to two visas, while dedicated office space unlocks higher allocations. Each employment visa involves additional fees for medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping.
Ongoing Compliance Considerations
License holders must renew their Business License annually and maintain a valid lease agreement throughout the license period. The UAE Corporate Tax regime, which came into effect from June 2023, requires all businesses, including free zone entities, to register with the Federal Tax Authority. Free zone companies earning qualifying income may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate, provided they meet the conditions set out under the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules. Economic Substance Regulations may also apply to ICT activities, requiring annual notification and, where relevant, a substance report. Professional tax advice is strongly recommended to ensure ongoing compliance.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your License
The process for obtaining an IT consultancy Business License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone follows a clear sequence of steps:
Step 1: Confirm that Activity Code 6202 covers your intended business activities and select the appropriate legal structure (FZE or FZCO) based on the number of shareholders.
Step 2: Reserve a trade name through the Dubai South portal, ensuring it complies with UAE naming conventions. Submit the initial application form alongside the required supporting documents.
Step 3: Receive initial approval from the free zone authority. Prepare and notarise the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and, where applicable, the Articles of Association (AOA).
Step 4: Sign a lease agreement for your chosen facility, whether a flexi-desk, serviced office, or dedicated unit. The lease must be in place before the license is issued.
Step 5: Pay the applicable license and registration fees. Collect your Business License. Apply for the establishment card and then proceed with employee and investor visa applications as required.
Key Documents Required
The standard document checklist for an IT consultancy license application at Dubai South includes:
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Completed application forms provided by the free zone authority
A business plan summary, which may be requested for certain activity types
A no-objection letter (NOC) from a current employer if the applicant is a UAE resident employed under an existing visa
Proof of residential address for shareholders, such as a utility bill or bank statement
Business Potential and Market Outlook for IT Consultancy in Dubai
The UAE's National AI Strategy and smart government agenda are creating a sustained pipeline of technology advisory work across both the public and private sectors. Digital transformation programmes, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity investment are accelerating across the GCC, with Dubai consistently ranked as the region's leading technology hub.
IT consultancy is a high-margin, low-overhead business model that scales efficiently within a free zone structure. Day rates for senior technology consultants in the UAE market typically range from USD 800 to USD 2,500 depending on specialisation and client profile, with project-based engagements often generating stronger margins than equivalent work in European markets.
Free zone license holders are permitted to provide consultancy services to clients outside the UAE, effectively re-exporting advisory services to regional and international clients without restriction. This makes Dubai South an effective regional hub for firms serving clients across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and beyond. The proximity to major logistics, aviation, and enterprise clients within the Dubai South ecosystem also creates direct commercial opportunity on the doorstep.
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