How Much Does It Cost to Start an IT Consultancy and Online Trading Business in Dubai?

An IT consultancy and online trading business can be established at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone from AED 12,500, offering a flexible entry into the UAE’s growing digital and technology-driven economy. The UAE’s digital sector is expanding rapidly, with government initiatives targeting a 20% GDP contribution by 2031. Combining IT consultancy with online trading is a common business model, allowing companies to offer advisory services alongside the distribution of software and technology products under a single license, with no pre-approvals required for any of these activity codes. 

The UAE’s massive SME sector and the ongoing enterprise digital transformation pipeline create a consistent demand for experts in cloud migration, cyber security, and digital strategy. For technology professionals ready to formalize their practice in a globally connected hub, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offer a fast, cost-effective, and entirely digital licensing pathway. 

For a full walkthrough of the digital setup process at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, see the online company registration in Dubai guide. 

Get Your IT and Online Trading License 

Before submitting your application, use the name check tool to confirm your company name is available and compliant with UAE regulations. Business license for IT and technology firms start from AED 12,500. Your total first-year investment will depend on your choice of workspace, from flexible desks to private offices, and the number of residence/investor visas. You can use the Cost Calculator for an estimate on IT and online trading license cost, or contact our team directly. 

Key IT Business Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

• 6202.00   Computer Consultancy Activities 

• 6200.00   Computer Programming, Consultancy and Related Activities 

• 6209.13   Security Systems Consultancy 

• 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 

• 7210.98   Science and Technology Consultancy 

• 4790.00   E-Commerce (for online product trading) 

• 4651.02   Wholesale of Software 

• 4741.87   Computer Systems & Communication Equipment Software Trading 

• 4741.96   Encryption Software Trading 

IT Consultancy License - 6202.00 / 6202.91 / 6202.96 / 6202.97 

Computer Consultancy Activities (6202.00) is the broadest IT advisory code. Information Technology Consultants (6202.91) is the specific code for IT consulting firms and individual advisors. Network Consultancies (6202.96) covers network infrastructure advisory and planning. Internet Consultancy (6202.97) covers internet strategy, connectivity, and digital infrastructure advisory. Together they cover the full scope of technology advisory from cloud strategy and infrastructure planning to vendor selection, digital transformation, and IT governance. 

These activities are typically used by a technology strategy consultant advising UAE businesses on cloud migration and IT governance, or a fractional CTO serving multiple early-stage UAE startups on technology stack and vendor relationships on a monthly retainer without being employed full-time by any single client. 

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

Cyber Security Advisory License - 6209.12 / 6202.98 / 6209.11 / 6201.98 

Cyber Security Consultancy (6209.12), Managed Cyber Security Services Provider (6202.98), Data Management and Cyber Security Services (6209.11), and Cyber Security Architecture (6201.98) cover the four primary cyber security advisory models at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. As UAE regulatory requirements around data protection tighten, demand for independent cyber security advisory is growing across financial services, healthcare, and enterprise technology sectors. All four codes carry no pre-approval requirements. 

You could operate as a cyber security consultant delivering NIST framework assessments for UAE financial institutions, or a managed security services provider offering threat monitoring and incident response advisory on a structured retainer model for enterprise clients. 

Third-Party Approval: None for all cyber security advisory codes.  |  AML / DNFBP: Exempt. 

Online Trading and Software License - 4790.00 / 4651.02 

E-Commerce (4790.00) covers online retail of technology and related products. Wholesale of Software (4651.02) covers the commercial distribution of software licenses, buying software rights from publishers, and reselling to business clients. For IT businesses that combine advisory with product sales, these codes provide the trading dimension alongside the consultancy scope. One license covers both your service and product revenue streams. 

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

Science and Technology Consultancy License - 7210.98 

Science and Technology Consultancy (7210.98) cover broader technology and innovation advisory, including emerging technology assessment, R&D advisory, and technology commercialisation consulting. For IT businesses that advise on cutting-edge technology adoption beyond standard IT consultancy scope, this code adds the research and innovation advisory dimension to your license. 

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

Setting Up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

Our licensing process is built for technology-forward professionals who value speed and administrative simplicity. We suggest all technology founders consult the list of business activities to confirm their code selection. Since IT consultancy and online trading codes carry no external pre-approval requirements, you can submit digitally with a passport copy and eligible digital applications are typically licensed within one business day. 

Once your license is issued, the Beyond Hub platform manages all post-licensing essentials, including your residence visas, corporate bank account introductions, and VAT registration. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is home to a technology-forward business community from over 100 nationalities. Dubai’s UTC+4 time zone bridges the gap between European and Asian business hours, making your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone consultancy an ideal hub for serving international clients from a single, tax-efficient UAE entity. 

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, zero paid-up capital, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation. Positioned within a globally connected business environment, it provides a practical base for IT consultancies and technology businesses serving both regional and international clients. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How much does an IT consultancy and online trading license cost? 

Licenses start from AED 12,500, with total costs depending on visa requirements and workspace selection. No pre-approvals required for any IT consultancy or online trading code. Use the cost calculator for a fully itemised estimate including visa and workspace costs. 

Q2. Do I need pre-approvals for IT consultancy or cyber security? 

No. All IT consultancy, cyber security advisory, network consultancy, internet consultancy, and technology advisory codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone are free of pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications are licensed within one business day. Before you begin, using the name check tool ensures your chosen business name is available and compliant with UAE regulations, preventing any delays in your 24-hour licensing process. 

Q3. Can I sell software and technology products alongside my consultancy? 

Yes. Wholesale of Software (4651.02) and E-Commerce (4790.00) can be combined with IT consultancy codes on a single Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license, allowing you to invoice for advisory and product sales from one UAE entity. 

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

Yes. Free zone companies can invoice and serve clients anywhere in the world without restriction. Many IT-based consultancies at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone serve UAE and GCC clients as their primary market while also managing project-based engagements for international clients in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, all billed from a single UAE entity. 

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

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership of IT consultancy and technology businesses. No local sponsor is required. This is particularly important for technology professionals who want to retain full control of their intellectual property, client relationships, and business decisions without sharing equity with any third party. 

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

Not mandatory. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers flexi-desk options that meet the legal requirement of a physical business address for licensing and banking purposes. Most IT consultants meet clients at client premises or co-working spaces without needing a permanent private office, especially in the early stages of building their UAE practice. 

Q7. Can I combine IT consultancy with software development? 

Yes. Software development codes (6201.00, 6201.01) can be added alongside IT consultancy codes on a single DWC-LLC license, covering advisory, development, and product trading from one business. One license, one bank account, and one VAT registration covers the full scope of your technology business. 

Q8. Is UAE corporate tax applicable to IT businesses? 

UAE corporate tax at 9% applies above AED 375,000 annually. Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income subject to compliance with qualifying free zone person conditions under UAE corporate tax regulations. 

Q9. Is VAT required for IT consultancy services? 

Yes, above AED 375,000 in annual taxable supplies. IT consultancy and technology services are generally subject to 5% UAE VAT. 

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

When registering a business in Dubai, your company name must be unique and approved by UAE authorities. Using the name check tool helps you verify availability instantly. After confirming your name, estimate your budget via the Cost Calculator and select your codes from the list of business activities to apply online with a passport copy. All IT consultancy and online trading codes carry no pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications are licensed within one business day.