To setup an IT services business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, the basic licensing starts at AED 12,500 and increases as you add more services such as VAT registration, banking assistance and flexible coworking spaces. Dubai's technology sector is growing at pace, driven by government digital transformation investments, a large enterprise client base, and a growing startup and SME ecosystem. 

This growth has created consistent demand for IT services across industries. Businesses providing software development, IT consultancy, system integration, and software publishing products operate within an active and commercially viable market from the outset. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides a fast, cost-effective pathway to a licensed UAE IT services entity. 

IT services at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone cover software development, software publishing, software product trading, and professional IT consultancy. Most activities do not require pre-approvals, allowing eligible applications to be licensed within one business day. Telecommunications-related activities may require approval from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. 

For a step-by-step overview of the process, you can refer to the online company registration in Dubai guide. 

Getting Your IT Services License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

An IT services license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500.  

The IT services business can be structured in different ways depending on how you intend to operate. Some businesses focus on custom software development and client projects, while others build proprietary products or operate as software distributors. Many combine all three, offering consultancy, development, and product distribution under one license. 

Since no two business structures are the same, using the cost calculator provides a clearer estimate based on your specific requirements. Selecting the right activity structure at the outset allows your business to scale without requiring amendments later. For tailored guidance, you may also contact the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone team. 

Business Activity Codes for IT Services 

• 6200.00   Computer Programming, Consultancy and Related Activities 

• 6201.00   Computer Programming Activities 

• 6201.01   Designing the Structure and Content of Computer Code 

• 5820.00   Software Publishing 

• 5820.01   Publishing of Ready-Made Software 

• 4651.02   Wholesale of Software 

• 4741.87   Computer Systems and Communication Equipment Software Trading 

• 4741.96   Encryption Software Trading 

Computer Programming and Development - 6200.00 / 6201.00 / 6201.01 

Computer Programming, Consultancy and Related Activities (6200.00) acts as the umbrella activity for most IT service providers. It covers software development, system integration, and technical consultancy.  

Computer Programming Activities (6201.00) focuses on the development of software applications, systems, and programmes. While Designing the Structure and Content of Computer Code (6201.01) applies to the technical architecture and code design phase of software development. Together these three codes provide comprehensive coverage for an IT services business delivering custom software, application development, systems integration, and IT technical services. 

A business operating under these activities may function as a software development company building custom enterprise applications for UAE corporate clients, a mobile app development studio serving the UAE startup ecosystem, or an IT services firm delivering systems integration projects for UAE government and corporate clients. 

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

Software Publishing License - 5820.00 / 5820.01 

Software Publishing (5820.00) and Publishing of Ready-Made Software (5820.01) apply to businesses that publishes and commercially distribute software products along with commercial publication of non-customised software products respectively. Unlike development-focused activities, these codes are suited to companies that create proprietary software and bring it to market as a commercial product rather than delivering custom development services on a project basis. 

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

Software Trading - 4651.02 / 4741.87 / 4741.96 

Wholesale of Software (4651.02) covers the wholesale supply and distribution of software products. Computer Systems and Communication Equipment Software Trading (4741.87) covers trading in system software, firmware, and communication equipment software. Encryption Software Trading (4741.96) covers the commercial trading of encryption and security software products. These trading codes are appropriate for IT businesses that resell or distribute software products alongside developing or publishing their own. 

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

Why Dubai for IT Services Businesses? 

The UAE technology sector is growing, with government investment in smart city infrastructure, digita services, AI adoption, and cloud transformation. It all creates high demand for IT services companies across both public and private sectors.  

The presence of multinational companies, regional headquarters, and fast-growing startups creates a commercially active environment for IT service providers. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone places your IT business within a master-planned business district with connectivity to key corporate client clusters across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

How to Get Your IT Services License at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

The setup process is handled entirely online, allowing you to move from application to license issuance without physical paperwork or in-person steps. You begin by selecting your business activities and confirming your company name. You can run a company name check to confirm whether your preferred business name is available and ensure compliance before proceeding with registration. Once finalised, the application can be submitted online with the required documents, including a passport copy. 

Beyond Hub handles post-licensing and provides value-added business support services such as handling UAE residence visa applications, corporate bank account introductions, and VAT registration. IT services companies often benefit from early VAT registration as they invoice corporate clients who require VAT-registered suppliers for their own input tax recovery.  

Most IT activities carry no pre-approval requirements, allowing eligible applications to be licensed within one business day. Businesses operate with 100% foreign ownership, zero paid-up capital, and full profit repatriation within a UAE free zone structure.