IT Consultancy Setup in Dubai from India: License, Cost and Client Billing
Topic Summary
Form a Free Zone Company Remotely
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone (DSBH) issues your trade license, and most paperwork can be completed digitally from India. You keep 100% ownership with no local sponsor.
Choose Your License Activity Precisely
Pick the activity that matches what you invoice for, such as IT consultancy, programming or network consultancy. Related activities can be combined on one license, which helps you avoid amendments later.
Budget Beyond the AED 12,500 License
DSBH IT consultancy licenses start from AED 12,500, but total first-year cost also includes visas, medicals and Emirates ID fees. Each extra visa or partner raises the total, so use the cost calculator for a quote.
Follow the Six-Stage Setup Process
Confirm your activity, check the name, submit documents, receive the license, complete visa and medical steps, then collect your Emirates ID and open a bank account. Many of these stages can be done remotely.
Register for UAE Corporate Tax
Your company must register with the Federal Tax Authority under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Plan for this early so your compliance is in place before you invoice.
Fund the Company Through RBI LRS
Indian founders can remit capital under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme and should report it to the Income Tax Department. Account for bank charges and conversion spreads when planning transfers.
Invoice UAE and Global Clients
Your Dubai license lets you bill clients in the UAE and abroad. The AED is pegged to the USD, which keeps budgeting and pricing stable, and the India-UAE CEPA supports services market access.
IT consultancy setup in Dubai from India means forming a free zone company with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone (DSBH), usually remotely, to sell technology advisory and systems services. You get a trade license, full foreign ownership, a residency route and the right to invoice clients in the UAE and abroad.
The timing helps. The UAE targets a digital economy worth 19.4% of GDP by 2031 (UAE Government Portal, 2026) [1]. DSBH IT consultancy licenses start from AED 12,500 [2]. This guide is for Indian founders who want a clear path from idea to first invoice. It sits under our pillar on moving to Dubai from India.
How a Dubai Company for Indian Founders Works
DSBH issues your trade license, and you own 100% of the company with no local sponsor. Picture a Bengaluru software architect forming a one-person consultancy to serve Gulf and European clients. Most paperwork happens digitally from India.
Why Indian Technology Professionals Choose Dubai
Working hours overlap with India, the Gulf and Europe.
Cloud, cyber and systems advisory demand is strong.
Residency links to your company license.
Banking and tax rules are clearly documented.
A Pune cloud consultant, for example, can move from project contracts to a licensed entity serving enterprise clients.
Choosing the Right Professional License for IT Consultancy Setup in Dubai from India
Pick the license activity that matches what you actually invoice for. IT consultancy suits advisory work, while programming or network consultancy suit narrower offers. DSBH lets you combine related activities on one license, so choose precisely to avoid amendments later.
Matching Activities to Your Service Line
A founder selling ERP advisory plus custom development can select two related activities at formation. Map each activity to your contracts and invoices. Review the full business activities list, or read our guide to the IT consultancy business license.
Key Facts for IT Consultancy Setup in Dubai from India
Topic | What Indian Founders Need to Know |
|---|---|
License cost | From AED 12,500 at DSBH, license only. |
Ownership | 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor. |
Residency | Visa via the ICP and GDRFA, then an Emirates ID. |
Corporate tax | FTA registration under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. |
Funding from India | Remit under RBI LRS; report to the Income Tax Department. |
Trade framework | India-UAE CEPA supports services market access. |
Checking Your Company Name and Activity List
Run the name check before paying.
Test three name variants.
Avoid names close to existing entities.
Cost Breakdown for Business Setup in Dubai from India
Your first-year cost has three parts: the license, the visa package and one-off charges such as medicals and Emirates ID. DSBH IT consultancy licenses start from AED 12,500, but total spend depends on visa count. Use the cost calculator for an exact quote.
License, Visa and Registration Costs
License: from AED 12,500.
Visas: each one adds cost.
Medical and Emirates ID fees apply.
A two-partner team pays more than a solo founder.
Converting AED Costs to INR Planning Figures
The AED is pegged to the USD, so budgeting stays stable. Convert at the live rate, then add bank charges and conversion spreads. Keep a buffer for renewal. That matters for any Dubai free zone Indian founder planning year two.
Setting Up or Buying a License
A founder holding a signed contract may prefer taking over an existing license for a faster start. Price both routes in the calculator before deciding.
Process for IT Consultancy Setup in Dubai from India
The process runs in six stages: confirm activity, check the name, submit documents, receive the license, complete visa and medical steps, then collect your Emirates ID and open a bank account. Many stages can be completed remotely.
Step 1: Confirm Activity and Name
Select the IT consultancy activity.
Confirm the name.
Confirm shareholder and manager details.
Step 2: Submit Documents and Receive the License
Send passport copies and forms digitally.
Sign remotely where available.
DSBH issues your trade license.
Step 3: Complete Residency and Emirates ID
The GDRFA handles entry permit and status change (GDRFA Dubai).
Complete your medical and biometrics in one trip.
The ICP issues your Emirates ID (ICP).
Corporate Tax and Registration Rules for Indian-Owned IT Consultancies
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, UAE businesses must register for corporate tax with the FTA. A 9% rate applies above AED 375,000 [3], and qualifying free zone income can be taxed at 0% if conditions are met. Seek professional advice.
Registering with the FTA
Register after your license issues, even if your rate may be 0%. Keep records and file on time. VAT registration depends on turnover (Federal Tax Authority, 2026).
Qualifying Free Zone Income and Services to Clients Abroad
The 0% rate is conditional, never automatic.
Substance and revenue type matter.
Overseas fees and mainland fees may be treated differently.
Confirm treatment with a qualified tax adviser.
Funding Your Company and Moving Money from India
Indian residents fund overseas ventures through bank channels under RBI LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme), which sets an annual limit per individual. Report foreign assets and income to the Income Tax Department. Confirm current rules with an Indian chartered accountant.
Using RBI LRS for Share Capital and Fees
Remit license and visa fees from your Indian savings account through an authorised dealer bank. Keep purpose codes and supporting documents. UAE banking context is on the Central Bank of the UAE site.
Reporting Foreign Income to the Income Tax Department
Disclose foreign assets and income.
Check your residency days if you split time between Mumbai and Dubai.
Keep UAE accounts and contracts organised.
Billing International Clients from Your Dubai Company
Invoice clients in AED, USD or the client's currency, showing license details, a clear service description and payment terms. Contract in the company's name and receive funds in the UAE corporate account. Review VAT on cross-border services with your adviser.
Invoicing Indian, Gulf and Global Clients
A DSBH consultancy might bill a Mumbai client in USD and a Riyadh client in AED. Include your license number and TRN (Tax Registration Number) where applicable. Contract with the company, not yourself.
What the India-UAE CEPA Means for Service Providers
The India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) supports services trade between both countries. Treat it as a market-access advantage, not a tax exemption. Verify sector coverage before relying on it.
Your Next Move for IT Consultancy Setup in Dubai from India
IT consultancy setup in Dubai from India comes down to four things: the right license, a clear first-year cost, tax and funding compliance, and clean billing. Review business activities to pick your license, then price your setup or license purchase in the cost calculator.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
