An ICT business license in Dubai allows entrepreneurs and companies to legally operate technology-related businesses such as software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile applications, digital content, and other information and communication technology activities.
Dubai has become an important business hub for technology companies, startups, software developers, IT consultants, SaaS businesses, and digital service providers. For entrepreneurs looking to establish a technology company in the UAE, choosing the right business activity and licensing jurisdiction is one of the first and most important decisions.
For businesses considering a free zone setup, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a dedicated ICT and technology license covering a broad range of technology activities. Its current ICT offering includes 112 activities, ranging from computer programming and consultancy to cloud services, cybersecurity, mobile app development, gaming, digital content, telecommunications, and broadcasting.
What Is an ICT Business License in Dubai?
An ICT business license is a trade license that authorises a company to conduct approved information and communication technology activities in Dubai.
Depending on the selected activity, an ICT company may provide services such as:
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Software development
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Computer programming
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IT consultancy
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Mobile application development
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Cloud computing
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Data centre services
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Cybersecurity and cyber risk management
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SaaS development
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Digital content services
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Gaming content production
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Film and video production
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Telecommunications-related activities
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Publishing and broadcasting activities
The exact activities available depend on the licensing authority and the activity codes selected during company formation.
The UAE's official business framework also emphasises selecting the correct business activity because the activity influences the applicable license and legal structure.
Why Set Up an ICT Company in Dubai?
Dubai provides technology businesses with access to a highly connected regional market, a developed business ecosystem, international infrastructure, and a broad range of company formation options.
Technology entrepreneurs can use Dubai as a base for serving clients in the UAE and international markets.
For ICT businesses, Dubai can be relevant for several types of operations, including:
Software and SaaS Startups
Software developers can establish businesses focused on developing, licensing, maintaining, or supporting software products.
SaaS companies can also structure their activities around cloud-based software and application services, subject to the applicable activity and regulatory requirements.
IT Consultancy Companies
Technology professionals providing infrastructure consulting, digital transformation services, technical consulting, or IT advisory services can select appropriate consultancy activities.
Cybersecurity Businesses
Cybersecurity companies may provide eligible cyber risk management and related technology services. However, specialised or regulated cybersecurity activities may require additional approvals depending on their scope.
Cloud and Data Businesses
Businesses involved in cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and related technology infrastructure can fall under ICT activity categories.
Digital Content and Gaming Companies
The ICT category can also accommodate certain digital content, gaming, film, and video-related activities, allowing technology and media businesses to combine relevant activities where permitted.
What ICT Activities Can You Register in Dubai South Business Hub?
Dubai South Business Hub states that its ICT license covers 112 ICT and technology activities. This makes the category suitable for businesses that operate across several technology disciplines.
Some examples include:
| ICT Activity | Example Code |
|---|---|
| Computer Programming Activities | 6201 |
| Computer Consultancy Activities | 6202.00 |
| Cloud and Data Centre Services | 6311.97 |
| Cyber Risk Management Services | 6209.14 |
| Mobile App Development | 6201.97 |
| Film and Video Production | 5913.01 |
| Gaming Content Production | 5911.13 |
| Digital Content Services | 6202.11 |
Businesses combining different technology disciplines may be able to include multiple activity codes under the same license. Dubai South Business Hub currently states that the first five activity codes are included at no additional cost.
How Do You Get an ICT Business License in Dubai?
The basic process involves choosing your technology activity, selecting the company structure and jurisdiction, submitting the required documents, completing the application, and receiving the business license.
For a Dubai South Business Hub ICT setup, the process can generally be understood in these steps:
1. Choose Your ICT Business Activity
Start by defining exactly what your company will do.
For example, a software company may need a programming or software-related activity, while an IT advisory company may require a computer consultancy activity.
Choosing the correct activity is important because licensing requirements can differ according to the nature of the business.
2. Select the Free Zone and Company Structure
Entrepreneurs can choose a suitable free zone structure based on their business requirements.
Dubai South Business Hub's ICT offering allows eligible investors to establish technology businesses with 100% foreign ownership. The page also states that prior UAE residency and a minimum capital deposit are not required for the ICT setup.
3. Submit the Required Documents
The listed document requirement for the ICT license includes passport copies for shareholders. Additional documents may apply depending on the company structure, shareholders, activity, or regulatory requirements.
4. Arrange the Business Address
Dubai South Business Hub states that a flexi-desk is included in its base arrangement and that a physical office is not required to register the ICT business under the stated setup.
5. Receive the Business License
Once the application and required checks are completed, the company can proceed with its licensing and operational setup.
Dubai South Business Hub currently states that its ICT license can be operational within one business day for the applicable setup.
How Much Does an ICT Business License Cost in Dubai?
The ICT business license at Dubai South Business Hub currently starts from AED 12,500 per year, with the first five activity codes included.
The final cost can vary depending on the selected package, company requirements, visas, additional services, and other applicable charges.
Because licensing packages and government requirements can change, entrepreneurs should confirm the current price before applying. Dubai South Business Hub also provides a cost calculator for obtaining an itemised estimate.
What Documents Are Required for an ICT License?
For the standard ICT setup described by Dubai South Business Hub, the primary document listed is:
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Passport copy for each shareholder
Depending on the business structure and selected activity, additional documentation or approvals may apply.
The UAE government also notes that certain business activities can require approvals from relevant government entities.
Does an ICT Company Need Special Approval in Dubai?
Most standard ICT activities do not require additional third-party pre-approval according to Dubai South Business Hub, but certain regulated activities can require additional approvals.
Examples include:
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Certain broadcasting or media activities
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Regulated virtual asset services
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Certain specialised cybersecurity activities
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Regulated telecommunications activities
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Other activities subject to sector-specific regulations
The UAE government identifies telecommunications and certain media activities among areas that can require approvals from relevant authorities.
Therefore, businesses should confirm their exact activity before submitting a license application.
Can a Free Zone ICT Company Serve Mainland Clients?
A free zone technology company can serve clients in different markets, but the exact rules applicable to mainland activities, regulated services, contracts, and physical operations should be confirmed for the specific business model.
Dubai South Business Hub states that its free zone ICT companies can provide technology services, software, and consultancy to UAE mainland clients.
This can be particularly relevant for software companies, IT consultants, digital agencies, SaaS providers, and technology service businesses targeting customers across the UAE.
Can a SaaS Company Get an ICT License in Dubai?
Yes, SaaS and cloud-based technology businesses can fall within ICT activity categories, subject to selecting the appropriate approved activity.
Dubai South Business Hub lists cloud computing, data centre services, application service provisioning, and SaaS-related development among its ICT activity options.
A SaaS company should also consider:
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Software ownership and intellectual property
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Data protection requirements
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Cloud infrastructure
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Client data location
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Contracts and terms of service
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Sector-specific regulations
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UAE tax obligations
Businesses handling government or sensitive information may also need to consider applicable data residency requirements.
What Are the Tax Considerations for an ICT Company?
Tax treatment depends on the company's structure, income, activities, and applicable UAE corporate tax rules.
A qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if the relevant conditions are satisfied. This does not mean that every free zone company automatically pays zero corporate tax.
Companies should evaluate:
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Qualifying income
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Non-qualifying income
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Free zone status
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Economic substance and compliance requirements
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Corporate tax registration
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Accounting records
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Intellectual property income
Dubai South Business Hub specifically advises businesses to confirm their individual corporate tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Can an ICT Company Own Software and Intellectual Property?
Yes. Technology businesses can structure ownership and licensing of software, digital content, and other intellectual property through their company, subject to applicable UAE laws and contractual arrangements.
This is particularly relevant for:
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SaaS companies
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Software developers
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Mobile app companies
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Gaming businesses
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Digital content companies
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Technology startups
Intellectual property planning should be considered from the beginning, especially when founders, investors, developers, and third-party contractors are involved.
Who Should Consider an ICT Business License in Dubai?
An ICT license may be relevant to:
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Software development companies
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IT consultants
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SaaS startups
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Mobile app developers
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Cloud service businesses
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Cybersecurity companies
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Technology consultants
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Digital content businesses
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Gaming companies
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Data-related technology businesses
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Software studios
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Technology entrepreneurs
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International technology companies expanding into the UAE
The appropriate activity should always match the actual services the company intends to provide.
ICT Business License Dubai: Quick Facts
License type: ICT and technology business license
Jurisdiction: Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
ICT activities: 112 stated activities
Foreign ownership: 100%
Starting license price: AED 12,500 per year, according to the current Dubai South Business Hub page
First five activities: Included according to the current offering
Office setup: Flexi-desk arrangement available
Physical office for registration: Not required under the stated setup
Popular activities: Software development, IT consultancy, cloud services, cybersecurity, mobile app development, gaming, digital content, and related activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICT Business License Dubai
What is an ICT license in Dubai?
An ICT license is a business license for approved information and communication technology activities such as software development, IT consultancy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, mobile applications, digital content, and related technology services.
How much does an ICT license cost in Dubai?
Dubai South Business Hub currently lists ICT licenses starting from AED 12,500 per year, with the first five activity codes included. The final cost depends on the business setup and additional requirements.
Can a foreigner own an ICT company in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai South Business Hub states that its ICT setup supports 100% foreign ownership and is available to investors of any nationality.
Can I start a software company with one shareholder?
Yes. Dubai South Business Hub states that solo software developers and software studios can register with a sole shareholder under its ICT setup.
Can I register a SaaS company in Dubai?
Yes. SaaS development, cloud computing, application service provisioning, and related technology activities are included within the ICT activity offering, subject to the appropriate activity selection.
Do I need a physical office for an ICT license?
Under the Dubai South Business Hub setup described on its ICT page, a physical office is not required for registration and a flexi-desk arrangement is available.
How many ICT activities are available?
Dubai South Business Hub currently states that its ICT and technology license covers 112 activities.
Can I combine different technology activities?
Yes. Multiple ICT activity codes can be combined under one license where permitted. Dubai South Business Hub states that the first five codes are included at no additional cost.
Final Takeaway
An ICT business license in Dubai can provide a structured route for establishing a software, IT, cloud, cybersecurity, SaaS, mobile application, digital content, or other technology-focused company in the UAE.
For entrepreneurs considering a free zone setup, Dubai South Business Hub offers a broad ICT activity portfolio, including 112 technology activities, 100% foreign ownership, flexi-desk arrangements, and a currently advertised starting price of AED 12,500 per year.
The most important step is selecting the correct business activity before applying. Businesses operating in regulated sectors should also verify whether additional approvals, licenses, or compliance requirements apply.
For the latest activity options and setup requirements, review the ICT Business License Dubai information provided by Dubai South Business Hub before starting your application.
Author/Expertise note: This guide is based on the current Dubai South Business Hub ICT business licensing information and UAE government business-licensing guidance. Licensing, tax, regulatory, and activity requirements can change, so applicants should verify current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified UAE professional before making a business decision.
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