IT & Software in the UAE

Key points

the UAE is located in Dubai Silicon Oasis district, Dubai — adjacent to Meydan and Academic City, and the issuing authority's processing time for a standard file is around 5 working days. In practice, one of the reasons we point clients to the UAE is its Dubai address, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. Office options in the UAE range from virtual office, flexi-desk, office suite or warehouse, so you only pay for the space your visa quota actually needs.

Step by step

1. 
   Step 1

   Consultation and activity selection

   GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in the UAE, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing. For starting an IT and software company in the UAE, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.

2. 
   Step 2

   Name reservation and initial approval

   On the ground, your trade name is reserved with the the UAE authority and initial approval is obtained; this stage rarely takes more than two working days.

3. 
   Step 3

   Document submission and payment

   Day to day, you sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority. For starting an IT and software company in the UAE, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.

4. 
   Step 4

   Licence issued and next steps

   the UAE issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction.

Documents required

Day to day, for starting an IT and software company in the UAE the licensing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.

• A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
• Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
• Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
• Portfolio or company profile
• Your current UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
• A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa

Pricing

Day to day, all prices for starting an IT and software company in the UAE are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Pricing for starting an IT and software company in the UAE depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.

Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.

Where to license it & software

Technology licences are among the simplest to obtain and attract strong banking interest because revenue is contract-based and easy to evidence. Dubai zones add credibility with international clients.

IFZA Free ZoneDubai's fastest-growing free zone — multi-activity licence…Meydan Free ZoneDubai's entrepreneurial free zone at the iconic Meydan rac…DMCC Free ZoneWorld's #1 free zone — the premium choice for commodity tr…Ajman New Venture CentreAjman's newest entrepreneurial free zone — built for start…

Examples of this activity

• SaaS platform
• Mobile app studio
• IT outsourcing
• Cybersecurity consulting

IT & Software guides by nationality

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Why the UAE

In our experience, the dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for starting an IT and software company in the UAE and makes international pricing simple. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes starting an IT and software company in the UAE a route to relocation as well as a business decision.

Why GoldenKey

GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with starting an IT and software company in the UAE, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which papers each of them will ask for on a the UAE file. Importantly, every the UAE package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end.

Frequently asked questions