IT CONSULTANCY SETUP IN UAE

Be it be an IT consultancy, a software house, software trading and development, or maintenance services, UAE is one of the best places to set up your technology start-up. Obtaining an IT consultancy license here allows you to carry out several related activities including coding, consulting, software development and sales. As a market too, businesses in the UAE are investing heavily on their technology infrastructure and spends are expected to grow by an additional 10% before 2025.

There are two options for setting up an IT consultancy business in the UAE:

1. Free Zone company formation
2. Mainland company formation

1. FREE ZONE COMPANY FORMATION

The benefits of setting up a Free Zone consultancy are:

• 0% corporate tax
• 0% personal tax
• 100% company ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits

Major and common Free Zones in UAE, Issuing Software Development License in UAE

Here are a few Free Trade Zones that are offering Software Development License in UAE for business activities such as IT, Software Development, Web Programming, etc. These Free Zones offer a host of business activities that the entrepreneur can choose to establish their IT or Software Development company in the UAE.

1. Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) consists of a Digital Park which caters IT and Software Development companies to excel with their innovation in the region. Dubai Silicon Oasis consists of a series of Incubators for startup companies, a Software Program Testing Centre, an Innovation hub, and a dedicated IT ecosystem to support the IT startups.

2. Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus

DTEC is an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides everything you need to set up a new business in Dubai. Find a great co-working space, get help with company formation in Dubai and register it within a Dubai free zone, or join our events to learn and meet with other entrepreneurs. DTECH is the best place to get UAE startups on their feet. Join the largest co-working space in the Middle East!

3. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) Dubai

The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Dubai has now Co-branded with the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority to provide low-cost company setup offers to the entrepreneurs looking to set up their base in Dubai.

4. Dubai Internet city(DIC)

Starting a business in DIC free zone offers its business member a world-class infrastructure and an exceptional community. It delivers possibilities for a lucrative market for related IT establishments. Dubai Internet City also has networking opportunities and a centralized location. It allows companies to tap into other capital measures, partnerships, and cooperative concepts. DIC is an innovation hub that will boost technology, education, new media, and sciences.

2. MAINLAND COMPANY FORMATION

A Mainland business setup avoids the significant limitation to forming a Free Zone business: to trade outside of that Free Zone, an FZ business must appoint a local distributor to provide products or services.  A Mainland business does not have that restriction and therefore suitable for businesses targeting the UAE or the wider GCC market.  However, VAT and corporate tax may be applicable.

Technology and Telecom commercial license

Other areas include providing technical services and consultancies in information technology and applications like the internet and internet and data warehousing for corporates. Scope of work may also involve proposing software and conducting surveys and studies to determine appropriate technologies. These firms are not entitled to market or produce any of the software or products related to technologies.

Technology Infrastructure

The UAE has invested widely in developing a first-class IT infrastructure, thus contributing to science and technology-based innovations. The country currently ranks high in international indices measuring Networked Readiness and internet penetration, with highly connected schools and universities in all areas.

Software Trading

Opportunity to trade your finished product is at its peak, the city that growing every minute is attracting every techy to setup their business in UAE.  Every street and every building is an opportunity for you.

STEPS INVOLVED IN LICENSING:

1. Applying for your desired trade name and taking the initial approval.
2. Finding the right location for your business and leasing an office.
3. Appling for a trade license.
4. Applying for Establishment Card and Labor card.
5. Applying for visa.
6. Getting the bank account.

Preparing the documents is most important part in company formation. Wrong information or not adhering to laws may end up in major issues and fines. A well experienced consultant can assist you and advice you to get it done properly.

Contact MBG to learn more and for help with setting up your IT consultancy in the UAE.