An IT or technology licence lets you build software, run a SaaS product, consult, and provide IT support from the UAE. Here's where to base it, what it costs, the visa and tax essentials, and how we set it up remotely.
A tech licence is the lean, low-overhead choice for software and IT businesses — but the right base depends on where your clients are and whether any activity is regulated.
An illustrative free-zone starting point for an IT / technology licence. Your total depends on:
We match the licence to your activities and clients, then send a full written quote — licence, visas and office — before you commit.
The details that decide how an IT & technology company runs.
What an IT & technology licence gives you, and what to weigh.
| Free Zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100%* |
| Sell inside the UAE | Via a mainland channel | Directly, anywhere |
| Setup from | AED 5,750 | AED 12,500 |
| Best for | Startups, SaaS, remote teams | Government & enterprise IT contracts |
| Office needed | Flexi-desk is fine | Physical office usually required |
In short: if you build software or SaaS and sell internationally or online, a tech free zone gives you 100% ownership at the lowest cost. If you need to sell IT services or hardware directly to UAE government or enterprise, go mainland. Many founders start in a free zone and add a mainland channel later — we'll map the cheapest compliant route.
What tech founders ask before setting up an IT company. Anything else — AgentBiz answers instantly.
Ask AgentBizIt's a licence that lets a company build and sell technology — software development, SaaS, app development, IT consultancy, IT support and cybersecurity — from the UAE. It's the standard base for software startups and tech service businesses.
A free-zone IT licence typically starts from around AED 5,750, with mainland from about AED 12,500. Your total depends on the emirate, visa count, office type and any regulatory approvals — we send a full written quote first.
Usually, yes. Most tech free zones allow remote incorporation, so you can get the licence and often complete visa steps without relocating first — we handle the paperwork and guide you through the biometrics stage.
Tech-focused zones such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis / DTEC, IFZA and SHAMS are popular for their 100% ownership, low cost and tech-talent visas. We'll recommend the one that fits your activities and budget.
No, not for pure software or services — there's no physical stock to import. You'd only need a customs code and a trading licence if you also sell hardware or devices.
Yes. Telecoms, fintech, payments, crypto and virtual assets (VARA) and some health-tech are regulated and need specific approvals on top of the licence. We'll flag any that apply to you before you commit.
Ask AgentBiz which licence and base fit your software or IT business, or talk to a human advisor. Real requirements, honest guidance, no obligation.
