
Start Your Software House Business in UAE
Unlock the potential of the UAE’s thriving tech ecosystem with our expert guidance on establishing a software house. Whether you’re targeting Freezones like DIFC, RAKICC, Meydan or looking to tap into Mainland opportunities, we have the expertise to help you succeed.

The UAE’s location isn’t just central—it’s dynamic. Whether you’re pitching to European venture capitalists or collaborating with Asian tech giants, the region’s time-zone alignment and connectivity simplify international outreach. The UAE stands at the crossroads of major innovation centers. This creates opportunities for partnerships with tech accelerators, industry incubators, and multinational R&D teams.
Positioned between East and West, ideal for global business.
Entrepreneurs need to hit the ground running. Our expert-guided process minimizes paperwork and accelerates licensing—often cutting setup time by more than half compared to traditional business registrations.
Speed-to-Market with Hassle-Free Setup
Whether it’s high-speed data centers in Meydan or the specialized IT corridors of DIFC, you gain immediate access to technology parks and innovation labs designed specifically for tech startups. With dedicated training programs and partnerships with local universities, you’ll tap into a curated network of software developers, data scientists, and creative tech strategists who are ready to build next-gen products.
Access to Tailored Tech Ecosystems
In zones like RAKICC and Meydan, you’re not only saving on taxes; you’re setting up with a lean budget thanks to cost-effective licensing and streamlined processes. These savings can be reinvested into critical tech development. The credibility of operating within regulated Freezones (like DIFC) makes your business attractive to investors. The clear legal framework reduces risk, making fundraising rounds smoother.
Real Savings & Financial Leverage
Main reasons to start Software House in the UAE
Comparison of Jurisdictions for Setting Up a Software Company in the UAE
Description
Office Requirement
Regulatory Compliance
Resident director required?
Total Timeline
Reputation
Office space Cost
Taxation
Ideal For
Dubai Mainland
Office Space
Moderate
No
2 - 3 Months
Moderate
From Low to High
9%
Companies serving UAE clients directly
DIFC
Flexi-desk
High
No
1-2 Months
High
High
0%*
Tech startups, fintech, innovation-driven businesses serving global clients
Meydan FZE
Flexi-desk
Moderate
No
1-2 Months
Moderate
Moderate
0%*
Budget Friendly, ideal for startups with more flexibility
ADGM
Flexi-desk
High
No
1-2 Months
High
High
0%*
Fintech, blockchain, AI firms serving clients in Abu Dhabi
RAKICC
Flexi-desk
Moderate
No
2-3 Months
Moderate
Low
0%*
Budget Friendly, ideal for startups within blockchain and Web 3.0 industries
Minimum requirements to start a Software House Company in UAE
1. Shareholders & Ownership Structure
-
Minimum Shareholders: 1 (Can be an individual or a corporate entity)
-
Maximum Shareholders: 50
-
Minimum Directors: 1 (Can be the same as the shareholder)
-
Resident Director Required? - No (Directors can be based outside the UAE)
-
Company Secretary: Required
2. Paid-Up Capital Requirements
-
No minimum capital requirement in most cases
3. Office Space Requirement
-
Minimum Flexi desk is required in most cases
4. Compliance & Regulatory Approvals
-
Data Protection Compliance: Required for businesses handling personal data (must comply with Data Protection Laws & GDPR if serving EU clients)
-
Cybersecurity Compliance: Innovation tech businesses must follow UAE's Cybersecurity Compliance
-
Industry-Specific Approvals: Additional approvals may be needed for healthcare, finance, or defense Innovation applications
Registration process step by step
01
Documents and KYC (1 - 2 days)
Collection of documents from shareholders and directors required for license registration

02
Application form and Submission to Registrar (3-4 days)
Completion of necessary application forms and legal documents including business plan and submission to Companies Registry

03
Final Documents and Lease Agreement (2 days)
Once the initial approval from registrar is obtained, Consultrio will process the lease agreement, articles and payment on your behalf.

04
License Approval (7 -10 days)
After final review, registrar will issue corporate documents and commercial license

05
Bank Account and Visa (10-15 days)
Our team proceeds with bank account opening and visa application for investor and employees


Calculate the total cost of Software House License in UAE
Fill out the form by clicking the button below to inquire about total cost to register Software House business in UAE.