top of page
arab man in kandoora looking at computers

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.

man looking at woman

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

Woman signing the documents

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

business plan book

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.

office space in dubai

04

License Approval (7 -10 days)

After final review, registrar will issue corporate documents and commercial license 

corporate documents

05

Bank Account and Visa (10-15 days)

Our team proceeds with bank account opening and visa application for investor and employees

white tablet showing bank account opening
man holding black table

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. 

bottom of page