How to start a technology company in Dubai

Dubai’s technology industry has been on the up for many years. Some of the biggest names in the business have a presence in the emirate, and it’s not hard to see why.

Dubai is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of the Middle East thanks to its high-tech environment, ease of doing business in the sector, and world-class corporate infrastructure. Add to this a 0% tax rate on personal and corporate income and a straightforward incorporation process, and you’ve got the ideal environment to run a technology enterprise.

With the assistance of an experienced free zone authority or company set up agent, you could be running your business within days of submitting your license application. So, if you’re ready to start a tech company in Dubai, keep reading.

How to start a tech company in Dubai

The first step is to contact the experts at Dtec. Before making your trade license application, our team can help you outline your business activities and choose a company name.

Your business activity will dictate the type of license you require. There are many subsectors to technology, from software development to hardware sales, and beyond. You must be specific as to the type of business you intend to run.  Making this clear up front will make the rest of the process much more straightforward.

When choosing your name, you’ll need to abide by a few naming conventions. These include:

• Only full names allowed, no abbreviations.
• Cannot include any potentially offensive or blasphemous words.
• Must be available to register.

With this administrative stage complete, you can apply for your technology license. We’ll manage this process for you, ensuring that your application is correct to prevent any hassle further down the line.

Documents required to start a technology company in Dtec

At this stage, you are usually required to provide some basic documentation. This may include:

• Copy of Passport, Visa Page and Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Copy of Trade License (for the applicant and all Shareholders)
• Business Plan Summary
• Attested Birth Certificate

You’ll also require a visa to live and work in the UAE. You should make this application to the relevant immigration department. When setting up in a free zone, the visa application forms part of the main company formation process and can be managed on your behalf.

As well as submitting further documentation, you will also be required to undergo biometric capturing, and a medical test and fitness exam.

Benefits of starting a technology company in Dubai

The reasons to start a business in Dubai could fill an article in itself. The advantages mentioned above are just the beginning.

Dubai is also home to many economic free zones, each bringing with them their own set of distinct business benefits.

As well as offering universal benefits such as 100% customs tax exemptions and capital and profit repatriation, free zones allow entrepreneurs to always maintain ownership of their business. Most also offer office and coworking space, reception cover and access to meeting and conference rooms, as well as the use of telephones, broadband and the like.

Each free zone also offers a range of specific benefits, with some tailored to certain industries, including technology.

Advantages of starting a technology company in Dtec

Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec) is the perfect base for tech businesses. A technology-focused free zone, Dtec offers a supportive environment for those in the industry, as well as a range of workspace packages at a scale and price to suit all budgets, including:

Flexi desks: Company setup with workspace in any of our common areas.

Fixed desks: Company setup with your own fixed workstation in a shared area with lockable storage.

Private offices: Company setup with your own furnished or unfurnished office between 12-50sqm.

As well as a great coworking space, Dtec is home to a vast network of mentors, advisers, and educators, with many receptive to collaboration, pitches, and investment opportunities. The 10,000 sqm facility is home to an integrated ecosystem for hundreds of startups, SMEs and technology entrepreneurs from around the world.

Along with organic opportunities to engage and collaborate, Dtec also runs a range of formal events, including Partner Labs, the Corporate Partner Network, an annual pitch competition, and several acceleration programs.

 How much does it cost to start a business at Dtec?

 Whatever the size of your operation, setting up in a free zone is often the best way to keep startup costs low. Dtec offers package prices, inclusive of visa applications and the use of office facilities.

The flexi desk package, for example, includes a service license, the use of a workspace in a common area and eligibility for two visas. This package starts at AED 18,000 per year.

Dtec also offers a license with fixed desks and eligibility for three visas for AED 24,200 per year, plus furnished private offices, inclusive of two visas per desk, for AED 47,820 per year.

Are you ready to start a tech company in Dubai, UAE?

If you’re looking to start a technology business in Dubai, UAE, there’s no better base than Dtec. Apply with us, and we’ll handle every step of the process for you – helping to outline activities, register your company name, applying for your license and visas, and supporting you once you’re up and running.

For technology startups and entrepreneurs looking for flexible coworking or office space in Dubai, Dtec offers a nurturing, supportive community from which to set up your new business.

Got a great idea you want to see realised? Everything you need can be found in Dtec. Our coworking space encourages collaboration, our accelerator programs and funding arm give a young business set up in the UAE a head start, and our networking events ensure you get your name out there and stay on top of industry trends. We take care of everything, leaving you to take care of your business.