Software Development & IT Services License in Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Setting up a **Software Development & IT Services** business in **Dubai Internet City (DIC)** provides full access to international banking and UAE tax advantages. This Dubai jurisdiction supports 100% foreign ownership and customs duty exemptions under freezone regulations.

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✓ 5–9 days license turnaround✓ Flexi-Desk разрешен✓ 0% tax under QFZP

from 24,500 AED

Starting authority setup fee

5–9 days

License turnaround time

Up to 10

Resident visa quota (Flexi)

Setting up a Software Development & IT Services business in Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides full access to international banking and UAE tax advantages. This Dubai jurisdiction supports 100% foreign ownership and customs duty exemptions under freezone regulations.

1. Regulatory Requirements & Licensing Framework

Direct Freezone Licensing Track

This activity code does not require third-party government NOCs. The commercial license is issued directly by Dubai Internet City (DIC).

2. Jurisdiction Specifications

Criterion	Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Jurisdiction Type	FREEZONE
License Turnaround	5–9 working days
Physical Office	Flexi-Desk (dedicated office not required)
Visa Allocation	Up to 10 visas
Annual Audit	Mandatory
Digital Bank Onboarding	Express digital track (3–7 days)
Starting Base Tariff	from 24,500 AED

3. Setup Roadmap & Timeline

License Issuance

5–9 days

Document submission and digital license issuance. Timeline: 5–9 working days.

Establishment Card

2–3 days

Establishment Card registration via immigration portal to unlock visa allocations.

Medical & Emirates ID

4–6 days

VIP medical examination and biometric capture for Emirates ID residency card.

Corporate Bank Account

3–7 days

Corporate banking account activation via Digital Bank flow or Tier-1 bank.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Is a physical office mandatory for a "Software Development & IT Services" license in Dubai Internet City (DIC)? ▼

No. Businesses operating under "Software Development & IT Services" in Dubai Internet City (DIC) can utilize virtual desks or flexi-desk arrangements without a dedicated physical office.

Can I open a digital corporate bank account for a "Software Development & IT Services" license in Dubai Internet City (DIC)? ▼

Yes. Dubai Internet City (DIC) licenses for "Software Development & IT Services" maintain high approval rates across UAE digital business banks. Remote onboarding takes 3–7 business days after Emirates ID issuance.

How many residence visas can be issued under a Dubai Internet City (DIC) license? ▼

Standard license tiers in Dubai Internet City (DIC) support from 0 up to 10 residence visas for shareholders and employees without requiring a physical office. Higher quotas are available with dedicated office space upgrades.

Do I need to travel to the UAE to set up a company in Dubai Internet City (DIC)? ▼

License registration and document preparation in Dubai Internet City (DIC) are fully remote - only a passport scan is required. A physical visit to the UAE is necessary for the residence visa stage: medical test and Emirates ID biometrics (4–6 working days).

Alternative Jurisdictions for Software Development & IT Services

20 zones

Meydan Free Zone

1–2 days · from 12,500 AED

IFZA Dubai

2–4 days · from 12,900 AED

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

7–12 days · from 32,000 AED

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

14–25 days · from 45,000 AED

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO / DTEC)

3–5 days · from 13,500 AED

Dubai Science Park (DSP)

6–10 days · from 24,000 AED

Dubai Outsource City (DOC)

5–8 days · from 21,000 AED

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

12–20 days · from 42,000 AED

Masdar City Free Zone

3–6 days · from 12,000 AED

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone)

1–2 days · from 5,750 AED

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

2–3 days · from 5,750 AED

Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

2–5 days · from 5,500 AED

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

2–5 days · from 6,000 AED

RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO)

3–6 days · from 14,500 AED

Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)

1–3 days · from 5,555 AED

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)

2–4 days · from 5,500 AED

Creative City Fujairah

1–3 days · from 5,500 AED

Dubai Mainland (DET)

1–3 days · from 18,500 AED

Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)

2–4 days · from 16,000 AED

Sharjah Mainland (SEDD)

2–5 days · from 14,500 AED

Legal Disclaimer: All estimates are indicative and based on published jurisdiction tariff schedules. Final pricing is confirmed in service agreements. Bank account approvals remain at the sole discretion of respective bank compliance committees.