How to Set Up a Tech Company in the UAE (2025): Free Zone vs Mainland, Steps, Documents & Costs

Why launch around GITEX 2025?

If you’re serious about the region, GITEX GLOBAL 2025 is the moment: it runs 13–17 October 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, while Expand North Star (the startup & VC show) runs 12–15 October 2025 at Dubai Harbour—together forming a two-venue mega festival that marks GITEX’s 45th edition. It’s where founders, buyers, and investors converge—prime timing to incorporate, meet partners, and open a pipeline of pilots and sales.

Common activities for tech founders include:

• Software development / SaaS (custom software, platforms, integrations)

• IT consulting & managed services (cloud, DevOps, support)

• Cybersecurity services (assessments, MSSP/SOC)

• E-commerce (marketplace or D2C)

• AI/ML & data analytics (model development, automation)

If you’ll handle regulated financial tech (EMI/PSP, robo-advisory, crowdfunding), see UAE Fintech License or Financial Services for the extra approvals.

Step-by-step: how setup works

1) Choose your path & name (Days 1–2)

• Pick free zone or mainland based on customers, office, and hiring plans.

• Select precise business activities and a trade name.

2) Submit documents & approvals (Days 2–5)

• Passport & photo for owners; proof of address

• Application forms, activity selection, and (if mainland) office/Ejari planning

• Initial approvals from the licensing authority

3) Sign & issue the license (Days 5–10)

• Sign incorporation docs (MoA/Articles/Resolution)

• Allocate flexi-desk/office

• Trade license issued

4) Post-license essentials (Days 7–21)

• Immigration file & establishment card

• Investor/partner/employee visas, medicals & Emirates ID

• Corporate bank account opening

• Corporate Tax registration (and VAT if required)

• Optional: customs code (if importing) and accounting stack

Need a shortcut? Use our UAE Corporate Services and Tech Services for website, cloud, security, and AI automations.

Documents checklist

• Passports and passport-size photos for owners/shareholders

• Preferred trade names (2–3 options)

• Brief business description (products/services, markets)

• Office or flexi-desk confirmation (free zone) / Ejari (mainland)

• For banking: UBO chart, source-of-funds letter, simple business plan & sample contracts

• If regulated activity (payments/brokerage/crypto): relevant approvals (we’ll guide you)

Rough costs (Mybiz all-inclusive package)

For USD 4,999, you will be getting:

• Registration & licensing fees• 1 UAE residence visa (all-inclusive) with VIP processing (1 Investor or Partner or Employee)• Corporate bank account opening service• Corporate Tax Registration• Corporate Tax Filing• Business consultations – AI, business growth, website development & e-commerce• 1 free corporate amendment during the year

Final pricing depends on the licensing authority, chosen activities, and office option. Use the Cost Calculator for an instant estimate, or Book Online to lock the package.

Banking for tech companies (what to expect)

Banks review your ownership, residency, and business model. Prepare:

• License, MoA/Articles, establishment card

• UBO chart & IDs

• Business plan (what you build/sell, target geographies)

• Sample proposals/LOIs, website/portfolio, and (if live) invoices/contracts

For a deep dive, read: UAE Corporate Bank Account Opening.

Compliance & taxes—simple but important

• Corporate Tax (CT): register and file on time; we include CT registration & filing in your package.

• VAT: register if obligated by thresholds or activity.

• UBO/ESR/AML: keep records tidy; some tech sub-sectors (e.g., cybersecurity, fintech) have extra considerations.

• Accounting stack: choose cloud bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll early to stay clean.

Timeline summary

• Planning & approvals: ~2–5 days

• License issuance: ~3–5 days (zone-dependent)

• Visas & Emirates ID: ~1–3 Days

• Bank account: typically 1–3 weeks depending on profile

Frequently asked questions

1) Do I need to be in the UAE to incorporate?Many free zones support e-sign; some steps (biometrics/medical for visas, bank KYC) require presence.

2) Can I sell to UAE mainland clients from a free zone?Yes, commonly via service contracts; for retail/physical operations, consider mainland or a mainland branch/partner.

3) Do I need an office?Free zones may allow flexi-desk; mainland typically needs Ejari (size ties to visa quotas/approvals).

4) Can I hire remotely?Yes. You can combine local visas with remote staff abroad; ensure contracts and IP assignments are clear.

5) What about fintech or crypto?Regulated. See Fintech and Blockchain/Crypto for approvals before banking.

Call to action

• Get a tailored plan: Start Your UAE Tech Company

• Lock our USD 4,999 package: Book Online

• Compare structures: Free Zone Packages • Mainland Packages