If you are launching a tech startup or software development company in the UAE, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) is one of the most cost-effective and ecosystem-rich free zones available. It sits adjacent to University City in Sharjah, offering tech founders direct access to research partnerships, prototyping labs, and angel investor networks.
Here’s the guide to the essential steps required to start a software company in UAE and capitalize on world-class business infrastructure.
Benefits of starting a software company in UAE
Being a technology hub, the UAE free zone offers immense opportunities to software companies. Let’s find out how by understanding the key benefits:
- Tax Advantages: The UAE, especially its free zones are uniquely renowned for offering tax incentives to entrepreneurs. For instance, the free zone in Sharjah offers zero percent corporate tax and personal income tax with 100 percent repatriation of profits which helps in further growth and financial stability of the business.
- Access to Global Markets: The central location of Sharjah, sharing borders with 6 other emirates increases its accessibility to markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. As a result, entrepreneurs can touch base with more clients and customers present across different countries and cities.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Sharjah has high-tech businesses and IT parks. It also boasts advanced digital infrastructure for seamless operations of software companies in the region.
- Skilled Talent Pool: The UAE provides strategic access to top global talent, ensuring access to skilled IT professionals for your software development company.
The Key Steps involved in establishing a software company in UAE
The right business structure:
The UAE free zone offers three different business structures – Sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company and Foreign Branch offices. As an initial step to business setup in UAE free zone, you need to decide the business structure, suitable to your software company’s needs and requirements.
Business name registration:
Once you have chosen the structure and your jurisdiction, you can decide a unique trade name that can distinguish your software company and get it registered with the appropriate free zone authorities.
Business license application:
With the finalised business structure and trade name, you can move ahead to applying for a business license in UAE. There are different types of business licenses – Commercial, industrial, professional and E-commerce, out of which, you can opt for a commercial license to start a software company in UAE.
Office space:
As per your company’s requirement and team size, you can opt for an office space in UAE free zone. If you are a small-scale company or a startup, you can explore coworking spaces in Sharjah free zone.
Open a corporate bank account:
To start operating in UAE, you need to have a corporate bank account. You can get in touch with a seasoned team of professionals in UAE which can help you in advising the most suitable corporate bank account for your software development business.
Requirement of business license in UAE
To engage in software development or IT-related services, a commercial license needs to be obtained. This will help you in operating your business legally and in a highly compliant manner. In some cases, a professional license is also considered suitable as it is granted for businesses operating in the professional services sector.
If you’re planning to set up your software development company in UAE, it is recommended to take the advice of trusted business license provider who can make the entire process hassle-free and streamlined for you.
Conclusion
Starting a software company in UAE free zone is a great opportunity as it is continuing to witness a steep surge in the demand for IT and software development services. Its strategic location and supportive government can help you grow at a rapid pace in the region.
If you’re looking for end-to-end support in establishing your software development business in UAE, connect with our seasoned team of business professionals at SRTIP Accelerator.
