Compare Dubai Outsource City and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for Software Development & IT Consulting setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
Dubai Outsource City vs Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park for Software Development & IT Consulting: Dubai Outsource City starts at AED 12,000 (87% bank approval) and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park at AED 5,510 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 12,000 | 2-4 days | Moderate | BPO and outsourcing, call centers, IT-enabled services | |
| AED 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships |
BPO and outsourcing, call centers, IT-enabled services
Software development licenses in UAE free zones typically do not require physical office space initially, with flexi-desk arrangements accepted as the registered address. Most free zones allow 100% foreign ownership and offer instant license issuance when applying under this activity.
Software development qualifies as a qualifying free zone activity under the UAE Corporate Tax Law. The 0% rate applies to qualifying income generated from the activity. Standard 5% VAT applies to domestic supplies of software services.
Tech companies may face questions about IP ownership and revenue sources during KYC. Banks prefer to see a clear business model with identifiable clients and recurring revenue streams rather than speculative project-based income.
Upgraded fiber-optic network in 2025
New co-working spaces for tech startups
Company setup in Dubai Outsource City starts from AED 12,000 per year.
Dubai Outsource City processes company registrations in 2-4 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 87%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including Dubai Outsource City allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
Dubai Outsource City does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Dubai Outsource City wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend Dubai Outsource City for cost-conscious founders and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park if r&d and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships.
Used the calculator to compare Meydan with five other zones — the Year 1 cost breakdown and banking scores made the choice clear in under 5 minutes.
Needed to see exactly what I was paying for at RAKEZ versus other zones. The itemized fee breakdown — license, visa, sponsorship — made the comparison transparent.
Wanted clarity on banking approval rates and substance rules by zone. The zone-specific banking data was something I couldn't find on any agent's website.
Get a personalized setup quotation with real fees, banking odds, and timeline for your activity.
Email yourself a link to this comparison so you can come back to it later.
Adjust visa quotas and demographics to calculate the complete setup costing model.
Get your personalized feasibility dossier — real fees, banking odds, and timeline for your activity and nationality. Free, no obligations.