Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Electronic Engineering Services licence (activity code 7110.64) actually authorise a business to do
Activity code 7110.64 authorises electronic systems design, circuit engineering, instrumentation, control systems engineering, and related technical consultancy. It sits within ISIC Division 71, covering professional, scientific, and technical activities.
This is a knowledge and design licence, not a contracting licence. Firms holding it can specify, design, and advise on electronic systems for buildings, industrial plant, or infrastructure — but physical installation and contracting work requires a separate contracting licence under a different regulatory framework.
Who is the Electronic Engineering Services licence best suited for
The licence suits sole practitioners, boutique engineering consultancies, and regional offices of international engineering groups that provide design, advisory, or specification services rather than on-site installation work.
The client base is broad and includes construction developers, industrial operators, government infrastructure programmes, telecoms firms, and manufacturing facilities — all of which typically require this type of technical input at the project design stage.
Can a foreign national own 100% of an Electronic Engineering Services company in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is available on both the Dubai mainland and in free zones, meaning ownership structure is no longer the key differentiating factor when choosing between the two routes.
This applies to mainland licences issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) as well as to free zone licences such as those issued by Meydan Free Zone. Investors should instead focus on client access, cost base, and operational flexibility when making the structural decision.
What is the difference between setting up on the Dubai mainland versus in a free zone for this licence
A mainland licence issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows unrestricted work across UAE government and private sector contracts, making it the more practical choice if your target clients include federal or emirate-level government entities or if you intend to bid on public tenders directly.
A free zone licence — such as one from Meydan Free Zone — offers faster setup, lower overhead, and administrative simplicity. It is well-suited to consultancies operating regionally or internationally where work is delivered remotely or across borders rather than requiring direct contractor engagement on UAE project sites.
Free zone entities working on UAE mainland projects typically do so through approved commercial arrangements or by appointing a mainland-licensed contractor as the executing party.
How long does it take to set up an Electronic Engineering Services company in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A free zone setup typically takes 5–10 working days, reflecting the streamlined administrative processes offered by free zone authorities such as Meydan Free Zone.
A mainland setup through DET generally takes 2–4 weeks, accounting for the additional regulatory steps involved in obtaining a mainland professional or commercial licence.
What does an Electronic Engineering Services licence cost in Dubai
Licence costs start from approximately AED 12,000 per year in a free zone, though the total cost of setup will depend on the chosen jurisdiction, office package, and visa allocation requirements. Mainland licences typically carry different fee structures set by Dubai Economy and Tourism.
There is no mandatory minimum share capital in most free zones, which reduces the initial capital commitment for new entrants. Businesses should also factor in VAT registration requirements above AED 375,000 turnover and corporate tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 when planning their financials.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for this licence
No mandatory minimum share capital applies in most free zones when setting up under activity code 7110.64. This makes the licence accessible to sole practitioners and small consultancies without requiring significant upfront capital commitments.
Mainland requirements may differ depending on the specific legal structure chosen, so it is advisable to confirm current DET requirements at the time of application.
What are the tax obligations for an Electronic Engineering Services business in Dubai
Businesses are subject to UAE corporate tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Income below this threshold falls within the zero-rate band, which benefits smaller consultancies and sole practitioners in their early years of operation.
VAT registration is required once annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, at which point the business must charge, collect, and remit VAT in accordance with UAE Federal Tax Authority rules. Businesses approaching this threshold should plan their accounting and compliance processes accordingly.
Electronic Engineering Services License in Dubai
Dubai's infrastructure expansion, smart city agenda, and industrial growth are creating sustained demand for licensed electronic engineering firms — and the regulatory path to operate here is more straightforward than most assume.
This guide covers what the Electronic Engineering Services licence (activity code 7110.64) covers, who it suits, what setup costs and structures look like, and how to get licensed efficiently in Dubai.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Name | Electronic Engineering Services |
| Activity Code | 7110.64 |
| ISIC Classification | ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities |
| Licence Type | Professional / Commercial |
| Jurisdictions | Dubai Mainland (DED), Meydan Free Zone, Other UAE Free Zones |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum in most free zones |
| Visa Eligibility | Scalable based on office space and package |
| Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership available (mainland and free zone) |
| Typical Setup Timeline | 5–10 working days (free zone); 2–4 weeks (mainland) |
| Regulatory Authority | Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland; respective free zone authority |
Source: Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Activity Code: 7110.64 | ISIC Division 71
- 100% foreign ownership — mainland and free zone
- Free zone setup: 5–10 working days
- Licence cost from AED 12,000/year (free zone)
- VAT registration required above AED 375,000 turnover
- Corporate tax at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
- Visa allocation scalable with office package
- No mandatory minimum share capital in most free zones
What This Licence Covers — and Who It Is For
Activity code 7110.64 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers professional, scientific, and technical activities — specifically engineering consultancy, design, and advisory services. It is not a contracting licence; it is a knowledge and design licence.
In practical terms, this licence authorises electronic systems design, circuit engineering, instrumentation, control systems engineering, and related technical consultancy. If your firm specifies, designs, or advises on electronic systems — whether for buildings, industrial plant, or infrastructure — this is the correct classification.
The client base is broad: construction developers, industrial operators, government infrastructure programmes, telecoms firms, and manufacturing facilities all require this type of technical input at project design stage.
The licence suits sole practitioners, boutique engineering consultancies, and regional offices of international engineering groups. It is worth noting the distinction clearly: electronic engineering services covers design, advisory, and specification work. Physical installation and contracting work requires a separate contracting licence and falls under a different regulatory framework.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Mainland vs Free Zone — Choosing the Right Structure
The structural decision shapes your client access, cost base, and operational flexibility. Both routes now permit 100% foreign ownership, so ownership is no longer the differentiating factor it once was.
A mainland licence issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows unrestricted work across UAE government and private sector contracts. If your target clients include federal or emirate-level government entities, or if you intend to bid on public tenders directly, a mainland presence is the more practical choice.
A free zone licence — Meydan Free Zone being a strong option for consultancy-led operations — offers faster setup, lower overhead, and administrative simplicity. It is well-suited to electronic engineering consultancies operating regionally or internationally, where the work is delivered remotely or across borders rather than on UAE project sites requiring direct contractor engagement.
Free zone entities working on UAE mainland projects typically do so through approved commercial arrangements or by appointing a mainland-licensed contractor as the executing party. This is standard practice and workable for many consultancy models.
Regulatory Authorities to Know
- Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) — mainland licence issuance and renewal: www.dubaided.gov.ae
- Meydan Free Zone — free zone licence applications and establishment services
- Dubai Municipality — may be relevant for project-specific approvals on engineering outputs and technical submissions
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
Step 1 — Define your activity scope. Confirm that activity code 7110.64 accurately reflects your services. Cross-check with DET or your chosen free zone authority before submitting any application. Misclassification causes delays.
Step 2 — Choose jurisdiction and legal structure. Options include a Limited Liability Company (LLC) on the mainland, a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, or a Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders. Your choice affects governance, banking, and client access.
Step 3 — Reserve your trade name. Check availability and comply with UAE naming conventions. Names referencing external governments, offensive terms, or protected designations will be rejected.
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Check NowStep 4 — Submit incorporation documents. Typically: passport copies of all shareholders, a business plan summary, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed in the UAE, and completed application forms from your chosen authority.
Step 5 — Secure office space. Free zones offer flexi-desk arrangements, which satisfy the physical address requirement without a full lease. Mainland applications require a tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
Step 6 — Pay licence fees and receive your trade licence. Free zones typically process within 5–10 working days once documents are complete. Mainland timelines run 2–4 weeks depending on activity approvals required.
Step 7 — Open a corporate bank account. Prepare your trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and source of funds documentation. UAE banks apply thorough due diligence — allow 4–8 weeks for account activation.
Step 8 — Apply for visas. Investor, partner, and employee visas are linked to your establishment card. Allocation scales with your office package and headcount requirements.
Costs, Visas, and Ongoing Compliance
Free zone licence packages for professional activities typically start from AED 12,000–20,000 per annum, inclusive of a flexi-desk and one visa allocation. Meydan Free Zone is competitively priced within this range for consultancy licences.
Mainland DED professional licences vary more significantly — budget AED 15,000–30,000 depending on the specific activity approvals required and the cost of your office lease. Ejari registration and Dubai Municipality fees add to the total.
Annual licence renewal is mandatory. Late renewal attracts fines and can affect visa status and banking relationships — set calendar reminders well in advance.
VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Engineering consultancy services are standard-rated at 5%. Register through the Federal Tax Authority.
Corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023 onwards. Small business relief may apply for qualifying entities below AED 3 million in revenue — confirm eligibility with a tax adviser.
Accounting and bookkeeping obligations apply regardless of company size. UAE law requires financial records to be maintained for a minimum of five years.
Conclusion
An Electronic Engineering Services licence in Dubai is a commercially sound and operationally viable structure for engineering professionals and consultancies targeting the UAE and wider GCC market. The regulatory framework is clear, foreign ownership is fully available on both mainland and free zone routes, and the demand for qualified electronic engineering expertise across infrastructure, industrial, and telecoms sectors remains strong.
The choice between mainland and free zone comes down to your client base, the nature of your contracts, and your growth trajectory. Both structures give you a credible legal presence and a platform to operate across the region.
Speak to a business setup specialist to confirm the right jurisdiction, activity scope, and visa structure for your engineering consultancy before you apply.
