Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 6910.00 cover for an IP rights licence in Dubai
ISIC code 6910.00 — Intellectual Property Rights Activities covers the licensing, leasing, and commercialisation of IP assets. This includes patents, trademarks, brand rights, copyrights, and trade secrets.
The activity also encompasses royalty collection, IP holding structures, franchise rights management, and technology transfer arrangements. It is a commercial activity focused on owning, managing, and deriving income from IP assets.
Importantly, this licence does not permit legal advice or litigation on behalf of third parties — it is distinct from legal services and does not constitute legal representation.
Should I set up my IP licence in a Dubai free zone or on the mainland
The right choice depends on your business model. A free zone setup — such as Meydan Free Zone — is best suited to IP holding companies, royalty structures, and international licensing operations, offering 100% foreign ownership and no local sponsor requirement.
A mainland DED licence is more appropriate if you are actively licensing IP to UAE-based clients, running local franchise models, or need direct commercial engagement with government entities.
Tax treatment is also a key factor. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the UAE corporate tax rate is 9%, but free zone entities earning qualifying IP income may remain subject to a 0% corporate tax rate under the OECD-aligned free zone regime.
How much does an IP rights licence cost in Dubai
Licence costs vary by jurisdiction. At Meydan Free Zone, an IP rights licence starts from AED 12,500 per year, making it one of the more accessible entry points for IP commercialisation businesses in the UAE.
Mainland DED licences may carry different fee structures depending on the specific activity approvals and office requirements. Additional costs to factor in include trade name reservation, tenancy or flexi-desk arrangements, and corporate bank account setup.
Can a foreign national own 100% of an IP rights company in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for IP rights businesses established in Dubai free zones, with no requirement for a local UAE sponsor or partner.
This makes free zones such as Meydan Free Zone particularly attractive for international entrepreneurs and businesses looking to use Dubai as a base for regional IP commercialisation and royalty structures.
What is the step-by-step process to obtain an IP rights licence in Dubai
The process involves seven key steps. First, choose your jurisdiction — Meydan Free Zone for IP holding and international licensing, or DED mainland for active local commercialisation. Then reserve your trade name and confirm activity code 6910.00 is approved for your chosen jurisdiction.
Next, submit incorporation documents including passport copies, a business plan summary, and a No Objection Certificate if applicable. After receiving initial approval, sign a tenancy agreement — a flexi-desk arrangement qualifies for free zone licensing.
Pay the licence fee and receive your trade licence, typically within three to seven working days at Meydan Free Zone. Then open a UAE corporate bank account and, finally, register your IP assets with the UAE Ministry of Economy IP Portal to secure enforceable legal protection.
How does the UAE's corporate tax regime affect IP income earned through a free zone company
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9%. However, free zone entities that earn qualifying income — which can include IP licensing royalties structured correctly — may remain subject to a 0% corporate tax rate.
The UAE's free zone regime is aligned with OECD principles, meaning that structuring your IP income correctly is essential, not optional. Businesses should seek professional tax advice to ensure their IP holding and royalty arrangements meet the qualifying income criteria.
How do the UAE's double taxation agreements benefit cross-border royalty flows
The UAE has concluded over 130 double taxation agreements (DTAs) with countries around the world. These treaties can significantly reduce or eliminate withholding taxes on royalty payments flowing between the UAE and treaty partner countries.
This makes a UAE-based IP holding structure commercially attractive for businesses that license IP internationally and wish to minimise tax friction on cross-border royalty income. Full details of applicable treaties are available via the Ministry of Finance DTA portal.
Do I need to register my IP assets separately after obtaining the Dubai trade licence
Yes. Obtaining a trade licence under activity code 6910.00 gives you the legal structure to commercialise IP, but it does not automatically protect your IP assets within the UAE.
To secure enforceable legal protection, you must register your patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other IP with the UAE Ministry of Economy via the UAE IP Portal. This is a separate process from business licensing and is a critical step for any IP-focused business operating in or from Dubai.
UAE IP filings grew by over 20% between 2020 and 2023 according to WIPO IP Statistics, reflecting the growing importance of formal IP registration in the region.
Intellectual Property Rights License in Dubai
Dubai is positioning itself as a regional hub for IP commercialisation, and activity code 6910.00 — Intellectual Property Rights Activities — gives businesses a formal, licensed structure to monetise patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This guide covers what the licence covers, where to set it up, the step-by-step process, and the commercial reality of operating an IP-focused business in the UAE.
What the Intellectual Property Rights Licence Covers
ISIC code 6910.00 covers the licensing, leasing, and commercialisation of IP assets — patents, trademarks, brand rights, copyrights, and trade secrets. It includes royalty collection, IP holding structures, franchise rights management, and technology transfer arrangements.
This is a commercial activity, not legal representation. It is distinct from legal services and does not permit legal advice or litigation on behalf of third parties. The focus is on owning, managing, and deriving income from IP assets.
UAE IP filings grew over 20% between 2020 and 2023, according to WIPO IP Statistics — a clear signal that the regional market for IP commercialisation is expanding.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global Innovation Index Ranking | UAE ranked 31st globally in 2023 (WIPO GII 2023) |
| IP Registration Authority | Ministry of Economy via UAE IP Portal |
| Meydan Free Zone Licence Cost | From AED 12,500/year for IP activities |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% permitted in free zones — no local sponsor required |
| IP Filing Growth | Over 20% increase in UAE filings, 2020–2023 |
| Double Taxation Agreements | UAE has 130+ DTAs supporting cross-border royalty flows |
Mainland vs Free Zone: Where to Set Up Your IP Licence
The right jurisdiction depends on your business model and where your clients and IP income originate.
A free zone setup — such as Meydan Free Zone — suits IP holding companies, royalty structures, and international licensing operations. You retain 100% ownership, there is no requirement for a local sponsor, and qualifying IP income may attract a 0% corporate tax rate under the UAE's OECD-aligned free zone regime.
A mainland DED licence is more appropriate if you are actively licensing IP to UAE-based clients, operating franchise models locally, or need direct commercial engagement with government entities.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the UAE corporate tax rate is 9%. However, free zone entities earning qualifying income may remain subject to 0% — structuring your IP income correctly is not optional, it is essential.
The UAE's network of over 130 double taxation agreements also benefits cross-border royalty flows significantly. Details are available via the Ministry of Finance DTA portal.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowStep-by-Step: How to Obtain an IP Rights Licence in Dubai
The process is straightforward when you know the sequence. Here is how it works in practice.
- Step 1 — Choose your jurisdiction. Meydan Free Zone for IP holding and international licensing; DED mainland for active local IP commercialisation.
- Step 2 — Reserve your trade name and confirm that activity code 6910.00 is approved for your chosen jurisdiction before proceeding.
- Step 3 — Submit incorporation documents: passport copies, a business plan summary, and a No Objection Certificate if you are currently employed or hold another UAE visa.
- Step 4 — Obtain initial approval and sign a tenancy agreement. A flexi-desk arrangement qualifies for free zone licensing — a physical office is not mandatory at this stage.
- Step 5 — Pay the licence fee and receive your trade licence. Meydan Free Zone typically processes this within three to seven working days.
- Step 6 — Open a UAE corporate bank account. IP businesses may need to evidence commercial substance and demonstrate genuine business activity to satisfy bank compliance requirements.
- Step 7 — Register your IP assets with the UAE Ministry of Economy IP Portal to secure enforceable legal protection within the UAE.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseCommercial Substance Requirements
IP-holding entities in the UAE must comply with the Economic Substance Regulations under Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020. This requires adequate activity, qualified staff, and relevant expenditure to be demonstrably present in the UAE.
Failure to meet the substance tests does not just trigger financial penalties — it also exposes the entity to automatic exchange of financial information with foreign tax authorities. This is not a technicality to overlook.
Protecting and Enforcing IP Assets in the UAE
Holding an IP licence is one step. Protecting the underlying assets is another matter entirely.
- Trademark registration is handled through the UAE Ministry of Economy. Registration is valid for 10 years and renewable, providing strong territorial protection.
- Patent protection under Federal Law No. 11 of 2021 offers up to 20 years of protection for utility patents registered in the UAE.
- Copyright protection is automatic upon creation under UAE law, but formal registration significantly strengthens your enforcement position in disputes.
- UAE Customs IP Protection Programme allows rights holders to record their IP assets for active border enforcement against counterfeit goods — details available through the Ministry of Economy IP portal.
Conclusion
An Intellectual Property Rights licence in Dubai — under activity code 6910.00 — is a commercially sound structure for founders, brand owners, and technology businesses looking to hold, license, and monetise IP assets in a low-tax, treaty-rich jurisdiction. Free zone setup via Meydan offers speed, full ownership, and a credible base for international royalty flows, provided substance requirements are met.
The regulatory framework is mature, the tax position is favourable when structured correctly, and the enforcement mechanisms are in place. What remains is execution.
Speak to the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm the right activity structure for your IP business and get your licence issued within days.
