Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7310.86 cover in Dubai
Activity code 7310.86 covers telephone-based marketing of products and services, falling under ISIC Division 73 (Advertising), Group 731. It is a distinct commercial activity — not a subset of a general advertising licence.
The code applies to outbound and inbound telesales operations, outsourced telephone marketing agencies, lead generation businesses, appointment-setting operations, and in-house sales teams structured as a separate legal entity. Both B2B and B2C campaigns are within scope, including product promotion, direct sales, lead qualification, and customer follow-up by phone.
Do I need a separate licence specifically for telephone marketing or will a general advertising licence suffice
A separate, dedicated licence is required. Activity code 7310.86 is not a subset of a general advertising licence — the telephone channel is the defining characteristic that makes it a distinct commercial activity under UAE regulations.
Operating telephone marketing activities under an unrelated or general licence creates regulatory and compliance risk. You should confirm that code 7310.86 is explicitly listed on your commercial licence before commencing operations.
Which regulatory bodies govern telephone marketing businesses in the UAE
Two primary authorities are relevant. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) governs telecommunications infrastructure and usage, including consumer-facing calling rules and do-not-call provisions that all telephone marketing businesses must follow.
The Ministry of Economy administers UAE consumer protection law, which applies to commercial outreach activities. Unsolicited marketing calls made to consumers without prior consent carry regulatory exposure under both frameworks, so compliance structures should be built in from the outset.
What is the difference between setting up a telephone marketing business on the mainland versus in a free zone
A mainland licence issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) allows direct contracts with UAE government entities and private sector clients without restriction. It is the preferred route for high-volume local telesales operations where the primary client base is UAE-based, though it typically carries higher fixed costs due to physical office requirements.
A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership, faster incorporation, and lower overheads — including flexi-desk options suited to lean telesales teams. It is better suited to regional or international operations where clients are outside the UAE. Free zone entities serving UAE-based clients directly may require a local service arrangement, which should be factored into the commercial structure from the start.
What are the advantages of licensing a telephone marketing business through Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone permits activity code 7310.86 under a commercial licence. Single-shareholder setup is allowed, making it accessible for solo founders or small teams without the need for a local partner.
Remote incorporation is available, meaning you do not need to be physically present in Dubai to complete the registration process. Visa packages are bundled with the licence, which is practical for founders who intend to build small telesales teams from the outset without managing visa logistics separately.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for a telephone marketing licence in Dubai
For most free zones, there is no mandatory minimum share capital requirement to obtain a telephone marketing licence under activity code 7310.86. This lowers the barrier to entry for startups and small operators.
Mainland (DED) requirements can vary depending on the specific legal structure chosen. It is advisable to confirm the current capital requirements with the relevant authority or a registered business setup advisor before proceeding, as requirements can change and may differ by entity type.
Does VAT apply to telephone marketing services in the UAE, and when is registration required
Yes, standard UAE VAT at 5% applies to taxable supplies made by telephone marketing businesses. This covers telesales services, lead generation, and related telephone-based marketing activities provided to clients.
VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is mandatory once annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Businesses approaching this threshold should plan their registration in advance to avoid penalties for late registration. Export-focused free zone operations may have different VAT treatment depending on the nature and location of the supply.
Can a telephone marketing business in Dubai sponsor employee and investor visas
Yes, visa eligibility is included with a telephone marketing licence under activity code 7310.86, covering both investor visas for founders and employee visas for staff. The number of visas available typically depends on the licence package chosen and the size of the office or desk allocation.
Free zones such as Meydan bundle visa packages directly with the licence, which simplifies the process for founders building a team from incorporation. Mainland entities can also sponsor visas, with allocations generally tied to the physical office space leased.
Telephone Marketing for Products and Services License in Dubai
Telephone marketing remains one of the most direct revenue-generating channels in the UAE, where B2B and B2C outreach by phone drives measurable sales across financial services, real estate, retail, and telecoms. This guide covers what activity code 7310.86 covers, where to licence it, the setup steps, and what operating this business in Dubai actually looks like in practice.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Name | Marketing for Products and Services via Telephone |
| Activity Code | 7310.86 |
| ISIC Category | Advertising — Division 73, Group 731 |
| Licence Type | Commercial |
| Recommended Jurisdiction | Mainland (DED) or Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone) |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum for most free zones |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes — investor and employee visas |
| VAT Applicability | Standard 5% VAT on taxable supplies; registration required if turnover exceeds AED 375,000 |
Source: Federal Tax Authority UAE
What This Licence Covers and Who Needs It
Activity code 7310.86 falls under ISIC Division 73 (Advertising), specifically covering outbound and inbound telephone-based marketing of third-party or own products and services. It is a distinct commercial activity — not a subset of a general advertising licence.
The licence applies to:
- Call centres conducting telesales on behalf of clients
- Outsourced telephone marketing agencies
- In-house sales teams operating as a distinct legal entity
- Lead generation and appointment-setting operations using telephone as the primary channel
Both B2B and B2C campaigns are covered — product promotion, direct sales, lead qualification, and customer follow-up by phone all fall within scope. This is not a general advertising code; the telephone channel is the defining characteristic.
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Explore Over 2,500+Regulatory Context
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) governs telecommunications infrastructure and usage across the UAE. Any business conducting telephone marketing must comply with TDRA's consumer-facing calling rules, including do-not-call provisions.
Commercial activities must also align with UAE consumer protection law administered by the Ministry of Economy. Unsolicited marketing calls to consumers without prior consent carry regulatory exposure — structure your operations accordingly from the outset.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision shapes your cost structure, client reach, and operational flexibility more than any other single factor.
A mainland licence via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism allows direct contracts with UAE government entities and private sector clients without restriction. This is the appropriate route for high-volume local telesales operations where the client base is primarily UAE-based.
A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership, faster incorporation, and lower overheads. It suits regional or international telephone marketing operations where clients are outside the UAE, or where the business model is service-export focused. Free zone entities serving UAE-based clients directly may require a local service arrangement — factor this into your commercial structure.
On costs: mainland setup typically carries higher fixed costs due to physical office requirements. Free zones offer flexi-desk options that significantly reduce overheads for lean telesales teams.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowMeydan Free Zone Advantage
Activity 7310.86 is licensable under Meydan Free Zone with a commercial licence. Single-shareholder setup is permitted, and remote incorporation is available — you do not need to be physically present in Dubai to complete the process. Visa packages are bundled with the licence, which is practical for founders building small telesales teams from the outset.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is linear. Each step has a clear output before you move to the next.
- Step 1 — Confirm activity and jurisdiction. Verify that activity code 7310.86 is approved on your chosen authority's activity list. Meydan Free Zone and DED both carry this activity.
- Step 2 — Reserve your trade name. Use the DED e-services portal for mainland, or the free zone portal for Meydan. Check availability before committing any brand spend.
- Step 3 — Submit incorporation documents. Passport copies, proposed shareholding structure, and a No Objection Certificate if the applicant holds an existing UAE residence visa under another sponsor.
- Step 4 — Secure office address. Telephone marketing operations require a registered office address. A flexi-desk arrangement is typically sufficient — a full fit-out is not required at licence stage.
- Step 5 — Obtain commercial licence and register for VAT. If projected annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000, register with the Federal Tax Authority immediately. Do not wait until you breach the threshold.
- Step 6 — Apply for visas and open a bank account. Investor and employee visas are processed post-licence. Corporate bank account opening runs in parallel — allow additional time for bank KYC.
Timeline: Free zone setup typically completes in 3–7 working days. Mainland setup runs 7–15 working days depending on approvals and documentation completeness.
VAT and Compliance
Telephone marketing services are subject to 5% VAT in the UAE. Register early — penalties for late registration apply from the date the threshold is breached, not from the date of discovery. Staff hiring requires prior registration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Do not hire before this step is complete.
Operating Realities and Market Opportunity
The UAE advertising and direct marketing sector continues to expand. According to Mordor Intelligence, digital and direct marketing spend across the GCC is on a sustained upward trajectory, driven by growth in e-commerce, financial services, and real estate — all sectors where telephone marketing remains an active acquisition channel.
In Dubai specifically, telephone marketing is embedded in financial services, insurance, real estate, and retail verticals. These industries rely on outbound calling for lead conversion at a scale that digital channels alone do not replicate.
Key operational points to factor in:
- Build opt-in databases from day one — TDRA-compliant calling practices are not optional, and unsolicited consumer calls carry regulatory risk
- Mainland companies above certain headcount thresholds are subject to MOHRE Emiratisation quotas — factor this into your hiring plan before scaling
- A single Dubai-licensed entity can serve clients across the GCC effectively, making Dubai the logical base for regional telephone marketing operations
Conclusion
Licencing a telephone marketing operation in Dubai under activity code 7310.86 is straightforward. The choice between mainland and free zone determines your client reach, cost structure, and operational flexibility. Compliance with TDRA calling regulations and FTA VAT requirements are the two non-negotiables from day one — both are manageable with the right setup.
If you are ready to set up or want a cost estimate before committing, use the tools below or speak directly with the Meydan Free Zone team.
References
- Federal Tax Authority UAE (tax.gov.ae)
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) (tdra.gov.ae)
- Ministry of Economy (moc.gov.ae)
- DED e-services portal (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) (mohre.gov.ae)
- Mordor Intelligence (mordorintelligence.com)
