Starting a business in Dubai is an exciting move, especially for professionals who want to offer expert services in fields like consulting, design, education, or legal support. To operate legally and build trust in the market, getting a professional licence in Dubai is essential. This article breaks down the process, requirements, costs, and benefits in a simple, step-by-step guide.
What Is a Professional Licence in Dubai?
A professional licence in Dubai is a type of trade license issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). It allows individuals and companies to offer non-commercial, service-based activities. These could include consulting, medical services, marketing, IT development, legal work, and many other skilled professions.
This license is ideal for solo professionals or partnerships where intellectual effort and experience are the primary assets—not products or physical goods.
Who Needs a Professional Licence?
Anyone who wants to operate a service-based business in Dubai should apply for a professional license. This includes:
- Business consultants
- Graphic designers
- IT specialists and developers
- Lawyers and legal advisors
- Engineers and architects
- Marketing professionals
- Therapists or wellness experts
- Educators and trainers
Even freelancers and small partnerships fall under this category if they’re offering services under their name or brand.
Benefits of a Professional Licence in Dubai
Holding a professional licence in Dubai offers several key benefits, especially for solo professionals or boutique firms.
100% Foreign Ownership
Professionals can fully own their business in Dubai mainland, which provides total control and access to the UAE market.
Low Entry Costs
Compared to industrial or commercial setups, professional licenses typically cost less to establish and maintain.
Flexibility in Setup
The structure can be as a sole proprietorship or civil company, depending on how many partners are involved.
Work with Local and International Clients
With a professional license, it’s possible to bid for local contracts, serve UAE-based companies, and take international work remotely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Professional Licence in Dubai
The process to get licensed is straightforward, especially with the right documentation and clear understanding of the business activity.
Step 1: Define the Business Activity
Choose a specific professional activity you want to carry out. This should align with the list provided by Dubai’s licensing authority. Each activity has a corresponding code and description.
Step 2: Pick a Business Name
Choose a unique trade name that reflects the business. Make sure it follows local naming guidelines—no offensive words, religious terms, or political references. Submit it for initial approval.
Step 3: Decide the Legal Structure
Most solo professionals go with sole proprietorship. If there are two or more partners, a civil company is the most common route.
Step 4: Get Initial Approval
This is a no-objection clearance from the government to proceed. Submit a passport copy, visa copy (if available), and a basic outline of the business activity.
Step 5: Lease Office Space
A tenancy contract is required. Even small businesses or solo professionals must have a physical address registered with Ejari.
Step 6: Sign MOA or LSA Agreement
If operating under a sole proprietorship, a local service agent (LSA) agreement is needed. This UAE national doesn’t own shares but helps with approvals. In case of partnerships, a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is required.
Step 7: Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees
Gather all your documents—trade name certificate, tenancy contract, MOA or LSA, passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID (if available)—and submit the final application to DET. Once approved, the professional license is issued.
Documents Required
To get a professional licence in Dubai, the following documents are usually needed:
- Passport copy of the owner and partners
- Passport-size photo
- UAE visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed
- Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Trade name reservation
- LSA agreement or MOA, depending on structure
These documents may vary slightly based on the business activity and setup.
Cost of a Professional Licence in Dubai
The cost of getting a professional licence in Dubai depends on a few things:
- Nature of the activity
- Number of partners
- Office space size and location
- Whether additional approvals are needed
As a general guide:
- Licence fees: AED 7,000 – AED 15,000
- Trade name reservation: AED 600 – AED 2,000
- Local service agent fee: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 (annually)
- Office rent: Varies (AED 10,000 and up depending on location)
- Ejari registration: AED 1,000 – AED 2,000
Many business setup consultancies offer all-in packages that include approvals, paperwork, and government fees.
What Is a Local Service Agent (LSA)?
An LSA is a UAE national who represents the business with government departments. They do not own shares or have operational control but help with processes like visa applications, labour approvals, and license renewals. For professional licenses, an LSA is mandatory if the business is 100% foreign-owned.
Difference Between Professional and Commercial Licences
Both licenses allow business activities in Dubai, but they cover different scopes:
- Professional Licence: For service-based businesses like consulting, training, legal, design, or healthcare.
- Commercial Licence: For businesses involved in buying and selling goods—wholesalers, retailers, trading companies.
Choosing the right one depends on what type of work the business will perform.
When to Renew the Licence
All Dubai business licenses, including professional ones, must be renewed annually. Renewal requires a valid tenancy contract (Ejari), a clean record, and payment of renewal fees. It’s recommended to start the process at least one month before expiry to avoid fines.
Free Zone vs Mainland for Professional Services
While a professional licence in Dubai is often associated with the mainland, some free zones also allow service-based licenses. Here’s how they compare:
Free Zone
- Lower startup costs
- 100% foreign ownership
- Limited to operating within the free zone unless with a distributor
- Virtual offices allowed in some zones
Mainland
- Access to full UAE market
- Work with government contracts
- Office space required
- LSA mandatory for full foreign ownership
Conclusion
Securing a professional licence in Dubai is a smart move for anyone looking to provide expert services in a fast-growing, business-friendly environment. The process is clear, the benefits are plenty, and the opportunities are wide open.
With the right setup, professionals can work independently, legally, and profitably—while enjoying everything Dubai has to offer.
