- +971 52 757 7635
- info@bizinvestfirm.com
- Park Place Tower - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai, UAE
Professional License in Dubai
A professional license in Dubai is a legal document that allows individuals or companies to engage in specific professional activities within the Emirate. Obtaining this license is essential for a wide range of professions, including medical practitioners, business consultants, accountants, legal advisors, and many more.
A professional license is required for businesses offering specialized services. Without it, you cannot legally operate in the Emirate. By securing this license, you not only ensure compliance with local regulations but also build credibility with clients. A UAE professional license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
business
Who Needs to Get a Professional License in Dubai?
If you work in any of the following industries, you will likely need a professional license:
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and therapists need a professional license to offer medical services in Dubai, ensuring compliance with health regulations and maintaining patient trust.
Legal services
Lawyers and legal consultants in Dubai require a professional license to practice, enabling them to offer legal advice and representation in compliance with local laws.
Business consulting
Business consultants and advisors must have a professional license to provide strategic guidance to companies, ensuring expertise in market analysis, business planning, and corporate growth strategies.
Accounting and auditing
Accountants and auditors need a professional license to offer financial services, ensuring accurate bookkeeping, tax compliance, and financial reporting for businesses in Dubai.
Design and creative services
Designers, architects, and other creatives in Dubai must hold a professional license to deliver services such as graphic design, interior design, and architecture, ensuring professional standards and creativity.
IT and technology services
IT professionals offering services like software development, cybersecurity, and tech consulting in Dubai must obtain a professional license to operate, ensuring high-quality technology solutions for businesses.
Benefits of a Professional License in Dubai
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Enjoy full ownership of your professional business in Dubai without needing a local sponsor, enhancing flexibility and control.
- Cost-Effective: Obtaining a professional license in Dubai is cost-effective, with low setup fees and affordable renewal options, supporting business growth.
- Wide Range of Activities: A Dubai professional license allows you to engage in a wide range of services, catering to diverse industries and clients.
- Flexible Market: Dubai’s dynamic and flexible market offers ample opportunities for professional businesses to grow and tap into various sectors.
- Wide Client Range: Expand your business by engaging with both local and international clients, leveraging Dubai’s strategic position as a global business hub.
- No Corporate or Income Taxes: Benefit from Dubai’s favorable tax policies with no additional corporate or income taxes on your professional business profits.
- Affordable License Renewal: The renewal process for a professional license in Dubai is simple and affordable, ensuring continuity without excessive costs.
Business activities under a Professional license
A professional license allows you to choose from a plethora of business activities. These include –
- Painting, Sculpting, and other related artisanship skills.
- Business process development, document clearing, and related business services.
- Carpentry
- Consultancy services
- Computer graphics and design services
- Digital Marketing
- Engineering design
- Printing and Publishing
- Spa and salons
- Auditing and accounting services
- Information Technology services
- Repairing and more.
Steps to Obtain a Professional License in Dubai
To legally operate a business in Dubai, you must follow a series of steps to obtain a professional license. This guide outlines the essential steps to ensure compliance and a smooth setup.
1. Determine Your Business Activity
The first step is to clearly define the type of professional services you will offer. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has a comprehensive list of approved activities. Your business activity will determine the type of license and legal structure required. Make sure to choose an activity that aligns with your expertise and market demand.
2. Choose a Business Structure
Selecting the right business structure is crucial. For a professional license, the most common structure is a sole proprietorship or civil company. A sole proprietorship allows full ownership, while a civil company is ideal for multiple professionals collaborating. Choose a structure that best suits your business goals and size.
3. Select a Trade Name
Your trade name represents your business identity. Choose a unique, easy-to-remember trade name that reflects your services. The name must comply with Dubai's trade name regulations, avoiding any references to religious, political, or offensive terms. It’s advisable to check the availability of your desired name with the DED.
4. Draft Legal Documents
Prepare the necessary legal documents, including your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and local service agent agreement (if applicable). These documents outline your business activities, ownership structure, and the roles of partners or agents. Ensure these documents meet Dubai's legal requirements to avoid delays in the licensing process.
5. Reserve the Trade Name
Once you’ve selected a trade name, you need to reserve it with the Dubai DED. This ensures that no other business can register under the same name. Trade name reservation is a quick process, but it’s an essential step to move forward with your licensing application.
6. Apply for Initial Approval
After reserving your trade name, apply for initial approval from the DED. This approval confirms that the government has no objections to your business operating in Dubai. You’ll need to submit your legal documents and a business plan. Initial approval is a critical step before you can finalize other formalities.
7. Rent Office Space
To obtain a professional license, you need a physical office space in Dubai. Choose an office that aligns with your business activity and budget. Dubai offers a variety of options, from co-working spaces to full-fledged office suites. Having an office lease agreement is mandatory for completing the licensing process.
8. Payment of Fees
The final step is paying the required fees for your professional license. Fees vary depending on the type of business activity, office space, and other factors. After payment, your professional license will be issued, allowing you to legally conduct business in Dubai.
Documents Require for Professional License in Dubai
Here are some general documents you must submit.
- Trade Name Reservation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Proof of Qualifications
- Passport and Visa Copies
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- Premises Approval
Cost of a professional license in Dubai, UAE
The cost of a professional license in Dubai ranges from AED 15,310 to AED 30,000, depending on factors such as professional license fees, trade name registration, additional approvals, office location, and more. Given the variety of requirements, providing an exact estimate can be challenging without detailed information.
For an accurate breakdown of the Dubai professional license cost, contact the experts at Bizinvestfirm. Our specialists will provide you with a precise fee structure and guide you through the process, ensuring you don’t overpay at any stage.
Get Your Dubai Professional License with Bizinvestfirm
Applying for a professional license in the UAE can be a complex process, but getting expert help ensures a smooth experience. At Bizinvestfirm, our business formation specialists bring over 25 years of expertise to the table. From crafting a tailored business strategy to handling all the necessary paperwork, we support you at every stage. We also secure all required approvals on your behalf, helping you obtain your UAE professional license quickly and efficiently. Ready to start? Contact us today for the most affordable professional license options in the UAE.
frequently asked questions
A professional license in Dubai is a type of business license issued to individuals or businesses offering specialized services like consultancy, education, healthcare, legal services, and more. It allows professionals to legally provide their services in the UAE.
Professionals such as consultants, accountants, lawyers, teachers, IT service providers, and freelancers require a professional license in Dubai to conduct their activities legally.
The benefits include 100% ownership for expatriates, the ability to sponsor dependents, and fewer restrictions on business location. It’s also more affordable and simpler compared to other types of business licenses.
To apply, you need to submit relevant documents like your passport copy, qualifications, and a completed application form to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). You may also need approvals from certain government authorities depending on the nature of your business.
Required documents include a copy of the applicant's passport, a business plan, proof of qualifications, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a sponsor (if applicable), and tenancy contract for office space.
Yes, expatriates can hold 100% ownership of their professional business in Dubai with a professional license. This differs from commercial licenses, where a UAE national is often required as a local sponsor or agent.
The cost of a professional license in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000, depending on various factors such as business activity, office space requirements, and governmental approvals.
The process typically takes between 3 to 10 working days, provided all the documents are in order and approvals are received on time.
Yes, once you have a professional license in Dubai, you can sponsor employees for residency visas based on your business needs.
A professional license is for service-oriented businesses, whereas a commercial license is for trading and commercial activities. With a professional license, you have full ownership, while with a commercial license, a UAE local sponsor is usually required.
Yes, to apply for a professional license in Dubai, you need a physical office space, and you must provide a tenancy contract for it. Some free zones, however, may offer flexi-desk options.
Yes, freelancers can apply for a professional license to legally operate in Dubai, especially in industries such as IT, media, marketing, and consultancy.
A professional license in Dubai needs to be renewed annually. You must submit updated tenancy contracts, pay renewal fees, and ensure all necessary approvals are still in place.
If your business income exceeds the mandatory VAT threshold (AED 375,000 annually), you will need to register for VAT and comply with VAT regulations in the UAE.
Operating without a valid professional license in Dubai is illegal and can result in hefty fines, business closure, or legal action by the authorities.