The private education sector in the UAE is experiencing steady growth. A growing population, a diverse workforce, and a growing emphasis on skills development have created a constant need for quality education institutions. Schools and nurseries, career training facilities, and online education are just a few of the business sectors that are in the same boat: education is a safe and profitable sector.

However, it is mandatory to ensure that all education-related activities are approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) before implementing them. This approval is not optional - it is a legal/regulatory requirement that documents that your institution meets approved educational, safety, and operational standards.

This guide will provide all your questions related to obtaining a KHDA license, such as the process, requirements, timelines, and costs, in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

Why is the Education Sector a good investment opportunity?

There are hundreds of private schools, training institutes and higher education institutions in the region that offer education to students of other nationalities and ages. The demand continues to grow for the following reasons:

• Increasing movement of international population and family migration.
• Large population in need of worldwide and bilingual educational programs.
• Greater emphasis on professional competence and lifelong learning.
• Specialized learning communities and education centers.
• Favors conducive policies of private education providers.

If you have a nursery, coding academy, language institute or a private school, KHDA approval is the backbone of your business.

What Is KHDA Approval and Why Is It Necessary?

KHDA is the government body responsible for regulating private education. Its primary objective is to ensure quality, safety, and consistency across all educational institutions.

You need to have a KHDA Educational Services Permit in case you are going to provide:

• School education (K-12)
• Early childhood care and learning.
• Vocational training or professional training.
• Certification or organized education.
• Online or blended education models.

It is not legal to operate without KHDA approval and can result in a fine of up to AED 100,000 and business suspension or closure.

Benefits of KHDA Approval

KHDA approval gives education business long-term value and credibility:

• Develops a reputation with parents, students and corporate clients.
• Legal advert and promotion of services.
• Allows staff visa application and sponsoring.
• Certificates of recognised permits to be issued.
• Enhances reputation and expansion capacity of the institute.

With some conditions, the approved investors and senior education professionals can also be eligible to the long-term residency programs.

Businesses of Education which Need KHDA Approval

Most private education activities such as those provided by: are controlled by KHDA.

• Private schools
• Early childhood learning centres and nurseries.
• The professional and vocational training institutes.
• Local based online education platform.
• Learning institutions of higher learning.
• Instructional educational consultancies.

Only student placement consultancies which do not involve teaching are normally not subject to taxation.

Mainland vs Free Zone Setup

Before obtaining KHDA approval, you will need to select a location to register your business.

Mainland Setup

This option is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism and allows for broad market access and operational flexibility.

Free Zone Setup

Education-focused zones feature full foreign ownership, ready-made infrastructure, and a conducive academic learning setting for educational institutions.

Both options also require KHDA authorization for educational operations.

KHDA Approval Process in a Step by Step

1. Define your educational activity.

Decide on the type of institution, such as a school, nursery, training center, or higher education institution. Also choose whether the education will be face-to-face, online, or blended.

2. Get your first trade license approval.

The first step is to obtain a license from the licensing authority, which includes the name of the business reservation, the choice of activity, and shareholder information.

3. Choose your name and organization address.

The name should be unique and represent your services.

Physical locations must meet zoning, safety, and space standards. Online platforms must meet operational requirements.

Prepare KHDA Documentation

KHDA needs elaborate documents which include:

• Academic or training plan
• Course or program list
• Contract or location of tenancy.
• Qualifications of managers or principals.
• Civil Defence approval
• Facility plan and floor plan.

Any document that is submitted should comply and be formatted by KHDA standards.

Teacher and Staff Approval

Teaching staff must be qualified and have the necessary work experience. Registration with KHDA is required before instruction begins.

Application and Fee Payment.

Applications are made through the designated portal and the relevant fees are paid.

KHDA Inspection and Final Acceptance.

Inspectors check safety compliance, facility readiness, staff availability and teaching materials. After approval, an Educational Services Permit is issued.

Sector-Specific Requirements

Training Institutions

Teachers must meet eligibility criteria and each course must be approved by KHDA. Separate fees are required for other subjects and annual renewal is required.

Private Schools

Schools must have a principal approved by KHDA and follow an approved curriculum. There must be regular inspection and performance rating of the general population.

Nurseries

Nurseries must adhere to strict safety regulations, database-child ratio, cleanliness and age-based facility demands.

Higher Education Institutions

These include dual approvals by KHDA and the National Accreditation Authority and have high academic and financial readiness.

Common Challenges

• Locating an ethical place.
• Satisfying facility layout and safety standards.
• Conformity of curriculum to regulations.
• Dealing with various approvals.
• Preventing time wastage because of document mistakes.

Professional advice will minimise risks and wastage of time.

Read More: How To Start A Laundry Business In Dubai: License, Cost & Setup Steps

Professional Support for KHDA Licensing

If you need a professional team to help you with everything, DBS Group can be your one-stop shop for any education business setup and KHDA licensing. Their experts will guide you through the entire process from activity selection, trade license approvals, documentation preparation, KHDA submission, inspections, visa processing and even the final annual renewal.

Whether you are starting a training institute, nursery or a full-fledged educational institution! AEDBS.com is sure to give your education venture a winning combination.

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration of acquiring KHDA licence?

Depending on the type of institution and its preparation, it usually takes 6-10 weeks. However, inspections can slow down the process for schools and nurseries. However, delays can be overcome with proper planning.

Q2. Do all education businesses require KHDA approval?

Yes, any business that involves structured education or instruction must be licensed. This includes schools, nurseries, training centers, and online. Operating without authorization can result in fines.

Q3. Are there any foreign investors who can apply for a KHDA licence?

Indeed, foreign investors are allowed to own education businesses entirely through approved structures. Both free zones and the mainland are open to foreign ownership. The KHDA is not concerned with nationality, but with quality.

Q4. Is there any KHDA approval required in teaching?

The eligibility criteria is that all teaching staff must be qualified and registered. Training approved by KHDA may be required. Without approval, teaching is not possible.

Q5. Does KHDA approval need to be renewed annually?

Yes, KHDA permits have to be renewed every year. Renewal is subject to compliance and inspections. Failure to renew may result in suspension of operations.