The Emirates of Dubai actively encouraged international investors by allowing foreign individuals to establish their commercial undertakings in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai acts as an ideal center for entrepreneurs and business leaders who are motivated to trade goods and services on boundaries. It is an ideal place for any businessman to start a company due to its attractive benefits. However, to run a business in Dubai, it is mandatory for all types of companies to obtain a valid license.

What Is a Professional License in Dubai

Unlike a commercial or industrial license, a professional license allows foreign investors to own 100% of a business, providing the benefits of running a sole proprietorship. This license is issued to businesses that want to run service-based activities. It is also issued to skilled professionals who have a valid degree and significant experience in their field.

Entrepreneurs often get confused between applying for a commercial license or a Dubai professional license. Some business activities in Dubai, UAE may qualify for both commercial and professional licenses. That’s why it’s wise to consult a business setup expert before choosing a license. Activities covered under a professional license include: craftsmanship, consultancy services, medical services, printing and publishing, repair services, security services, and computer graphic design services.

Dubai Offers Three Main Types of Business Licenses

• Commercial licenses are issued to companies involved in trading activities.

• Industrial licenses are issued to businesses that focus on manufacturing.

• Service providers, artisans, and craftsmen obtain professional licenses.

A professional license allows an individual or company to pursue a career that relies on skills and intellectual expertise, as mentioned earlier. If more than one person owns such a company, it is known as a civil company.

Who Needs a Professional License in Dubai?

Individuals or companies providing special services must obtain a professional license in Dubai. This includes freelancers, advisors and businesses in areas such as healthcare, education, engineering, or legal services. For example, an independent graphic designer or a consultation that provides business solutions will require this license. This ensures that only skilled professionals are working, protecting customers and maintaining industry standards.

How to Get a Professional License in Dubai?

Follow these six easy steps to obtain a professional license in Dubai. This phase makes the application process simple and faster.

Choose your activity: Choose a specific service from the approved list of DED, such as IT solution, consultation or legal services.

Get approval: Get necessary approval from the relevant authorities, for example, Dubai Health Authority for medical related businesses.

Submit the required documents: Provide your passport, educational certificate and application form to DED or relevant free zone authority.

Decide on a legal structure: Choose between a sole proprietorship, civil company or free zone entity according to your business requirements.

Pay the fee: Set a license fee, usually between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000, depending on your business activity and location.

Reserve a trade name: Register a unique business name with the DED that clearly represents your business.

After completing these steps, the DED usually issues your professional license within 1-2 weeks.

Benefits of Getting a Professional License in Dubai, UAE

The benefits that will really impress you when getting a professional license in Dubai, UAE are:

• Full foreign ownership

• Various types of business activities to choose from

• Very affordable and cost-effective

• Flexible and adaptable market conditions

• Opportunities to build strong business connections with the Department of Economic Development

• Low-cost process for professional license renewal

• Access to a large customer base

• No corporate tax or personal income tax on your earnings

• More options to decide what type of company you want to establish

Documents Required for a Professional License in Dubai, UAE

Here are the documents you need to prepare to get a professional license in Dubai:

• A completed application form is required to start the process.

• Copy of UAE Naturalization Certificate of the local partner.

• Copies of passports of all company owners and partners.

• Initial approval from the relevant authorities is required depending on the type of business activity planned.

• Foreign partners must provide a copy of their visit, tourist or transit visa.

• If the foreign partners are on an employment visa, then NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the sponsor. If the shareholder is on a visiting visa, then their UID number is mandatory.

You should prepare these required documents to obtain a professional license in Dubai, UAE. At DBS Group, we help you through the entire process, making it easy and hassle-free.

Activities Covered Under Dubai Professional License

In simple terms, a professional is a person trained to provide a specific service. In simple terms, they are experts who provide specialized services.

Some typical business activities/occupations that require professional services licenses include:

• Accountants, auditors and financial advisors

• Accounting and auditing firms

• Advertising professionals and entertainers

• Architectural consultants

• Beauty and hair salons

• Business advisory services

• Carpentry and craft activities

• Computer graphics design

• Consultancy services

• Document processing and clearing

• Health and medical services

• IT and technology services

• Internet and website design services

• Lawyers and legal consultants

• Management consulting

• Medical sales representatives

• Printing and publishing services

• Teachers and academic professors

• Technical support services

• Security and safety services

Cost of Obtaining a Professional License in Dubai

The cost of obtaining a professional license in Dubai ranges from AED 15,310 to AED 28,500. This includes professional license charges, trade name registration fees, service agent fees, market fees (based on the value of the lease), government cultural fees, administrative service charges, local fees and other related costs.

Contact DBS Business Setup Group for Your Professional License

Keep in mind that each business may have specific requirements, so detailed research and guidance from local authorities is essential. With the right strategy, you can turn your business goals into reality in Dubai.

Contact DBS Business Setup Group for your Dubai professional license. Call us on +971 54 332 2846 to get a quick response to your inquiries. You can also contact us via email at sales@aedbs.com.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the benefits of having a professional license in the UAE?

With a professional license, you can legally run your business, open corporate bank accounts, sponsor your family’s visas, and compete for both private and government tenders, as well as receive other benefits.

Q2. Who needs a professional license in the UAE?

Anyone involved in professional services such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants or consultants must have a professional license to legally practice their profession in the UAE.

Q3. Can foreigners obtain a professional license in the UAE?

Yes. Foreigners can apply for a professional license through the mainland authorities in the UAE or by choosing a specific free zone that offers full foreign ownership.

Q4. How do I get a professional license in the UAE?

To obtain a professional license, you need to meet the required qualifications, prepare and submit the necessary documents, apply through the relevant authority or free zone, and comply with the regulations set by the emirate where you plan to work.