Licensing

Professional License in Dubai

For consultants, agencies and service businesses selling expertise.

Fixed price quoted up front
Mainland and every free zone
Licence, visas, banking, one team
Most licences in days, not weeks

A professional licence is issued to businesses that sell services and expertise rather than goods: consultants, marketing agencies, IT service providers, engineers, designers, trainers and management advisors. It is the most common route for founders whose product is their skill.

Professional licences are typically cheaper than commercial licences and, on the mainland, allow full foreign ownership through a civil company or sole establishment with a local service agent whose role is administrative rather than an ownership stake.

The basics

A professional licence authorises the provision of professional, technical or consultancy services. The registered activity determines exactly what you can offer, and some activities require proof of relevant qualifications or experience before the authority will approve them.

On the mainland, professional licences are commonly issued to a civil company where two or more professionals practise together, or to a sole establishment owned by one individual. In a free zone, the equivalent is a consultancy or service licence held by a company limited by shares.

Why it works

Full foreign ownership

Professional activities allow 100% ownership, with any local service agent acting in an administrative capacity only.

Lower cost of entry

Professional licences generally cost less than commercial ones, and service businesses need less space.

Small office footprint

A modest office or flexi desk is usually sufficient, which keeps fixed costs down while you build the client base.

Multiple related services

Group related consultancy activities on one licence, such as management consultancy alongside training.

Residence visas

Sponsor yourself and your team, with quota based on your office or free zone package.

Credibility with clients

A licensed UAE entity lets you contract and invoice corporate clients who cannot engage unlicensed suppliers.

Scope

Professional licences cover service based activities, including the following.

  • Management and business consultancy
  • Marketing, advertising and public relations
  • IT consultancy and software services
  • Engineering consultancy, subject to approvals
  • Design, architecture and interiors, subject to approvals
  • Accounting and bookkeeping services
  • Training, coaching and education services
  • Legal consultancy, subject to regulatory approval
Cost

Professional licences are among the more affordable routes into a Dubai company. The main variables are jurisdiction, whether the activity needs an external regulator approval, and your visa count. Regulated professions such as engineering, legal and healthcare cost more because a second authority is involved.

What makes up the cost

  • Trade name reservation and initial approval
  • Professional licence fee
  • Local service agent fee, on mainland sole establishments
  • Office or flexi desk cost
  • Establishment card and visas per person
  • Our professional fee, quoted as a fixed amount up front
Paperwork
  • Passport copies for every shareholder and the manager
  • Passport size photographs on a white background
  • Three proposed trade names in order of preference
  • Curriculum vitae showing relevant experience
  • Attested degree certificate for regulated professional activities
  • Emirates ID and visa copy if you are already a UAE resident
  • No objection certificate from your current sponsor where applicable
  • Tenancy contract and Ejari, or free zone facility agreement
The process
01

Confirm the activity and qualifications

We check whether your intended service requires an attested degree or external approval before anything is filed.

02

Choose jurisdiction and structure

Civil company, sole establishment or free zone consultancy, chosen against your clients, budget and visa needs.

03

Reserve the trade name

We clear and reserve a compliant name with the authority.

04

Initial approval

The authority issues initial approval, including any external regulator sign off for regulated professions.

05

Premises and documents

We arrange office or flexi desk, register Ejari where required, and submit the full file.

06

Licence issued

Your professional licence is issued and the company is registered with immigration and labour.

07

Visas and banking

We process establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then prepare your corporate bank application.

Why Layerz

We advise on the structure that fits your activity and customers rather than the package that is easiest to sell. You get a fixed quote with government fees itemised separately, a dedicated advisor from first call to licence, and the same team afterwards for visas, banking, accounting and renewals.

Get a free consultation
Faq

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers on cost, ownership, documents and timelines.

Ask us anything Ask us anything
  • 1. What is the difference between a professional and a commercial licence?
    A professional licence covers services and expertise. A commercial licence covers buying and selling goods. If you invoice for your time and knowledge rather than products, professional is the correct category.
  • 2. How much does a professional licence cost in Dubai?
    Typically from around AED 13,500, depending on jurisdiction, activity and visa count. Regulated professions cost more because an external approval is required.
  • 3. Do I need a degree to get a professional licence?
    For some activities, yes. Engineering, legal, medical and certain technical consultancies require an attested degree and relevant experience. Management consultancy and marketing generally do not.
  • 4. Can I own 100% of a professional licence company?
    Yes. Professional activities allow full foreign ownership. Where a local service agent is appointed on a mainland sole establishment, the agent holds no shares and no claim on profits.
  • 5. Can a professional licence sponsor employee visas?
    Yes. Once the establishment card is issued you can sponsor staff, with the number depending on your office space or free zone package.
Keep reading

Dubai Mainland Company Formation

Trade anywhere in the UAE, with up to 100% foreign ownership.

Read guide

Dubai Free Zone Company Setup

Full ownership, fast setup and packaged costs across 30 plus free zones.

Read guide

Commercial License

The standard licence for buying, selling and distributing goods.

Read guide

Enquire about your professional license

Tell us what you are planning and we will reply with the right structure and a fixed quote.