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License Type

Professional License (Dubai & UAE)

A Professional License covers service and advisory activities such as consultancy, IT, design, training, accounting, and other skills-based services. Choose Mainland to serve on-site clients across the UAE, or a Free Zone for simplified setup and 100% foreign ownership. Some categories may need qualifications or experience proofs.

100% foreign ownership Mainland or Free Zone Service & advisory activities Visas based on office size
Direct Answer Yes — available on Mainland and in Free Zones.
Estimated Cost: AED 3,800–8,500 Timeline: ≈ 5–10 working days once approvals are ready See Steps See Documents
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Steps to get a Professional License

  1. Pick Mainland or a Free Zone; confirm exact activity wording
  2. Reserve trade name and obtain initial approval
  3. Submit owner KYC and any required qualification/CV
  4. Issue the company license and establishment card
  5. Open the bank account and apply visas

Documents required

  • Passport & photo for each owner
  • UAE entry/visa page (if available)
  • Three trade-name options
  • Qualification/CV (only for regulated activities)

What this license covers

  • Consultancy, advisory, design, engineering, accounting and other expert services
  • IT/software services, digital marketing, product design/UX, content & media services
  • Training/education variants (where permitted by the authority)

Key notes

  • Some activities are regulated and can require CV/degree or a sector NOC (e.g., engineering, finance, healthcare).
  • Choose Mainland if you need on-site delivery anywhere in the UAE; Free Zones are ideal for remote/office-based services.
  • Visa quotas are tied to office size and authority rules; start with a flexi-desk and scale later.

FAQs

Is a degree required?

Only for regulated activities (e.g., engineering, auditing, medical). Many service categories accept experience and portfolio evidence.

Can I contract with government entities?

Yes. Mainland licenses are commonly used for tenders; some Free Zones also allow it if scope and client acceptance fit.