Civil Company in Dubai, UAE
Establish your professional practice in Dubai with full foreign ownership. A civil company is designed for doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Get direct market access and multiple visa sponsorship options. We'll guide you through the professional licensing process.
What is a Civil Company?
A civil company is a professional partnership designed for qualified experts such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, architects, and consultants. It brings two or more professionals together under a single entity so they can offer their services with full operational control. One of the biggest advantages of this structure is the ability to maintain 100% foreign ownership, allowing professionals to run their practice without the need for a UAE national partner. The Department of Economic Development (DED) oversees the registration process to ensure the company aligns with Dubai Mainland regulations for professional activities.
In this setup, businesses appoint a local service agent (LSA) who assists with approvals and government coordination but does not hold any ownership or authority in the company. This keeps control fully in the hands of the partners while still meeting regulatory requirements. However, partners also take on personal liability for the company's commitments, similar to professional practices in many parts of the world, making it a transparent and trust-based structure.
Civil companies function across Dubai Mainland and are recognized as a strong option for service-based firms aiming to establish a credible and scalable presence. They allow professionals to expand through additional branches, hire teams, and build a trusted brand within their field. With the right expertise and compliance in place, this model offers a flexible pathway for long-term growth and professional reputation in the UAE market.
Steps to Civil Company Formation in Dubai
Setting up a civil company involves selecting professional activity, registering trade name, obtaining DED approval, appointing service agent, securing office space, and receiving license. Process takes 10-15 days.
Choose Your Professional Activity
Register Civil Company Trade Name
Obtain Initial Approval from DED
Appoint Local Service Agent
Secure Office Location
Submit Professional Documentation
Apply for Professional License
Process Partner and Employee Visas
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Benefits of Civil Company in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete control without UAE partner. Partners retain all decision-making authority independently.
Professional Services Focus
Operate as doctor, lawyer, engineer, accountant, consultant. Leverage qualifications for Dubai market access.
Multiple Visas
Sponsor partner & employee visas. Multiple visa types for expansion. Bring family dependents with ease.
Lower Setup Costs
License fees AED 14,000-17,000. No minimum capital. Minimal ongoing compliance versus commercial entities.
Professional Credibility
Enhance client trust via professional structure. Demonstrate expertise & compliance. Build strong Dubai reputation.
Business Flexibility
Open multiple branches for approved activities. Scale based on demand. Adapt services within professional scope.
How Much Does Civil Company Formation Cost in Dubai?
Civil company formation on Dubai Mainland costs AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 for complete setup. Professional license fees range AED 14,000 to AED 17,000 annually. Office rental costs AED 40,000 to AED 100,000 yearly. Local service agent fees range AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 annually. No minimum capital required. Free zone civil companies cost AED 18,000-AED 35,000 with lower office rental reducing overall expenses.
We manage your civil company formation strategically to control costs efficiently. We guide you toward appropriate professional activities and licensing. We secure office space competitively and coordinate with DED and professional authorities. Our consultants handle documentation properly preventing delays. Strategic planning saves money on amendments.
Civil Company Formation Cost Calculator
Get a comprehensive cost breakdown for your civil company setup in Dubai.
How We Help with Civil Company Formation
Professional Activity Guidance
We help you choose the right service activity for your qualifications.
Documentation Preparation
We prepare all documents to meet professional and regulatory standards.
DED Liaison & Approvals
We manage all DED interactions and track every approval step.
Local Service Agent Setup
We negotiate and finalize your LSA agreement for mainland compliance.
Professional Licensing
We handle the full professional license application and approvals.
Office & Visa Support
We assist with office leasing, Ejari, and visa processing for you and staff.
How Can We Help You?
Ready to start your Dubai business? Our experts are here to guide you through every step of your entrepreneurial journey.
