Professional License in Dubai, UAE
To offer specialized services in consultancy, IT, healthcare, legal, accounting, or creative sectors, you need a professional license from Dubai DED. This ensures you operate legally, sponsor employees, and unlock business growth opportunities across the UAE and GCC markets.
What is a Professional License?
A professional license is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or by free zone authorities. It allows individuals and companies to offer services that depend on their skills, training, or qualifications. Unlike commercial licenses that focus on trading or selling goods, a professional license is designed for service-based work such as consulting, designing, or technical services.
One of the biggest advantages of this license is ownership. Expatriates can hold 100% ownership of their business on the mainland. They only need a Local Service Agent (LSA), who does not take any shares in the company. The LSA simply handles government paperwork and receives a yearly fee. The license is valid for one year, must be renewed annually, and allows the business to sponsor employees, dependents, and family visas.
This type of license is ideal for a wide range of skilled professionals. It suits consultants, IT experts, healthcare workers, accountants, engineers, architects, creative designers, lawyers, teachers, trainers, and many other specialists. Whether working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or UAE free zones, a professional license provides a clear legal pathway for experts who want to offer their services and grow their careers or businesses in the UAE.
Benefits of Professional License in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership
Expatriates retain full business ownership without Emirati partners; LSA required but holds no shares.
Business Credibility & Recognition
Official DED license builds client trust, enhances reputation, and legitimizes independent practice.
Legal Market Operations Authority
Operate legally across all seven emirates with rights to invoice, sign contracts, and conduct business.
Tax Benefits & Incentives
No personal income tax; corporate tax exemption up to AED 375,000 profit for small businesses.
Regional & GCC Expansion Eligible
License allows service delivery across UAE and access to GCC markets with regulatory advantages.
Government Contract & Tender Access
Participate in government procurement, public sector contracts, and official tenders with certified license.
Requirements for Professional License
- Valid trade license for approved professional activity matching your expertise and qualifications.
- Choose company structure: sole proprietorship, civil company (2+ partners), or one-person LLC.
- Reserve unique trade name via DED portal complying with UAE naming regulations.
- Appoint local service agent (LSA) for mainland with notarized agreement; annual fee AED 6,000–10,000.
- Provide passport copies and attested degrees, certificates, or experience letters proving expertise.
- Obtain DED initial approval confirming business activity and trade name acceptance.
- Secure valid office lease or flexi-desk agreement registered with Ejari.
- Submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer if on UAE employment visa.
- Complete DED application form with all business details, activities, and partner info.
- Pay application fees, license issuance fees, and LSA annual fee via DED portal.
Documents Required for Professional License
| Personal Documents | Business Documents | Certifications | Office & Financial |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport copies (all partners) | Trade name reservation certificate | Educational certificates (attested) | Tenancy contract original |
UAE visa & Emirates ID copies | Initial approval certificate | Professional qualification documents | Ejari registration certificate |
Recent passport-size photos | Memorandum of Association (if LLC) | Experience letters from employers | Application fee payment receipt |
Current employer NOC | LSA agreement (notarized at court) | Special approvals (DHA/MOE/KHDA) | License fee payment proof |
Special Requirements by Professional Category
01.Medical Professionals
DHA registration, practice permit, facility license mandatory. Medical malpractice insurance required for clinic operations. Infection control certificates and medical waste disposal contracts essential for compliance with health authority regulations.
02.Legal Consultants
Law degree attestation from UAE MOFA required. Bar membership proof or legal qualification verification needed. Limited to advisory services only—no court representation rights permitted under UAE legal framework.
03.Educational Services
KHDA approval mandatory for training centers. MOE coordination required for academic institutions. Curriculum registration and teacher qualification verification necessary before operations commence.
04.Accounting & Audit
MOE auditor registration required for statutory audit services. FTA registration essential for tax consultancy operations. Professional indemnity insurance recommended for audit firm liability protection.
05.IT & Cybersecurity
TRA approval required for telecom-related services. VARA NOC necessary for crypto consulting activities. UAE data protection law compliance (Law No. 2 of 2019) mandatory for client data handling.
06.Engineering Services
Dubai Municipality approval required for construction-related engineering. Professional liability insurance mandatory. DEWA coordination needed for utility-related engineering projects or inspections.
07.Healthcare Clinics
DHA facility license essential for clinic operations. Infection control certificate and medical waste disposal contract required. Dubai Municipality inspection approval necessary before clinic opening.
08.Food Consultants
Dubai Municipality food safety certificate mandatory. HACCP certification required for food safety consulting. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority approval needed if operating in Abu Dhabi emirate.
Professional License Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare
Renew office tenancy contract, update Ejari registration, confirm LSA agreement continuation.
Step 2: Submit
Upload renewed documents via DED portal 3-4 weeks before expiry date. Pay renewal application fee.
Step 3: Review
DED verifies documents within 2-3 working days. May request updated certificates or approvals.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Upon approval, pay license renewal fees (AED 10,000-12,000) including chamber membership charges.
Step 5: Download
Receive renewed digital license valid for one more year. Continue business operations legally.
Is a Professional License in Dubai Costly?
Professional license costs in Dubai start from AED 15,310 for mainland businesses with a Local Service Agent (LSA). This makes the setup affordable for consultants, freelancers, and service companies. The total first-year cost usually ranges between AED 15,310 and AED 28,500, depending on government fees, office space, LSA charges, and basic administrative expenses. These prices are considered competitive when compared to other global service hubs.
Rizmona helps lower your overall setup cost by guiding you toward the most efficient office solutions, handling all paperwork, and managing LSA arrangements smoothly. Our team also advises you on available tax benefits and smart cost-saving options. We keep every fee clear and transparent so clients can stay on budget, avoid delays, and meet all compliance requirements without stress.
Dubai Professional License Cost Calculator
Get a comprehensive cost breakdown for professional license setup in Dubai.
Professional License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up professional licenses for startups and established businesses, ensuring legal operations and full compliance with Dubai regulations. Our expert consultants handle document preparation, DED coordination, and all regulatory requirements efficiently and smoothly. We provide reliable, accurate, and timely guidance, with licensed professionals skilled in every aspect of business setup services.
Professional License in Dubai
Rizmona sets up professional licenses for startups and established businesses, ensuring legal operations and full compliance with Dubai regulations. Our expert consultants handle document preparation, DED coordination, and all regulatory requirements efficiently and smoothly. We provide reliable, accurate, and timely guidance, with licensed professionals skilled in every aspect of business setup services.
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