Professional LicenseProfessional licence in Dubai
A professional licence covers businesses built on skill and qualifications: consultants, engineers, designers, accountants, IT specialists, trainers and similar service providers.
It is usually held by a sole establishment run by one professional, or a civil company owned by several. Other legal forms, such as an LLC or a branch, can also hold professional activities.
Who it is for
- Management and business consultants
- Engineering and architecture firms
- IT and software services
- Marketing and design studios
- Accounting and auditing
- Training and education
- Media and creative services
- Healthcare practitioners (with DHA approval)
Advantages of a professional licence
- No minimum capital
Most professional activities have no fixed capital requirement.
- Full ownership
Foreign professionals can own their practice outright in most cases.
- Profit repatriation
No restrictions on moving profits or capital out of the UAE.
- Golden Visa pathway
Qualified professionals may become eligible for long-term residence.
How to obtain a professional licence
- Choose the activity and legal form
- Verify and attest your qualifications
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval
- Sign the required agreements before a notary
- Register the office lease
- Pay the fees and receive the licence
Local service agent
Some legal forms have in the past required a UAE national to act as a local service agent. The rules depend on the activity and legal form, and have changed in recent years. We confirm what applies to you before you apply.