Professional License in Dubai
Launch your professional service business in Dubai with the help of right team that you can trust
Expert Professional License Services in Dubai
Dubai’s prosperous business environment, favourable setting, and strong economic growth provide ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to do business and thrive. Gaining a professional license in Dubai is a fundamental step that opens up incredible opportunities in this exciting city. In this guide, we will discover what a professional license entails, its costs, type and the process involved. We will explore prospects for individuals who want to provide their specific skills and expertise.
What is a Professional License in Dubai?
A professional license in Dubai is an authorization or legal document that permits companies and individuals to conduct specific activities within the Emirates. It is a necessary documentation authorized by the Department of Economic Development or a Free Zone Authority. Right from business consultants, medics, medical practitioners and creative personalities, a professional license in Dubai allows individuals with dedicated knowledge, expertise, and acumen to perform their preferred professional activities.
Activities Permissible Under A Professional License in Dubai
This license proves indispensable for a wide variety of professions, including:
- Consultancy Services: A professional license in Dubai provides better prospects to start your consulting services across different area of expertise that include Financial Advisory, Management, HR, IT, Marketing, Legal, Financial, Engineering, or environmental fields.
- Creative and Artisanal Professions: Professional license opens doors to offering Designers, Artists, Photographers, Musicians, and Media specialists to conduct a range of creative services.
- IT Services: Whether you are a system engineer or software developer, you can provide your skills and knowledge in different projects including software development, cyber security, web design, and IT infrastructure in this city.
- Real Estate Services: Property management & Brokerage.
- Healthcare Services: medics, nurses, dentists, pharmacologists, health centres, and hospitals.
- Educational Services: Such as training centres, educational consultancies, and institutes.
- Beauty and Wellness Services: Salons and spas, for example.
Benefits of Professional License in Dubai, UAE
Obtaining a professional license in Dubai provides diverse benefits for aspirant entrepreneurs and businesses:
- Complete Foreign Ownership: This is a big attraction, particularly on the mainland. A professional license permits 100% foreign ownership.
- Tax Benefits: As a professional license holder, you'll benefit from no personal income tax and low corporate tax rates. This significantly boosts your retained profits.
- Low Operational Expenses: Professional licenses tend to have lower running and administration expenses when compared to other businesses.
- Flexible Business Activities: You may be able to track different activities in your specialized field depending on the authority that issues your authorization and license.
- Easier Residency and Visas: Acquiring a professional license makes it easier for you, your staff and their kin to attain residency visas.
- Access to Local and International Markets: Located at the intersection of Africa, Asia, and Europe's core markets, Dubai's geographical position offers unmatched access to international and local clients.
- Infrastructure: Dubai offers world-class infrastructure.
Cost of a professional license in Dubai
The price of professional license in Dubai starts from AED 11000 to AED 45000. The costs vary as it depends on different factors like administrative fees, license fees, tenancy contracts and government charges.
Steps to Follow While Obtaining a Professional License in Dubai
The process of securing a professional license in Dubai, though well-structured, involves several key stages:
State Your Business Activities
Firstly, clearly define the professional services you want to offer.
Choose Your Legal Structure
Decide on the best legal setup for your professional venture.
Reserve Your Trade Name
Select a fitting name for your business that conforms with Dubai naming regulations.
Get Approval
Submit your application and documents to the DED or Free Zone Authority for groundwork approval.
License Issuance
Once all documents are reviewed and approved, and payments are made, your professional license will be issued.
Documents Required for Professional License in Dubai
Here a general overview of commonly required documents to acquire a professional license:
- Professional License Application: The official form from the DED or Free Zone Authority.
- Passport Copies: Valid copies of passports for all shareholders, partners, and the manager.
- Visa: Copies of your UAE visa
- Emirates ID: A copy of the Emirates ID for all resident partners and the manager.
- Business Name Reservation Certificate: Proof that your trade name is reserved.
- Initial Approval: The document confirming preliminary approval from the DED or Free Zone Authority.
- Memorandum of Association: For Civil Companies or LLCs, this document is needed to detail your business structure.
- Attested Educational/Qualification Certificates: Diplomas, Degrees, or certifications demonstrating your expertise. These credentials often need substantiation from your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE.
- Business Plan: A brief overview of your services, goals, and operational strategy.
- Valid Tenancy Contract: Proof of your physical office space, listed with Ejari.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photos of all partners/shareholders and the manager.
How Can RichMan Associate Help with Your Professional License?
Getting licenses in a distant, far-off country and navigating the intricacies of establishing a business in a new place can be daunting. This is precisely where the assistance of business setup consultants like RichMan Associate become vital. RichMan Associate in Dubai in the area professional licenses is a credible business setup consultancy that provides comprehensive assistance to business clients from various industrial sectors. Our business setup consultant ensures that all the paperwork is in order before submission.
At RichMan Associate, professional license needs of the clients are adequately handled by experts, right from the start to the finalization of the entire licensing process. RichMan Associate can help you by providing in-depth consultations to know your particular professional activity and assisting you with the most appropriate legal structure, like mainland vs. freezone, sole proprietorship vs. civil company, and license type. Their experts detail all the requirements and remove possible difficulties making the process smooth and convenient with expert advice and consultation.
FAQs
What Is a Professional License in Dubai and Who Can Apply for It?
A professional license in Dubai is referred to as an “authorized permit” that allows 100% foreign ownership in mainland and free zone business setups. This authorization is issued by relevant free zone authorities and the Department of Economic Development (DED). Any company or individuals providing specialized, knowledge-based expert services rather than trading physical goods (retail or manufacturing) can apply for a professional license in Dubai.
This legal permit authorizes viable professional activities based on intellect, skill, expertise, talent, and consulting. Freelancers, corporate entities, and civil companies can apply for a professional license.
How Can You Acquire a Professional License in Dubai?
To obtain your professional license in Dubai, you must first select a “jurisdiction” (free zone or mainland), your “business activity”, and then “submit your application”, along with the necessary documents, including your professional and educational credentials, through a relevant free zone authority or the Dubai DET eServices website.
The required documents include: passport-sized recent photographs, a copy of your passport, an entry stamp, a tenancy contract, registered Ejari, and certified copies of relevant professional and educational degrees.
Can Foreigners Obtain a Professional License in Dubai?
Both mainland and free zones in Dubai now allow 100% foreign ownership. Foreigners can obtain a professional license in Dubai for several freezone and mainland activities. As a foreigner, if you are willing to set up a business in Dubai, you will have to provide verified work experience (an attested degree) as proof of your professional competence to the relevant authority. Free zone entities need to obtain their licenses from their specific free zone authorities. Those seeking entry to the mainland should apply for mainland licenses with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
How Much Does a Professional License in Dubai Cost?
The overall cost of a professional license in Dubai is based on visas, administrative elements, office spaces, Ejari, government licensing fees, etc. The exact charge may vary based on whether you select to register on the “Mainland” or in a “Free Zone” in Dubai. A basic license fee can cost around AED 9500 -AED 15000. When you are planning your budget for business setup in Dubai, make sure you consider all the essential cost components that include MoA drafting, notarisation, visa costs, Ejari, office space, and trade name reservation.
Can a Professional License Holder Sponsor Employees in Dubai?
A professional license holder can sponsor employees in Dubai irrespective of whether it’s a free zone or mainland entity. As a business owner holding a professional license, you need to fulfil certain labour and government compliance requirements. First, you need to have a registered or leased office or workspace. Because immigration and labour authorities often inspect the office premises before the staff quotas are granted. Second, your office size and business activity will determine the visa quota. To secure quota allotment, you need to consider these factors.
