Professional License Dubai
A Professional License authorises individual practitioners and consultancies to offer professional services in the UAE — consultancy, advisory, design, IT, management. Available across Mainland (DET) and most Free Zones.
Professional License — for Consultants & Specialists
A UAE Professional License is the licence category covering professional services — management consultancy, engineering consultancy, accounting, legal, design, IT services, marketing, business advisory, and many specialised practice areas. Unlike a Commercial / Trade License (for buying and selling goods), Professional License is for selling expertise.
Professional Licenses can be issued by Mainland (DET) for general consultancy serving UAE clients directly, or by Free Zones (IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ etc.) for B2B / international consultancy operations. Free Zone options are usually 30-50% cheaper than Mainland and offer 100% foreign ownership without needing a Local Service Agent.
Why Choose This Service
What Our Clients Say
How We Deliver
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01
Jurisdiction & activity match
We match your professional service to either Mainland (DET) or a Free Zone with the right activity code.
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02
License application
Standard application via DET portal or Free Zone authority. Activity approvals for regulated fields (legal, engineering).
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03
MOA + lease
Memorandum of Association signed. Office or flexi-desk lease registered (Ejari for Mainland, flexi-desk for FZ).
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04
License issuance
License issued in 3-10 days. Trade name certificate, Establishment Card, e-portal access.
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05
Bank + visa
Corporate bank account opening + Investor Visa for the founder. Total operational in 14-21 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional License covers services (consulting, design, IT, advisory). Commercial License covers trading physical goods. Pricing, setup, and tax treatment differ — Professional is typically cheaper and faster. For mixed businesses, you can combine activities or hold two licenses.
Yes — Professional Licenses can sponsor multiple employee visas. Visa quotas depend on office size: flexi-desk allows 1-3 visas, dedicated office scales with square footage. For larger teams, choose a Free Zone with generous quotas.
Cheapest Free Zone options: IFZA from AED 11,900, RAKEZ from AED 8,000. Mainland DET: AED 15,000-25,000 depending on activities. Premium Free Zones (DMCC, DIFC): AED 23,000-55,000. Total Year-1 with visa + flexi-desk typically AED 18,000-30,000.
Most professional activities require an educational qualification matching the activity. Engineering needs an engineering degree (legalised). Legal services need law degree + UAE Bar Association approval. Management consultancy is more flexible — experience + portfolio may suffice.
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