What is a professional license?
- A professional license is given to an individual entrepreneur or a corporation to practice professional activities or services of any kind. For example, artisans, service providers, craftsmen, designers, and any career that relies on intellectual ability and talent.
- Keep in mind that the owner of such enterprise should be owned by a single person and if it is owned by more than one individual then it is referred to as a civil corporation.
- Foreign nationals are granted 100% ownership of business giving them the privilege of a sole proprietorship but there is one condition.
- You need to have a local or Emirati citizen as a service agent also known as Wakeel e Khidamt.
- The agent will not have direct interference in your business but will offer assistance in obtaining a license and other legal activities. They will not be responsible for the organization’s liabilities and have no equity.
Professional license activities
The following is a list of individuals who can apply for a professional license in Dubai:
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Consultancy License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges.
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Advertising & Marketing License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*All outdoor advertising requires Municipality Approval
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges.
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Management Consultancy License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges.
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Finance related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities compulsorily require Certified Charter Accountants as Manager or Owner
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges.
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Education related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Activities Require KHDA approval
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Medical related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Activities Require DHA approval
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Law or Legal related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional IT related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Architecture related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Cost Breakup for Mainland Professional Entertainments related License in Dubai
DEPARTMENT | DESCRIPTION | COST |
Business Setup Charges | Trade Name Reservation Certificate Charges | 620.00 |
Initial Approval for Activity and Owner Charges | 120.00 | |
LSA Agreement Between Emirati and Expat Owner Charges | 400.00 | |
Civil Agreement Between the Partner under company | 500.00 | |
Notarization of Civil Agreement | 1,600.00 | |
Professional License Fee (Excluding Market Value 5%) | 8,000.00* | |
Virtual Office | Office Charges | 3,000.00 |
Local Sponsor Charges | To act only as the AGENT under the company. | 5,000.00 |
DNRD | Establishment Card Fee – Immigration | 680.00 |
Note * Professional fee to be charged as per the original govt. receipt.
Charges are exclusive of VAT
All the charges are in AEDs
*Some activities require external approvals will be charged accordingly as per government charges
Advantages of a professional license
- 100% ownership for foreign nationals with the agreement of a local service agent
- Flexible markets
- License is at affordable costs
- Wide range of activities to choose from
- No additional corporate or income tax
Obtaining a professional license
- The first step is to provide an overview of the activities you wish to carry out in your company.
- Our business consultants will then help you with a local service agent and will handle all the legal paperwork needed to obtain this license.
- Obtain initial approval from the DED and also a trading name and send all the documents for approval.
- We will help get the local service agreement form notarized by a public notary.
- If it is for a civil company license, you will need to get another registration form attested, Civil Agreement.
- In the court, all investors or partners of business must appear before the registrar.
- Next, get the consent for your tenancy contract.
- All the necessary documents will be submitted to the DED branch for approval.
- Make the payment and collect your license
- A payment voucher which is like a bill or receipt will be given at the same time.
What are the documents required?
- Application form
- Passports of owners or partners (copies)
- Visit, tourist or transit visa copies of the foreign owners and partners
- Local partner’s naturalization book or Jinsiya (copy)
- A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsors if the foreign nationals are under an employment visa. If they are on a visit visa, then only a UID number is required.
- Initial approval from the authorities depending on the nature of activity-DED, RTA, Dubai Municipality, National Media Council, and more.
- The documents needed for a tenancy contract submission to the Dubai Municipality include– ejari registration, a rental contract, name reservation certificate, a prescribed application form (BR1 form), and initial approval from the DED.