Professional License in Abu Dhabi, UAE
What is a Professional License?
A professional license is issued to individual entrepreneurs or corporations, allowing them to engage in professional activities or services. This license is applicable to artisans, service providers, craftsmen, designers, and any profession that relies on intellectual ability and talent. It is important to note that a professional license can be held by a sole owner or, in the case of multiple owners, referred to as a civil corporation.
For foreign nationals, 100% ownership of a business is permitted, provided that they appoint a local or Emirati citizen as a service agent, known as Wakeel e Khidmat. The service agent does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of the business but assists in obtaining the license and other legal requirements. They are not liable for the organization’s debts and have no equity stake in the business.
Professional License Activities
Individuals eligible to apply for a professional license in Abu Dhabi can engage in various activities, including:
- General Trading License
- Specific Trading License
- Import and Export
- Logistics
- Real Estate-related Activities
- General Transport Services
- Equipment Rental Business
- Brokerage Services
Advantages of a Professional License
- Full Ownership: Foreign nationals can enjoy 100% ownership with the appointment of a local service agent.
- Market Flexibility: Access to a variety of markets.
- Cost-Effective: Affordable licensing fees.
- Diverse Activities: A wide range of professional activities to choose from.
- Tax Benefits: No additional corporate or income tax.
Steps to Obtain a Professional License
- Overview of Activities: Provide an outline of the activities you intend to conduct within your business.
- Consultation: Our business consultants will assist you in finding a local service agent and managing all the legal documentation required for the license application.
- Initial Approval: Obtain initial approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and select a trading name. Submit all required documents for review.
- Notarization: We will help get the local service agreement form notarized by a public notary.
- Civil Company Registration: If applying for a civil company license, obtain a separate registration form for attestation, known as the Civil Agreement.
- Court Appearance: All business partners or investors must appear before the registrar in court.
- Tenancy Contract Consent: Obtain consent for your tenancy contract.
- Final Submission: Submit all necessary documents to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development for final approval.
- Payment and License Collection: Make the required payment and receive your license. A payment voucher will be issued at the same time.
Required Documents
To apply for a professional license, you will need the following documents:
- Application form
- Copies of passports of owners or partners
- Copies of visit, tourist, or transit visas for foreign owners and partners
- Local partner’s naturalization book or Jinsiya (copy)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsors if foreign nationals are under an employment visa; if on a visit visa, a UID number is required
- Initial approval from relevant authorities, depending on the nature of the activity, such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and National Media Council.
For the tenancy contract submission to the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the following documents are also required:
- Ejari registration
- Rental contract
- Name reservation certificate
- Completed application form (BR1 form)
- Initial approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
For assistance in obtaining your professional license or for more information, contact us today!