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Get Your Professional License in Dubai
Are you a consultant, IT expert, artisan, or service professional? Setup your UAE business with 100% ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full legal compliance.
Get Your Custom Cost Setup
100%
Foreign Ownership
AED 0
Minimum Capital Req.
Global
Client Invoicing
Fast
Setup & Visa Process
What is a Professional License in the UAE?
A Professional License is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) to individuals or companies whose work relies on their mental, intellectual, or academic skills. Unlike a commercial license, it is meant for service-oriented businesses.
Under this license, expats can enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland business. You only require a Local Service Agent (LSA) who has no equity, no control over the business, and acts purely as a liaison with the government for a fixed annual fee.
See Eligible ProfessionsImportant Rules for Professional Licenses
Before you apply, it is crucial to understand what you need to provide and what business activities are strictly prohibited under this license.
What You Need (Requirements)
- Educational QualificationYou must provide an attested degree or diploma relevant to the professional activity you are applying for.
- Local Service Agent (LSA)A UAE National must be appointed as an LSA to handle labor and immigration approvals. (They hold 0% shares).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)If you are currently employed in the UAE, an NOC from your current sponsor is required.
- Physical Office or Business CenterDepending on the activity, an Ejari (tenancy contract) for an office space may be required by the DED.
What is NOT Allowed (Restrictions)
- No Trading of Physical GoodsYou cannot import, export, or sell physical products (e.g., electronics, garments). You are strictly limited to providing services.
- No ManufacturingIndustrial activities, manufacturing, and mass production are strictly prohibited under this license type.
- Cannot Act as a General ContractorWhile you can offer consultancy, you cannot execute heavy construction contracting under a professional license.
- Activity MixingYou cannot mix a commercial activity (trading) with a professional activity under the same license.
Popular Professional Activities in Dubai
Thousands of expats have established their service businesses in Dubai. Here are the most common sectors for a Professional License.
Management & HR Consultancy
Provide expert advice on business strategy, human resources, and operational efficiency to global clients.
IT & Software Services
Set up an agency offering web development, software consulting, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
Marketing & PR
Open a digital marketing, social media management, or public relations agency in the media hub of the Middle East.
Accounting & Auditing
Offer bookkeeping, tax advisory (VAT & Corporate Tax), and financial auditing services to local businesses.
Healthcare & Clinics
Start a medical clinic, dental practice, or wellness center (Requires approval from DHA/DHA).
Artisans & Craftsmen
Licenses for skilled trades like carpentry, beauty salons, tailoring, and specialized repair services.
The Setup Process
Fast, transparent, and completely managed by our PRO team.
1
Activity & Name Approval
We match your qualifications with the DED activity list and reserve your professional company name.
2
LSA Agreement Drafting
We draft a highly secure Local Service Agent agreement that guarantees your 100% financial and operational control.
3
Submit Documents & Ejari
We submit your attested degrees, passport copies, and office lease contract (Ejari) to the DED for final approval.
4
License & Visa Processing
Your Professional License is issued. We then proceed to open your corporate bank account and process your residency visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really get 100% ownership?
Yes. For a Professional License, the expatriate holds 100% of the company shares. The UAE National (LSA) is only appointed for administrative liaisons and has no legal claim to your business profits or assets.
What is the cost of a Professional License?
The basic DED license fee starts around AED 10,000 - 15,000. However, the total cost depends on the specific activity, office rent, market fee (5% of rent), and LSA sponsorship fees. Contact us for a precise quote.
Is an educational degree mandatory?
For most consulting and high-level professional activities (like engineering, medicine, or management consulting), a relevant university degree attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and the MOFA in UAE is mandatory.
Can I hire employees with this license?
Absolutely. Once your license is active and you have a registered office, you receive an establishment card which allows you to apply for employee quotas and sponsor staff visas.
Ready to Monetize Your Skills in Dubai?
Let First Idea Consultants handle the complex government paperwork, LSA arrangements, and approvals while you focus on building your client base.
- Reliable LSA Sponsorships
- Transparent Pricing
- Golden Visa Assistance
