The purpose of a Professional License is evident from its name – Yes, it’s meant for the professionals and the companies that deal with professional or service-oriented activities. The license is issued to an individual or a company where there is scope to display or provide one’s intellectual or artistic capabilities. Yes, it can be a skill displayed in a particular trade or industry, for example, artisanship.

You must have a professional license in UAE to establish a professional firm extending service to the customers. It could be a professional tuition centre, an art centre, or any similar entity. The license will mean that you are officially authorized to carry out the said activities officially. Your firm will also be included in the documents of the authority. Besides, it will be helpful in case of any legal complications or disputes.

When it comes to Ownership rights of a Foreign investor, Professional License has a clear advantage over Commercial and Industrial License. Foreign investor enjoys 100% Ownership of the business and this makes one entitled for Sole Proprietorship. Professional Licenses in UAE are issued by confirming the educational entitlement and skill area of the applicant. Thus, preventing the individuals without any adequate qualification setting up a professional business in the UAE.

The number of expats opting to start a professional firm in Dubai/ UAE has grown manifold in recent times. Optimum growth possibilities offered by one of the most advanced cities in the world, Dubai, have been the main factor leading to this. Additionally, the supportive policies by the visionary government of the country have been creating winners over the years. 

Even if the investor enjoys 100% ownership rights, getting a local service agent is mandatory to fulfil the legal formalities. The local service agent has no claims or rights regarding the equity or functioning of the company.

The investor is liable to pay the annual service charge for availing the services of the agent.

Matters related to the processing and issuance of the Professional License in Dubai and UAE is carried out by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Contact DED for all your Professional License requirements in Dubai, UAE. Our team of professionals will be able to process the request in quick time and get the professional license issued. We will also render you suitable advice that will help you in reaching productive decisions.

If the ownership is shared by more than one individual, the company is designated as a Civil Company. Here are some services or trades that require a Professional License for functioning in Dubai.

Although the service offered by the companies fall in the category of professional services, the number of professionals involved makes it to be considered a civil company.

 Web design and development

 Saloons

 Security services

 Repair

 Carpentry

 Printing and Publishing services

 Consultancy

 Artisanship

 Medical services

 Photocopying and Typing

 Garage

 Cleaning services

To get initial approval for a professional license in Dubai, prepare a precise description of the business activity involved. Assign a service agent to perform the official formalities in a timely and systematic manner. Now you are in a position to get the initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED). Find a relevant trade name for your business and reserve it. DED gives final approval after document submission.

Here, you must abide by the regulations regarding naming of the trade. The authorities have stipulations about naming your professional entity. Political inclination and religious references are not permitted in the trade name. If you intend to use your name as the trade name, it should be in an expanded version, without any abbreviations.

Application form duly filled Passport copy of the owner/ partner Naturalization book of partner (copy) Expatriate partners require sponsor’s NOC. (Not applicable if the partner is on Tourist/ Visit Visa – UID number is sufficient) Based on the business activity and operation, the concerned authorities issue the Initial Approval.

You have to submit the application to the DED, along with the certificates and documents proving your professional qualification and experience (if any). The officials at DED will peruse the certificates and other documents before issuing the professional license in UAE.

The total cost involved in acquiring Professional License in Dubai is AED 10,310. The professional license cost in Dubai may change from time to time. The total cost includes various service charges and they are as follows.

License Fees

Administrative service charge

Agent fees

Trade name fees

Market fee based on tenancy

Government cultural fees, etc

Prepare the local service agent agreement that assigns a UAE national as your company’s service agent from a legal translator. Get the service of a notary to attest the agreement form. In case if the agreement is in Arabic, you don’t require the seal of a legal translator.

Prepare the Memorandum Of Association(MOA) with the local service agent.

The sponsor has an annual fee, indicate the same in the agreement. An additional application form is required when it comes to Civil Company License requirement. Get it filled and attested from the Notary.

The owners or partners shall sign the Court agreement before the notary. Tenancy contract approval is issued by the Municipality. Acquire approval. Submit the attested forms, owner’s passport copy, and NOC (if needed) at the Department of Economic Development.

Remit the License fees and collect the payment voucher. Service providers, specialists and professionals receive a lot of appreciation and support in Dubai. You may easily attain a professional license in Dubai, UAE with the guidance from an experienced business setup consultant. If you are in the quest of setting up a professional business in Dubai or UAE, One Step Business SetUp services is all set for your assistance.

We have been instrumental in successful establishment of many professional agencies across the UAE. By providing reliable and trustworthy services, One Step have become one of the most dependable business setup services in the country.

We provide quality Professional License services in Dubai and the UAE. Our wide range of professional license services includes getting approval from concerned authorities, finding a local service agent, preparing MOA with the agent, handling all documentation formalities, and more. Reach us if you require a professional license in Dubai; we’d be really happy to help. We also provide Professional License renewal service in Dubai and UAE. Do let us know.