Indispensable Professional License in Dubai, UAE

Whether you are a consultant, freelancer, designer, teacher, or any other qualified individual, a professional license in Dubai, UAE allows you to lawfully offer your services and tap into a fast-growing business environment.
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Benefits of a Professional License in Dubai

Full Foreign Ownership

Through a Dubai professional license, specifically on the mainland, you get to enjoy 100% company ownership as a sole proprietor with a local service agent instead of a partner. 

Access to the UAE Market

With a professional license in Dubai, you gain access to both local and international customers to allow you to build a dominant professional presence within the region.

Lower Setup Costs

Professional license prices are comparatively lower compared to industrial or commercial licenses, which makes it easier for individual practitioners and freelancers.

Visa Eligibility

As a holder of a Dubai professional license, you are qualified to apply for a UAE residency visa for your employees and yourself, providing access to essential services like banking, accommodation, and medical services.

Simplified Renewal Process

Renewal of a professional license in Dubai is easy and affordable and allows for continuity of business.

Professional License in Dubai

Obtaining a professional license in Dubai is a well-planned choice for individuals wishing to establish service-oriented businesses in one of the globe’s most business-friendly cities. Whether you are a consultant, freelancer, designer, or educator, a professional license in Dubai, UAE allows you to operate your services lawfully and enjoy access to the dynamic UAE market.
This license is targeted at individuals and companies that provide non-commercial professional services that are founded on academic qualifications or technical skill sets. Dubai’s professional license is best applied to legal services, IT consultancy, marketing, engineering, and other specialist services.
The professional license requirements typically include educational proof, copies of passports, a local service agent agreement (for mainland licenses), and business activity approval by the Department of Economic Development (DED). These procedures ensure the setup process is in accordance with UAE law and allows professionals to work legally in the city.
Depending on your business model, you can opt to set up either in the mainland or a Dubai-free zone, each with unique advantages for professional service providers. The Dubai professional license cost can vary based on location, number of visas required, and office space. Setup fees depend on the services and jurisdiction you need. Free zones tend to have package offers that include workspace and visa allocations as part of the package, thus being a cheaper option for start-ups.
In brief, a Dubai professional license is a great way to penetrate the market, gain credibility, and build a successful business. With a clear understanding of the professional license requirements and respective costs, professionals can make informed decisions that align with their company goals. The professional license becomes a key to endless opportunities in a thriving economic climate.

Licenses Available for DIFC Company Formation

License Type Description Action
Commercial License For businesses involved in trading and commercial activities. Apply Now
Educational License For educational institutions and training centers. Apply Now
E-commerce License For businesses operating online and conducting e-commerce activities. Apply Now
General Trading License For businesses covering broad trading activities involving multiple product categories. Apply Now
Individual License For individuals conducting one activity in a specific specialty or expertise. Apply Now
Industrial License For manufacturing and industrial operations. Apply Now
Media License For companies involved in media production, broadcasting, and related activities. Apply Now
Service License For businesses providing various services, excluding industrial activities. Apply Now
Freelancer Permit For independent professionals. Apply Now

Steps to Get a Professional License in Dubai

Timeline: 2 to 4 weeks



Step 01 - Takes 1 day

Choose Your Business Activity

Choosing the right activity is the foundation of your application. Your activity should match your skills and be an allowed service for a professional license in Dubai, UAE. This also determines your fit for other documents and approvals in the future.

Step 02 - Takes 1 day

Decide on the Jurisdiction (Mainland or Free Zone) You must choose to set up in Dubai mainland or a free zone. Mainland gives greater access to UAE markets, but at a greater cost, and full ownership can be exercised in free zones at a lower cost. Both of them have specific requirements.

Step 03 - Takes 1 to 2 Days

Reserve Your Trade Name

Prepare 2–3 names for approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or your preferred free zone authority. The name should reflect your business activity under your Dubai professional license.

Step 04 - Takes 3 to 5 days

Initial Approval

Initial approval is provided when your business meets the professional license requirement criteria. This involves identity verification and business model approval.

Step 05 -Takes 2 Days

Prepare Local Service Agent Agreement (Mainland Only)

If you’re opting for a mainland professional license, you’ll need a UAE national as a local service agent. This individual will not hold equity but is essential to fulfill the professional license requirements.

Step 06 - Takes 1 to 2 Weeks

Secure Office Space or Flexi Desk

You must lease office space or a flexi desk as part of the professional license requirements. This tenancy contract (Ejari) is mandatory for license issuance.

Step 07 - Takes 3 to 5 Days

File Documents and Pay Charges

File your application, along with all supporting documents. Pay the relevant charges, which are based on business size, visa quota, and office area.

Step 08 - Takes 1 to 3 Days

Receive Your Professional License

Your Dubai professional license will be issued upon approval, allowing you to lawfully conduct business in the UAE and obtain visas.

Step 09 - Takes 1 to 2 Weeks

File Applications for UAE Residency Visas

With your rightful license, you can file applications for residency visas for yourself and your employees, one of the significant benefits of being a business owner in Dubai.

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Documents Required for a Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Company Setup

Document Requirement
Passport Copy (All Shareholders) Valid for all applicants/partners
Passport-size Photographs With a white background, recent
Emirates ID / UAE Visa (if applicable) Only if already residing in the UAE
Academic/Professional Qualification Degree or certificate related to your service/business activity
Business Activity Description A clear outline of the services to be offered
Trade Name Reservation Certificate Issued by DED or the free zone authority
Initial Approval Certificate From DED or free zone confirming activity approval
Local Service Agent Agreement Required if setting up in mainland with a sole proprietorship
Tenancy Contract / Ejari Lease agreement or flexi-desk agreement depending on the setup
Memorandum of Association (MOA) Notarized MOA for LLCs or partnerships
External Approvals (if applicable) For regulated professions like legal, healthcare, or education
No Objection Certificate (NOC) Required if you're employed in the UAE and sponsored by another company

Cost of a Professional License in Dubai

The professional license in Dubai cost depends on multiple factors such as the business activity, jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), number of visas required, and office space type. On average, the cost of a professional license in Dubai starts from AED 7,500 and can vary based on additional services and approvals.

Setting up in a free zone is typically more cost-effective, with packages that include visa quotas, shared workspaces, and reduced setup costs. In contrast, obtaining a professional license on the mainland may include added expenses like a local service agent fee and Ejari application charges. 

Calculating the exact Dubai professional license cost requires a full breakdown of the setup process, covering trade name reservations, initial approvals, tenancy agreements, and document clearance. Seeking expert guidance helps ensure you meet every professional license requirement while keeping your setup budget-friendly and compliant with UAE regulations.

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Why Choose RadiantBiz as Your Guide?

At RadiantBiz, we provide expert support throughout the application process for a professional license in Dubai, ensuring a smooth and successful business establishment. 

Our experience, industry insights, and commitment to excellence make us your ideal partner in getting your professional license in Dubai.

  • Expert Advice
  • Bespoke Solutions
  • Broad Experience
  • Post-Setup Support
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