A professional license in Dubai permits individuals or groups to practice a service-based profession. It is for specialists whose work relies on intellectual or artistic talent. This license allows 100% foreign ownership for a business on the Dubai mainland. It is ideal for consultants, doctors, artisans, and similar professionals.
Get a Professional License in Dubai
What Defines a Professional License in Dubai?
A professional license is a specific business authorization. It is for service-oriented and consultancy activities. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues this license. It recognizes your qualifications in a particular field. Your business activity must match your educational background. This setup is different from commercial or industrial licenses. Those licenses focus on trading goods or manufacturing.
The legal structure for this license can be a Sole Establishment. It can also be a Civil Company. In a Civil Company, two or more partners own the business. All partners practice a similar professional activity. This structure is common for law firms or engineering consultancies.
Professional vs. Commercial License
Choosing the right license is a critical business decision. A professional license is distinct from a commercial one. The main differences relate to ownership structure and business activities. Misunderstanding these points can lead to costly errors. Here is a clear breakdown of the distinctions.
Who Needs a Professional License?
This license type caters to a wide range of skilled professionals. You need one if your business provides expert services. It is based on your specific mental or physical skills. Common professions include:
- IT Consultants
- Business Consultants
- Medical and Healthcare Professionals
- Legal Advisors and Lawyers
- Engineers and Technical Consultants
- Artists and Entertainers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Teachers and Educational Trainers
- Marketing and Management Specialists
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The Strategic Advantage of 100% Mainland Ownership
The main benefit of a professional license is 100% foreign ownership. You can achieve this on the Dubai mainland. This is a significant advantage over a commercial license. A commercial LLC requires a local sponsor holding 51% of the company.
With a professional license, you appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA). An LSA has no ownership stake in your business. The LSA is a UAE national or a UAE-owned company. Their role is purely administrative. They handle government paperwork and ensure compliance. You pay the LSA a fixed annual fee. You retain full control and all profits of your business. This structure gives you autonomy while operating within mainland regulations.
Steps to Get Your Dubai Professional License
The application process is direct. Following the correct steps prevents delays. Each stage requires specific documents and approvals from authorities.
- Select Your Business Activity. Choose an activity that matches your professional qualifications. The DET has an approved list of over 2,000 activities.
- Choose a Legal Form. Decide between a Sole Establishment or a Civil Company. This choice depends on if you are operating alone or with partners.
- Reserve Your Trade Name. Select a unique name for your business. It must comply with UAE naming conventions. The DET must approve the name.
- Get Initial Approval. Submit your application and required documents to the DET. This certificate shows the government has no objection to your business.
- Find a Local Service Agent and Office. Sign an agreement with your LSA. You must also have a registered office address. An Ejari (lease contract) is required.
- Secure External Approvals. Some professions need approval from specific ministries. For example, medical clinics need Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval.
- Submit Final Documents. Pay the license fees and submit all paperwork. You will then receive your official professional license.
Estimated Costs for a Professional License Dubai
Costs can vary based on your specific activity and business needs. The figures below are estimates. They provide a general idea of the initial investment.
- Initial Approval: Approximately AED 250
- Trade Name Registration: AED 650+ (depending on name type)
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Fee: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 annually
- Office Rent (Ejari): Varies greatly by location. Virtual offices start around AED 10,000.
- License Fee: AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 (approximate)
- External Approval Fees: Varies by authority.
Some costs are often forgotten. These include fees for document translation, visa processing, and establishing a corporate bank account. Plan for these additional expenses in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I hold a professional license without a degree?
Yes, for certain activities. Skills and experience can be sufficient. Activities like artisanship or technical services often do not require a formal degree. However, professions like medicine or law have strict educational requirements that you must meet.
Is an office mandatory for a professional license?
Yes, a registered physical address in Dubai is required. You must provide a valid Ejari certificate to the DET. Many professionals start with a virtual office or a desk space in a business center to meet this legal requirement affordably.
How long does it take to get a professional license?
The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Delays can occur. They usually happen if you need external approvals from other government bodies. Proper document preparation and prompt fee payment can speed up the timeline significantly.
Can I convert my professional license to a commercial one?
Yes, you can add a commercial activity to a professional license. This changes the legal structure to an LLC. You would then need a UAE national sponsor holding 51% of the shares. It requires a new application and approval from the DET.
Do I need a Local Service Agent in a free zone?
No, an LSA is only required for mainland professional licenses. Free zones operate under different regulations. Businesses in free zones can have 100% foreign ownership without needing an LSA or a local sponsor for any license type.
A Look at Future Growth
Many entrepreneurs choose a professional license for its low entry barrier. The 100% ownership model is very attractive. However, you must consider your long-term vision. This license strictly limits you to service activities. If your business plan involves selling goods or trading products later, you face a hurdle. Adding a commercial activity forces a change in your company’s legal structure. This means giving up 51% equity to a local partner. Plan your five-year strategy carefully. A professional license is excellent for service providers. But be aware of its limitations if your business model might expand into trade.
References
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). (2025). Business Activities.
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government. (2025). Getting a business license.
