Before starting a business in Dubai mainland, obtaining the appropriate license is mandatory. Dubai offers three types of business licenses: Commercial (for trading activities), Industrial (for manufacturing activities), and Professional (for service-based activities).
A professional license is distinct because it allows individuals to operate in specific service industries without needing a local sponsor, instead hiring a local service agent. This license is for single-person ownership businesses like business service providers, designers, and artists. If more than one person owns the business, it is classified as a civil corporation.
A professional license in Dubai is issued to individual entrepreneurs who offer professional services, such as business service providers, designers, artists, and similar professions. To qualify for this license, the business must be solely owned by a single individual. If the business is owned by more than one person, it will be classified as a civil corporation instead.
A professional license is the only type that permits expatriates to fully own a business in the Emirates. However, this comes with a requirement: you must appoint an Emirati citizen as your service agent, also referred to as Wakeel e Khidmat. This agent will not be involved in the business’s operations but will assist in securing the license and managing other legal matters. Importantly, the agent will not be responsible for any of the organization’s debts.
Anyone intending to engage in commercial or business activities in Dubai must obtain the appropriate license. The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has established an administrative framework that categorizes different sectors into specific licensing types, ensuring better access to regulatory and support services. Therefore, when establishing a company in Dubai, it’s essential to select the correct license based on your business type. For instance, a professional company in Dubai must obtain a professional license, which applies to individuals or companies with specialized skills and expertise.
Following is the list of individuals who are required to possess a professional license in Dubai:
This list highlights only the common professional activities that require a professional license in Dubai. For a comprehensive list of activities needing a professional license, you can visit the Department of Economic Development (DED) website or their office. However, the most reliable approach is to consult a business setup company or a business consultant in Dubai. They can provide you with all the necessary information to help you choose the business license that best aligns with your specific business needs.
The first and most crucial step in obtaining a professional license in Dubai is handling the paperwork. Preparing and organizing the necessary documents in advance can save significant time during the licensing process. The specific paperwork needed for registering a professional license varies depending on the type of business you plan to operate.
However, we can list some of the common paperwork that is required for licensing. Which are as follows:
In Dubai, the Department of Economic Development (DED) issues professional licenses to individuals or companies. Therefore, the process of obtaining a professional license involves regular interactions with the DED. While getting a professional license in Dubai is relatively straightforward, it requires following a well-organized procedure. The DED mandates the submission of a BR1 form, a name registration certificate, an EJARI registration certificate, and a tenancy contract. To streamline the process and ensure efficiency, it is advisable to consult a professional or business consultant who can handle the paperwork and expedite the process, often leading to cost savings as well.
The cost for a professional license comes out to be approximately AED 10310.
The total cost of acquiring a professional license depends on different types of the fee required to be paid by a license holder.
When your license expires, you can renew it through the appropriate authorities. You may also need to provide certification proving your expertise in the specific skill you intend to offer to your clients.
As previously noted, obtaining a professional license comes with numerous benefits. If you’re ready to launch your entrepreneurial journey, now is the perfect time to get registered.
Should you need any help with registering your professional license activities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to assist you!
We manage the whole process of establishing your professional firms. It includes strategic inputs and consolidates business plan:
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