Dubai tops the list of places that attract overseas investments and foreign individuals who wish to set up their business operations in the Middle East. Additionally, it also makes an excellent place for individuals who intend to carry out service-related operations or work in a field that requires particular expertise. Such operations or activities mandate a professional license. However, to achieve this license, individuals need to be well informed of the professional license Dubai activities list approved by the DED or relevant authorities.
Hence, this article will share with you all the necessary details about the professional license in Dubai, its requirements, and how you can obtain one.
Professional license in Dubai
A professional license is a legal authorization for individuals or companies granted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) which allows them to engage in specific professional service activities. It caters to businesses that offer in various fields, such as healthcare, IT, consultancy, artistic endeavors, etc. Obtaining this license ensures that the businesses offering professional services are operating within the legal framework established by the authorities.
The features of a professional license comprise the following:-
Type of activity – Individuals who want to utilize some special skill set or knowledge and want to provide service in exchange for a fee.
Ownership of establishment – The foreign individual will have 100% ownership and can become the sole owner.
Liability – Since the license holder is the sole owner of the business, all debts and liabilities are incurred by the business owner.
Professional license Dubai activities list
Individuals or firms providing professional services are eligible to obtain this license. The professional license Dubai activities list set by the DED includes the following:-
- Professionals with expertise or specific skill – Accountants, auditors, financial advisors, advertising professionals, entertainment artists, educational professionals, lawyers, legal advisors, and medical representatives.
- Talented traders and crafts – Carpenters, artisans creating handcrafted goods, and technical service providers.
- Consultancy services – Consultants offering services in various fields such as healthcare, business and management, IT, architecture, etc.
- Creative and media fields – Print and publishing firm and web designing services.
- Personal care services – Beauty spas and hair salons
The above described are the most common activities included in the professional license Dubai activities list. However, to get a comprehensive list of professional activities, you can reach out to the business license experts at Shuraa who will also help you decide on the most appropriate license aligning with the nature of your business.
Legal requirements for a professional license in Dubai
In order to carry out any activity from the professional license Dubai activities list, the individual needs to meet specific requirements of the DED, such as –
- A completed application form for a license, filled with accurate and complete information
- Copies of passports for all owners and partners
- A copy of the naturalization book of the local partner
- A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor of the foreign partner with an existing UAE visa
- UID number of foreign partners with a visit visa
- Initial approvals from relevant authorities such as the Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), or the National Media Council
Guide to obtaining a professional license in Dubai
Securing a professional license helps you carry out professional activities and services in Dubai. The process requires you to follow these steps:-
Define your activities – Outline the professional activities you would be delivering in Dubai. For example, any particular field of work you have spent years working in, such as artisanship, consultancy, legal advisory, medical services, etc. Identifying your niche will help you determine the specific approvals and permits you will need.
Partner with a local agent – Appoint a local service agent who will handle the legal paperwork and ensure that the business is in line with regulations.
Obtain initial approval from the DED – Following the appointment of the agent, seek initial approval from the DED as a confirmation to proceed with the business setup process. This approval will ensure that the proposed activities align with the regulations and requirements of the DED.
Reserve a business name – Find a unique company name that separates you from the competition and get registered with the relevant authority. Also, make sure that the chosen name aligns with the local regulations and does not violate any of the rules set forth by the DED.
Prepare a local service agreement and MOA – Complete the local service agreement form and draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining the fees and responsibilities of the service agent.
Final submission – If you have an office premise for your business operations, then secure a tenancy contract and submit it along with the other supporting documents to the licensing authorities. Make sure that all the documents are properly attested. Finally, pay the requested license fee and collect the professional license.
Benefits of establishing a professional firm in Dubai
From tax incentives and logistics benefits to superior location and business-friendly environment, there are so many great advantages of setting up a professional business in Dubai.
- Full ownership of the business without the need for a local Emirati sponsor
- Minimum to no VAT obligations for certain professional services
- Ability to serve clients in any emirate, thereby boosting market reach
- Flexibility to hire foreign employees, sponsor employee visas, and enhance staff growth
- Flexibility to structure the business as a sole proprietorship or civil company
- Cover multiple services in the same sector
- Serve international clients and benefit from the trade agreements of the UAE
- Recognized by both public and private sectors globally
- Enhancement of business reputation
- Fewer regulatory requirements compared to other goods-oriented licenses
- Wide range of professional activities to choose from
- Renewal at an affordable price
- Protected business engagements with the DED
- Access to a corporate bank account
- Lower operational costs
- No additional taxes on the business profit
Professional license cost in Dubai
The cost of a professional license in Dubai encompasses various charges such as the license fee, trade name reservation fee, service agent fees, office space rent, government cultural fees, administrative service charges, and other miscellaneous fees. If you would like to learn more about the professional license fee structure and the overall cost of company setup in Dubai, connect with the business setup experts of Shuraa. They will be happy to assist you with the details.
Once the license expires, the business owner must get it renewed by the authorities. For this process, they might need to submit the following documents:-
- Original Professional License
- Tenancy contract copy
- Approval from the required authorities
- Details for employees’ accommodation
If you need any assistance with the professional license Dubai activities list, feel free to contact Shuraa.
Get your professional license with Shuraa!
In a nutshell, a professional license in Dubai allows individuals with specialized skills and businesses offering specialized services to operate legally within the region. This guide has briefly explained the different aspects of a professional license, the application procedure, and other associated elements. Understanding these requirements will ensure that all rules and regulations are duly followed and business is established in compliance with the DED.
Shuraa Business Setup will take care of the entire process of your company setup in Dubai, from getting approvals and permissions from concerned departments to assistance in opening corporate bank accounts. Their range of services is tailored to your business needs.
Call +97144081900 or email at info@shuraa.com for assistance.
