UAE
Professional License
Built for consultants, specialists and skilled service providers.
100%
Foreign ownership
Services
Activity type
1
Local Service Agent required
0%
Personal income tax
Overview
If you offer professional services, what you need is a Professional License in Dubai. Certain business activities require one — an engineer offering engineering consulting services, a doctor offering medical consulting services, or a lawyer offering legal consulting services, for example.
A Professional License in Dubai is granted to professionals offering their services in the United Arab Emirates — an architect offering architecture services, a product design expert, an interior designer, a web designer or UI/UX designer, and so on. Sometimes a group of professionals want to offer their services jointly, such as two attorneys opening a law firm together — in that case, the company is known as a civil corporation.
Activities Covered Under a Dubai Professional License
A professional is someone trained to offer a service — a specialist offering specialised services. Common activities include:
Accounting & Auditing
Accountants, auditors, financial advisors, and accounting and auditing companies.
Legal & Consultancy Services
Lawyers and legal advisors, business consultants, and management consultancy.
Architecture & Design
Architectural consultants, computer graphic design, and internet and web design services.
Health & Medical Services
Health and medical services, and medical representatives.
IT & Technical Services
Information technology services and technical services.
Advertising, Media & Education
Advertising professionals and entertainment artists, printing and publishing, and teachers and educational professors.
Personal & Artisan Services
Beauty salons, carpentry and artisan activities, document clearing, and security services.
The Local Service Agent Requirement
What makes companies holding a Professional License in Dubai unique is that — unlike some other mainland company types — 100% foreign ownership is allowed. You only need a Local Service Agent (LSA) who will legally represent your company before government agencies.
The LSA can be an Emirati national or a company that is 100% owned by Emiratis. The LSA does not own any shares in your company and has no say in its management — so you retain full control over your business.
Benefits of a Professional License in Dubai
100%
Foreign Ownership Allowed
Unlike many mainland structures, professional licences permit full foreign ownership with an LSA in place.
No Corporate or Personal Income Taxes
Retain more of what you earn as a professional service provider.
100%
Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Send your earnings home with no restrictions.
Easy Renewal of Business License
A straightforward annual renewal process, provided your professional credentials remain valid.
Ease of Doing Business
Streamlined registration and a stable, transparent regulatory environment.
Access to a Wide Market
Serve clients across the UAE and internationally under one licence.
How to Get a Professional License in Dubai
Business setup starts with a few sequential decisions and filings.
- 1
Choose your professional activity
Confirm your specific service falls under the professional licence category.
- 2
Select your office location
Choose premises that suit your clients — a business district for B2B services, or somewhere closer to residential areas for consumer-facing services. This address becomes your registered office as per government records.
- 3
Appoint your Local Service Agent
Identify an Emirati national or Emirati-owned company to act as your LSA — this too is entered into the official records.
- 4
Reserve your trade name and submit documents
Reserve your company name, then gather passport, visa, Emirates ID and certification documents.
- 5
Obtain initial approval and sign your civil works contract
Secure DET initial approval and register your office tenancy contract (Ejari).
- 6
Pay fees and receive your licence
Settle the applicable fees and receive your Professional License.
Documents Required for a Professional License
The list below is indicative — some activities require additional documentation.
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa (if applicable) — pages showing the visa stamp, or the standalone visa document
- Emirates ID, if already resident in the UAE
- Copies of educational and professional certifications
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Copy of the Jinsiyya (nationality certificate) or Muwatana of the Local Service Agent
- Copy of Ejari or registered tenancy contract for your office
- No Objection Certificate from your sponsor, if on a work or residence visa
Cost & Renewal of a Professional License in Dubai
The cost of securing a Professional License in Dubai varies by business activity and the number of business owners, plus the cost of company formation itself. Evolva provides a free, tailored quote for the total process.
Your licence needs to be renewed every year. If your profession involves time-bound training credentials, it's a good idea to get re-certified ahead of renewal. You can apply for renewal one month before expiry to extend validity for another year — applying after expiry may incur late penalties, and you cannot continue operating until the Department of Economic Development in your emirate has processed the renewal.
Why Choose Evolva for Your Professional License?
Setting up a professional services company involves government paperwork, an LSA appointment and activity-specific clearances. Evolva takes the hassle out of the process.
Correct Paperwork, First Time
We ensure all your documentation is in order prior to submission, avoiding delays caused by missing certifications or mismatched activity codes.
Local Service Agent Introductions
We help you appoint a suitable, reliable Local Service Agent for your civil company or sole establishment.
Location & Office Guidance
We advise on the right business location for your target clients, mainland or free zone.
Ongoing Bookkeeping & Compliance
We continue to support you with cost-effective bookkeeping, accounting and auditing so you can focus on running your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your Professional License setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
خدمات ذات صلة
Trade License
The legal permit that lets your company carry out a specified commercial activity anywhere in the UAE.
Ecommerce License
Sell products and services online legally in the UAE, across your own store, marketplaces and social channels.
General Trading License
Trade an unrestricted range of general goods under a single licence instead of activity-specific permits.
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