Professional License in Dubai

Empower Your
Expertise.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) issues professional licenses to individuals and companies engaging in service-oriented activities. Unlike commercial setups, professional licenses permit 100% ownership for foreign investors.

Professional License Dubai
Dubai Expertise

What is a Professional License in Dubai?

Unlike commercial and industrial licenses, a professional license permits **100% ownership** for foreign investors, giving them the benefits of a sole proprietorship.

It is issued to businesses wishing to engage in service-oriented activities. It is also issued to skilled individuals holding a professional degree and having significant experience in a particular profession. The activities covered include Artisanship, Consultancy, Medical, Printing, and more.

100% Ownership

Full control for foreign investors

50+ Activities

Diverse professional categories

THE ROADMAP

Obtaining Your
Professional License.

01 / 09
01

Local Service Agreement

Fill the local service agreement form with the UAE citizen from a local translator and receive the form attested from a public notary service.

02

Arabic Formatting

In the case of an Arabic agreement, a legal translator’s seal is not required, simplifying the attestation process.

03

MOA Drafting

Make a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the sponsor to define the legal framework of your professional entity.

04

Fee Specification

Specify the current fee of the sponsor clearly in the agreement to avoid future disputes.

05

Civil Company Application

If obtaining a license for a civil company, fill out an additional application form and get it attested.

06

Notary Signing

The court agreement must be signed by all owners and partners in the presence of a public notary.

07

Municipality Approval

Acquire approval from the Municipality for your tenancy contract and business premises.

08

Document Attestation

Ensure all forms are accompanied by proper attestation before the final submission.

09

Final DED Submission

Submit all necessary documents at any branch of the Department of Economic Development (DED) for final issuance.

PREPARATION

Required Documents

Preparing your documentation correctly is the most critical step in ensuring a rapid license issuance.

Completed Application Form
Passport copies of owners and partners
Naturalization certificate of the local partner
NOC from current sponsor for foreign partners
UID number (if on visit visa)
Visit / Tourist / Transit visa copies
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES

Why Choose Professional?

The professional setup offers unique benefits tailored for skilled entrepreneurs and researchers.

100% Foreign Ownership

Retain complete control over your professional enterprise with full ownership rights.

Cost-Effective

Professional licenses in Dubai are among the most affordable ways to establish a legal entity.

Wide Activity Range

A broad spectrum of service-oriented activities are eligible for professional licensing.

Adaptable Market

Access the dynamic and ever-growing UAE market with a professional legal standing.

Broad Customer Base

Engage with a diverse international and local clientele directly from your Dubai base.

Zero Personal Tax

Benefit from no additional corporate or income tax on your professional profits.

Low Renewal Costs

The annual renewal process is straightforward and maintained at a low cost.

DED Relationship

Build professional relationships directly with the Department of Economic Development.

Flexible Structure

Choose from various company structures that best suit your specific professional needs.

ELIGIBLE SERVICES

Business Activities

Artisanship
Carpentry
Consultancy services
Medical services
Printing and publishing
Beauty salons
Computer graphic design services
Repair services
Security services
Document clearing
Electronics Repair services
Engineering design
Information technology services
Legal consultancy services
Starting Investment
INR 2,09,800

All-inclusive professional package

Fee Components

Professional license fees
Services agent fees
Market fees
Trade name fees
Administrative service fees
Government cultural fees
Local fees
Includes all government cultural, administrative, and local service fees.
11 — FAQ

Got
Questions?

Everything you need to know about setting up in the UAE.

See All FAQs →
In Dubai, a professional license can be obtained by registering a company with the Dubai Economic Development (DED). The process involves selecting your activity, drafting a local service agreement with a UAE national agent, and submitting attested documents to the DED. Our team handles this end-to-end.
The starting cost for a professional license is approximately INR 2,09,800. This depends on factors like office rent, specific activities, and administrative approvals.
The most cost-effective professional licenses are typically for micro-businesses or individual consultants through DED's 'e-Trader' or 'Instant License' initiatives, though standard professional licenses offer broader benefits for company growth.
Mainly four: Professional (services), Commercial (trading), Industrial (manufacturing), and Tourism. Each has specific ownership and operational rules.
Upgrading or changing license types involves applying through the DED for a change of legal form and business activity. You would need to cancel the current trade name or update it and sign new agreements with your service agent.
Primary requirements include a professional qualification in the relevant field, a local service agent (UAE national), and specific documentation like passport copies, NOCs, and attested lease agreements.
With our expert support, a professional license can often be issued in as little as 3-5 working days, provided all attestations and initial approvals are in order.
The process is now heavily digitized. You can start by consulting with Habibi professionals who will guide you through the online DED portal and handle the physical attestation requirements locally.
While similar in name, a professional driver's license is a specific RTA permit for commercial driving (taxis, buses, heavy vehicles). A 'Professional License' for business setup refers to the DED permit for service-oriented firms.

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start?

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