Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for professionals who want to start or expand their businesses in the Middle East. The city offers a dynamic and diverse market, a strategic location, a favorable tax regime, and a high quality of life. However, to operate a business in Dubai, you need to obtain a license from the authorities.
A license is a legal document that grants you the permission to conduct a specific type of business activity in Dubai. There are three main types of licenses in Dubai: commercial, industrial, and professional. In this article, we will focus on the professional license, which is required for businesses that offer services based on the skills and qualifications of the owners or employees.
Business Activities Under Professional License in Dubai
A professional license in Dubai covers a wide range of business activities that involve providing professional services to clients. Some examples of these activities are:
• Accounting and auditing
• Advertising and marketing
• Architecture and engineering
• Consultancy and management
• Education and training
• Healthcare and wellness
• IT and software development
• Legal and financial services
• Media and entertainment
• Travel and tourism
A professional license in Dubai allows you to operate as a sole proprietorship, a civil company, or a branch of a foreign or local company. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual who has full liability for the business. A civil company is a partnership between two or more professionals who share the profits and losses of the business. A branch is an extension of an existing company that operates under the same name and activity as the parent company.
How to Get a Professional License in Dubai?
Getting a professional license in Dubai involves several steps that vary depending on the type and nature of your business activity. However, some of the common steps are:
• Choose a trade name for your business that reflects your activity and complies with the rules and regulations of the Department of Economic Development (DED), which is the authority responsible for issuing licenses in Dubai.
• Apply for an initial approval from the DED, which is a certificate that confirms your eligibility to obtain a license for your chosen activity.
• Prepare a memorandum of association (MOA) if you are forming a civil company or a branch. The MOA is a legal document that defines the relationship between the partners or the parent company and the branch.
• Obtain external approvals from the relevant authorities or bodies that regulate your specific activity. For example, if you want to offer accounting services, you need to get approval from the UAE Accountants and Auditors Association. If you want to offer healthcare services, you need to get approval from the Dubai Health Authority.
• Rent or buy an office space that suits your business needs and meets the health and safety standards of the Dubai Municipality.
• Submit all the required documents and fees to the DED and collect your professional license.
Documents Required to Get a Professional License in UAE
The documents required to get a professional license in UAE may vary depending on your business activity, legal form, and nationality. However, some of the common documents are:
• Passport copies of the owner or partners
• Visa copies of the owner or partners
• Emirates ID copies of the owner or partners
• NOC (no objection certificate) from the sponsor or employer if the owner or partners are residents of UAE
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval certificate
• MOA (if applicable)
• External approval certificates (if applicable)
• Tenancy contract or title deed of the office space
• Ejari registration certificate (a proof of tenancy contract registration)
• Application form and fees
Cost to Get a Professional License in Dubai
The cost to get a professional license in Dubai depends on several factors, such as your business activity, legal form, office size, number of employees, etc. However, some of the main components of the cost are:
• Trade name reservation fee: AED 660
• Initial approval fee: AED 110
• License fee: AED 10,000 - AED 15,000 (depending on your activity)
• MOA fee: AED 2,000 - AED 3,000 (if applicable)
• External approval fees: Vary depending on your activity
• Office rent: Vary depending on your location and size
• Ejari registration fee: AED 220
Conclusion
A professional license in Dubai is essential for anyone who wants to offer their skills and expertise as a service to clients in the city. It allows you to operate legally, protect your rights, and benefit from the opportunities and incentives that Dubai offers to professionals. However, getting a professional license in Dubai requires careful planning and preparation, as well as compliance with the rules and regulations of the authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional business setup consultant who can guide you through the process and help you obtain your license smoothly and efficiently.
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