A Professional License in Dubai is your official gateway to operating a skill-based or consultancy business in one of the world's most dynamic commercial hubs. Whether you're a consultant, IT specialist, healthcare professional, or creative expert, this licence allows you to deliver your services legally and build a credible business in the UAE.
What makes it especially appealing for UK and European investors? You retain 100% foreign ownership - no need for a local business partner. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) issues the licence, and with Shuraa UK guiding the process, getting set up is simpler than you might expect.
A Professional License in Dubai is a mandatory permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for individuals and businesses that provide services rooted in intellectual ability, skill, or specialised expertise. This could be a management consultant, a graphic designer, a medical practitioner, an IT firm, or a legal advisor. If your business delivers expertise rather than products, a professional licence is what you need.
One of its most significant advantages for overseas investors is that 100% foreign ownership is permitted under UAE law for most professional licence activities on the mainland. You do not need an Emirati business partner. However, for mainland setups, you are required to appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA), a UAE national who acts as your registered agent for government liaison purposes. The LSA holds no equity in your company and has no liability for its operations or debts.
If two or more professionals are setting up together, the business is typically structured as a civil company, with the licence covering all named partners.
As a professional licence holder, you are legally authorised to offer services within your registered activity, sign contracts with clients, issue invoices, and operate a corporate bank account. You gain full legal standing to work with private clients, corporate entities, and on the mainland – government bodies as well.
For UK and European professionals looking to enter the UAE market, holding a professional licence also signals credibility. It demonstrates that your business has been verified and approved by the relevant authorities, which matters to clients and partners alike.
The professional licence covers a wide range of service-based and knowledge-driven business activities. Some of the most popular categories include:
Some of the benefits of obtaining a professional license in the UAE are as follows:
As a UK or European investor, you can own your business outright. No local partner is required for most professional licence activities.
Your licence entitles you to sign contracts, raise invoices, apply for UAE residence visas for yourself and employees, and open a corporate bank account.
The UAE levies no personal income tax. Additionally, businesses with profits under AED 375,000 are exempt from corporate tax, a compelling advantage for growing professional service firms.
Your business is regulated and protected under the authority of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, lending it credibility in the marketplace.
A mainland professional licence allows you to work with clients across all seven UAE emirates and opens doors to wider GCC market opportunities.
The renewal process is straightforward and cost-effective, keeping your business compliant without unnecessary administrative burden.
Professional licenses in Dubai are easy to obtain. The following are the steps you must take to obtain your professional license:
Businesses must follow the paperwork requirements set by governmental organisations in the UAE. To apply for a professional license in Dubai, you must provide the following paperwork:
Passport copies of all shareholders/partners
Passport-sized photographs (white background, recent)
Copy of UAE visa or entry stamp (if applicable)
No Objection Certificate (NOC), if applicable
Attested professional qualification certificates
Approved trade name certificate
Tenancy contract and Ejari registration
Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement – for mainland setups
Depending on your business activity, additional documents or regulatory approvals may be required. Our team at Shuraa UK will provide you with a personalised document checklist based on your specific situation.
Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Starting from
DED Professional License Fee
The professional license in Dubai cost will change over time. The above service fees are among those included in the total price. Our specialists at the Shuraa UK will explain your professional license cost and will also provide you with a thorough breakdown of any additional costs that could increase the final cost.
Find answers to common questions about business setup in Dubai and the UAE.
Yes, absolutely. There are no nationality restrictions on obtaining a professional licence in Dubai. UK and European nationals can apply and are entitled to 100% ownership of their professional service business on the mainland. For mainland setups, you will need to appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA), but this person holds no ownership stake and has no control over your business operations.
Not necessarily. Many steps in the application process can be handled remotely, especially with the support of a business setup consultant like Shuraa UK. However, certain steps, such as the medical examination for your residence visa, do require your physical presence in the UAE.
A Local Service Agent (LSA) is a UAE national who is appointed as your registered agent for government liaison purposes in a mainland setup. They are required by law for most professional licence holders on the mainland, but their role is purely administrative. The LSA does not own any shares in your company, does not share in your profits, and bears no liability for your business debts.
The Dubai Professional License cost starts from around AED 18,000 (approximately £4,168), which covers the licence fee, trade name registration, administrative fees, and government charges. The total cost varies depending on your business activity, office type, number of visas required, and whether your activity needs additional regulatory approvals.
Yes. A professional licence entitles you to apply for UAE residence visas for yourself (as the business owner) and for employees. The number of visas you can apply for is linked to your office space and licence type.
Professional licences in Dubai must be renewed annually. The renewal process involves updating your tenancy contract and Ejari registration, confirming your LSA agreement, and submitting the renewal application via the DET portal, ideally 3 to 4 weeks before your licence expiry date.
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