PROFESSIONAL LICENSE IN DUBAI

The main feature of a Professional Company is that 100% foreign shareholding is permissible (very few exceptions); however, this form of company can be formed only by an individual or a group of individuals (corporate shareholding is not allowed). These companies can bid for Government contracts, as opposed to free zone companies, which are usually not allowed to do so.

Businesses can register for a professional license in Dubai anywhere in the mainland; a wide range of choice – from the lanes of old Deira to the shining towers of Business Bay.

For a professional license, a UAE National will have to appointed as Service Agent. The Service Agent will have no shares in the Professional License but will only act as a liaison between the entity and Government departments such as the Ministry of Labour.

Click here to download our guide to setting up a Professional License in Dubai. 

FORM YOUR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE  NOW!

Advantages of setting up a Professional License in Dubai

• Easy setup
• Cost-effective
• Flexibility of doing business
• Range of locations
• Options for multiple visas
• Sponsor of dependents

In addition to this, the Professional License in Dubai can derive benefits from the extensive network of double-tax avoidance treaties that the United Arab Emirates has signed with countries worldwide, including countries such as India, Pakistan, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Austria and Holland.

Dubai offers the additional benefits of a very high standard of living and a vibrant expatriate community with people from over 180 nations living and working in the region.

Read our detailed article on setting up a Professional License in Dubai here. 

The legal structure of the license can be Sole Establishment (if 1 Partner) or Civil Company (If two or more partners).

There is no prescribed share capital, hence in practice, the share capital for a Professional License in Dubai is usually kept at AED 300,000.

This share capital does not have to be deposited in a bank account in the name of the entity.

Ownership

100% foreign ownership is permissible.

Only individuals can be owners of a Professional License.

We can help you structure your company through our company formation services. Contact us to discuss your requirements. 

A wide range of professional service activities can be chosen for a professional license in Dubai. These include marketing consultancy or management consultancy, artistry, crafts, Information technology, or media-related activities.

Click here to download an updated list of business activities allowed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

The process of applying for a Professional License in Dubai is as follows:

• Select business activity
• Find a UAE National to act as Service Agent
• Decide the distribution of the shareholding, the profits and losses among the partners and other operational modalities.
• Reserve of a new trade name. Click here to know more details on acceptable trade names.
• Shareholder/Director or Manager to complete the Management Skills Placement Test*
• Sign the Partnership Agreeement in the Dubai Courts. Click here to access a draft Partnership Agreement.
• Rent office space in Dubai. You can choose from business centre desk options as well.
• Pay the DED fees and obtain the trade license.

* for certain consultancy licenses.

Contact us today to speak to our consultants who can guide you through the process.

Here are the documentation required for incorporation process:

Individual Shareholder

• Passport copies of Manager and Partners
• Residence Visa and Emirates ID / Tourist Visa / UID Report from Immigration from all Partners and manager
• 5 names of the proposed company for Trade Name Reservation
• Partnership Agreement
• Local Service Agent Agreement
• NOC from the sponsor if the manager or partner is employed in UAE
• Tenancy Contract and Ejari of the office

The cost of a Professional License in Dubai starts from AED 25,000, and depends on the activity chosen, and office space that the company rents.

Investors now have the option of setting up with a desk space as well. Additional costs include the registration of the company with the Ministries of Immigration and Labour and visa costs.

Click here to download our factsheet on a Professional License in Dubai. 

How can 10 Zone help in formation of your Professional License in Dubai?

10 Zone has:

• Been setting up businesses in Dubai since 2004
• Experts in consultancy and company formation
• A team of highly qualified Lawyers, Chartered Accountants and Relationship Managers
• Capabilities to assist you in English, Arabic, French, German, Turkish, Hindi, Afrikaans & Tagalog.

Our Services

• Assistance in company formation
• Assistance in bank account opening
• Visa processing
• VAT registration
• HR & Payroll
• Contracts and Agreements
• Secretarial and Annual Compliances
• Marketing and branding

ALL SERVICES