How to Get Professional Service License in Dubai, UAE: All You Need To Know

Dubai is a preferred business ground for many entrepreneurs and businessmen; it is also quite an appropriate location for establishing professional services businesses. The UAE is a great place to start professional service practice, and the Professional Service License in Dubai would be the first silver step towards this. In this article, we will go through all aspects of obtaining a Professional Service License in Dubai, the procedure, why it is beneficial for you, and also mention some business activities that fall under this category. Contact Smart Zones® UAE to get your Professional Service License in dubai, UAE

  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Easy Business Setup
  • 100% Repatriation Of Capital And Profits
  • Stable Business Environment
  • Ease of Setup and Renewal
Start your Professional Service Business in Dubai, UAE - Smart Zones UAE

In Dubai, a professional license, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), enables individuals or firms to offer specific professional services within the UAE. Unlike commercial or industrial licenses, which center on trade and manufacturing, the professional license caters to providers of professional services, spanning from medical and IT services to consultancies and artisans offering handcrafted products.


Why Get Professional Service License in Dubai, UAE?

Professional Service License is granted by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, which permits individuals or companies to render certain professional services within the UAE. Other than trading and manufacturing, commercial or industrial licenses (CIL) portfolios are available for a variety of services such as consulting, medical service providers, IT consultancy businesses, and artistic occupations like architecture & designing.Builderlicense in Dubai.

Companies holding a Professional Service License stand out as they allow 100% foreign ownership, a unique feature not shared by some mainland companies. A Local Service Agent, who can be an Emirati or a company fully owned by Emiratis, is required to represent your company legally before government agencies. The Local Service Agent, without any ownership or management control, grants you complete autonomy over your business.


Benefits of Having a Professional Service License in Dubai, UAE

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: In this way, one of the biggest benefits they had is that a Professional Service License allows for 100% foreign ownership. It is in opposite to the business constructions of other companies in Dubai, which should have a local partner with 51% share.
  • No Corporate or Personal Income Taxes: The business environment in Dubai is very chirpy because anyone, be it a company or an individual, can live and work here tax-free. That is a huge financial advantage since this means that entrepreneurs will not have to concern themselves with corporate or income taxes.
  • Repatriation of Profits: A Dubai Professional Service License grants businesses the ability to repatriate 100% of their profits and capital; providing a business with financial flexibility.
  • Stable Business Environment: Dubai is safe in terms of politics and economic situations. In addition to long term growth and sustainability.
  • Ease of Setup and Renewal: Establishing a business with Professional Service License is quite easy and when it comes to license renewal in annually basis, the procedure is very smooth too.
Advantages of Professional Service License in Dubai - Smart Zones UAE

Benefits of Professional Service License in Dubai, UAE

Companies holding a Professional Service License enjoy 100% foreign ownership, unlike some mainland companies. You only need a Local Service Agent to represent your company before government agencies. The Local Service Agent can be an Emirati or a company entirely owned by Emiratis, with no ownership stake or management authority in your business. This arrangement gives you full control over your business.

  • 100% foreign ownership allowed
  • No corporate or personal income taxes
  • 100% repatriation of capital and profits allowed
  • Easy renewal of Business License
  • Ease of doing business
  • Stable business environment
  • Access to a wide market

Full Ownership for a Professional Company

Establishing a professional company in Dubai necessitates obtaining a professional license. The primary advantage of holding a professional license in Dubai is the ability to have 100% ownership of the company. In contrast, trading companies require partnership with a UAE national, mandating the allocation of 51% or more shares to the partner. However, professional companies diverge from this norm, providing the license holder with complete ownership through an arrangement with a local service agent.


Business activities covered under Professional Service License in Dubai

Generally speaking, a professional is someone who is trained to offer a service, making them specialists in their respective fields. Some of the common business activities / professions that require a Professional Service License include:

  • Accountants, Auditors, and Financial Advisors
  • Accounting and Auditing Companies
  • Advertising professionals and Entertainment Artists
  • Architectural Consultants
  • Beauty Salons
  • Business Consultants
  • Carpentry and Artisan Activities
  • Computer Graphic Design
  • Consultancy Services
  • Document Clearing
  • Health and Medical Services
  • Information Technology Services
  • Internet and Web Design Services
  • Lawyers and Legal Advisors
  • Management Consultancy
  • Medical Representatives
  • Printing and Publishing
  • Teachers and Educational Professors
  • Technical Services
  • Security Services

Business Structure and Planning in Dubai, UAE

Choosing the right business structure is vital when launching a firm in Dubai. Options include:

  • 1. Free Zone Company: A free zone company provides foreign ownership, and simplified registration processes, ideal for global operations.
  • 2. Mainland Company: Mainland companies adhere to UAE laws and regulations and are suitable for businesses targeting the domestic market.

Consider factors like your business services, target market, and long-term goals when selecting a structure, and consult legal and business experts for guidance.

Steps to Obtain a Professional Services License in Dubai, UAE

The Department of Economic Development (DED) outlines the steps for establishing a business in Dubai, with the following procedures for obtaining a professional license:

Embark on the journey of opening a business in Dubai by partnering with Smart Zones® UAE. Our adept company formation specialists will guide you through the business license application and setup process, liaising with relevant government and municipal authorities on your behalf.

Selecting from over 2,000 listed activities on the DED Dubai website, applicants can identify professional category activities.

Based on business type, activities, and owner nationality, choose an appropriate legal form corresponding to the selected activity.

Submit a trade name application related to the chosen business activity, pay reservation fees within 72 hours of receiving the transaction number.

Apply for the Initial Approval Certificate, an official confirmation from DED allowing the start of a business in Dubai mainland.

Depending on the legal form, sign a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement with a UAE national for licensing and compliance representation.

Provide a physical address, sign a tenancy contract with the landlord, and register the contract with Ejari for attestation.

Check if the business activity requires approvals from government bodies, as listed by the Business Registration and Licensing Sector in DED.

Submit necessary documents online or to authorized service centers, including initial approval receipt, attested lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and any applicable government approvals.

Complete the process by opening your corporate bank account for your Dubai Business with Smart Zones® UAE. This final step paves the way for the successful opening of your Business.

Remember that the process may vary depending on your chosen jurisdiction and business activities. Consulting legal and business experts familiar with Dubai's business setup landscape is highly recommended.

Operating since 2013, Smart Zones® UAE provides on-going support to obtain Business Services License in Dubai, UAE including Businesses.

Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.

Documents Required to Get a Professional License in Dubai, UAE

  • Application form
  • Passport copy(s) of the expatriate business owner(s)
  • Emirates ID copy(s) of the expatriate business owner(s) if they are residents of the UAE
  • Visit visa copy(s) if the expatriate business owner(s) are not residents of the UAE
  • Passport and Emirates ID copies of the local partner
  • NOC from the expatriate business owner’s sponsor
  • Additional approvals as specified by the DED
  • Furthermore, approvals from the Municipality and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) if applicable

Submitting incorrect documents can lead to immediate rejection. Our consultants at Smart Zones® UAE ensure you have the right documents, avoiding any complications in the process.


Cost of Professional Service License Company in Dubai, UAE

The cost of obtaining a Professional Service License varies based on your business activity and the number of business owners. Additionally, you should consider the cost of company formation. A business setup consultant experienced in company formation can provide a comprehensive quote for the entire process. For a free quote, please contact us.


Renewal of a Professional Service License Company in Dubai, UAE

Your Professional Service License must be renewed annually. During renewal, it's crucial to ensure that your professional credentials remain valid. If your profession requires time-bound credentials, consider re-certification to maintain valid credentials when renewing your Professional Service License. You can apply for renewal one month before its expiration date, extending its validity for another year. Late renewal may incur penalties, and business operations cannot continue until the renewal is approved by the Department of Economic Development in your emirate. A Dubai business setup consultant can assist with the renewal process.

Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Professional Service License in Dubai, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows individuals or firms to provide specific professional services within the UAE. It is suitable for professionals offering expertise in various fields, such as architects, designers, consultants, and artisans. Groups of professionals can also form companies recognized as civil corporations under this license.

The key distinction is the allowance of 100% foreign ownership, a unique feature not shared by some mainland companies. A Local Service Agent, either an Emirati or a company fully owned by Emiratis, is required for legal representation, without any ownership or management control. The benefits include 100% foreign ownership, no corporate or personal income taxes, repatriation of capital and profits, easy license renewal, a stable business environment, and access to a wide market.

A professional company in Dubai, established with a Professional Service License, offers complete ownership to the license holder. This contrasts with trading companies that require a partnership with a UAE national, involving the allocation of 51% or more shares to the partner. The Professional Service License arrangement includes a Local Service Agent but grants the license holder full control over the business.

Business activities covered include a wide range of professional services such as accounting, advertising, architectural consultancy, beauty salons, IT services, legal advisory, medical services, and more. Essentially, any service provided by a trained professional falls under the purview of a Professional Service License.

The two main business structures are Free Zone Company and Mainland Company. A Free Zone Company offers foreign ownership and simplified registration processes, suitable for global operations. Mainland Companies adhere to UAE laws and regulations and are suitable for businesses targeting the domestic market. The choice depends on factors like business services, target market, and long-term goals.

The steps involve partnering with Smart Zones® UAE, selecting a business activity, choosing a legal form, deciding on a trade name, applying for initial approval, signing the LSA agreement, establishing a business location, obtaining licensing approvals, and finally, the issuance of the license. Each step is crucial, and a business setup consultant can guide through the process, ensuring compliance with regulations.

The required documents include the application form, passport copies of expatriate business owners, Emirates ID copies (if residents), visit visa copies (if applicable), passport and Emirates ID copies of the local partner, NOC from the expatriate business owner's sponsor, and additional approvals specified by the DED. Submission of incorrect documents may lead to immediate rejection.

The cost varies based on business activity and the number of business owners. Additionally, considerations for company formation costs should be taken into account. Business setup consultants experienced in company formation can provide a comprehensive quote tailored to the specific requirements.

The Professional Service License must be renewed annually, ensuring professional credentials remain valid. Renewal can be applied for one month before expiration, extending the license's validity for another year. Late renewal may incur penalties, and a business setup consultant can assist in navigating the renewal process to ensure smooth operations.

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