Legal Expertise in High Demand: Set Up Your Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai
Set up your legal practice in Dubai and tap into a diverse clientele seeking expert guidance on a wide spectrum of legal matters. From corporate law to intellectual property rights, from mergers and acquisitions to cross-border transactions, Dubai's legal landscape is brimming with opportunities for savvy legal professionals.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Access to a Thriving Market
- Favorable Regulatory Environment
- Strategic Location
According to the most recent report, the total count of legal consultants officially registered with the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department has reached 2,769 as of August 2022. Notably, a significant portion of these consultants comes from non-Arab backgrounds. These figures underscore the profitability of establishing a legal consultancy business in Dubai for foreign entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, seeking the assistance of business setup consultants in Dubai is recommended, given that this is a specialized activity requiring external approvals.
Why Setup Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai, UAE?
Embarking on a legal consultancy venture in Dubai presents substantial opportunities, considering the diverse range of businesses, both large and small, situated in the emirate. The demand for legal advice is prevalent among these companies, offering you the potential to start modestly and expand significantly. Additionally, businesses will seek your guidance in developing plans and policies to ensure compliance with various regulations at both the emirate and federal levels.
Structure of the Legal System in the UAE
The legal system in the UAE comprises two parallel court systems: civil courts and Sharia courts. Each Emirate operates under a distinct federal court.
Legal Practitioners and Regulations
In the UAE, lawyers can function as advocates or legal consultants. Advocates must be registered with the Ministry of Justice to practice, while practicing law in other Emirates requires licensing by the Emiri Diwan.
Advantages of Establishing a Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai
Establish your Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai and unlock a world of possibilities where legal expertise meets business excellence. Here are some of the key benefits of setting up a legal consultancy firm in Dubai:
- Access to a thriving market: Dubai is a major commercial center and home to a large and growing population of businesses and individuals seeking legal counsel.
- Favorable regulatory environment: Dubai's legal system is transparent, efficient, and supportive of business activities.
- World-class infrastructure: Dubai boasts a state-of-the-art business infrastructure, with excellent transportation, communication, and financial services.
- Strategic location: Dubai is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal location for international legal firms.
- Expand your client base: Dubai's diverse business community provides a vast pool of potential clients for legal services.
- Enhance your reputation: Dubai's global recognition as a business hub can elevate your firm's reputation and credibility.
- Gain access to new opportunities: Dubai's dynamic economy constantly presents new opportunities for legal services.
Regulatory Compliance and Licensing
To offer legal services outside the court, lawyers need approval from the Department of Legal Affairs and must meet criteria set by the Department of Economic Development for law firm licensing.
In the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a law firm must obtain a commercial license approved by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as an Ancillary Service Provider, with further approval required from the Ruler's court.
Diverse Licensing Requirements
Each Emirate in the UAE has unique licensing and regulatory prerequisites for legal practice within its jurisdiction.
Foreign lawyers can practice local law in the UAE, but only UAE Nationals are permitted to represent cases in local courts. Registered advocates alone can appear before the Federal Supreme Court and engage in litigation.
Legal Consultancy Business Structure and Planning in Dubai, UAE
Choosing the right business structure is vital when launching a Legal Consultancy firm in Dubai. Options include:
- 1. Free Zone Company: A free zone company provides foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified registration processes, ideal for global Legal Consultancy operations.
- 2. Mainland Company: Mainland companies adhere to UAE laws and regulations and are suitable for Legal Consultancy firms targeting the domestic market.
Consider factors like your Legal Consultancy services, target market, and long-term goals when selecting a structure, and consult legal and business experts for guidance.
Steps to Launch a Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai, UAE
Establishing a Legal Consultancy Firm in Dubai involves several steps:
Opt for the Legal Consultants activity within the Legal Services group, ensuring distinction from other activities like Lawyers & Advocates. Seeking guidance from Business Setup experts in Dubai can help you make the right selection.
Select a company name adhering to DED naming guidelines. You can propose three potential names for approval by the DED.
Choose a legal structure based on the number of shareholders, with options including setting up as a branch, a sole establishment, or a civil company for your legal consultancy in Dubai.
Secure an initial approval certificate from the DED, indicating their non-objection to your company registration application—a crucial step in the business setup process in Dubai.
As a professional license, appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA) who won't interfere in your company matters and has no entitlement to any share in your company.
Obtain necessary external approvals for registering a legal consultancy in Dubai, including approval from H.H The Ruler’s Court-Legal Affairs. Rely on company formation consultants in Dubai for assistance in this external approval process.
Rent an office space to establish your legal consultancy firm in Dubai. Sign the tenancy contract and ensure its attestation (Ejari).
Submit all required documents to the DED, including the LSA agreement, external approval, and Ejari. Upon payment of official fees, the DED will issue the license.
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.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Required Documents for Applying Legal Consultancy License:
The initial cost of obtaining a Legal Consultancy Company license in Dubai starts at approximately AED 22,000. Costs may vary based on the license type and the chosen free zone or regulatory authority, adapting to your specific business requirements. To get the exact cost for your specific business, please get in touch with the business setup experts at Smart Zones® UAE in Dubai.
- Present a current Practicing Certificate or a letter of good standing from the bar association or law society, valid for at least three (3) months from the application date.
- Provide a copy of the Passport along with a passport-sized photo.
- For UAE Residents, include a copy of the visa page.
- If practicing in Dubai, include a copy of the Legal Affairs Department Card.
- Practitioners outside Dubai must submit a copy of a valid indemnity insurance policy.
- Furnish a schedule detailing oral advocacy experience in courts, arbitration, and tribunals. The schedule should emphasize the practitioner's oral advocacy experiences, outline their current practice, and list representative cases, interlocutory motions, and descriptions of their involvement in each. This serves as the basis for the interview process.
Cost of Establishing a Legal Consultancy Company in Dubai
The initial cost of obtaining a Legal Consultancy Company license in Dubai starts at approximately AED 22,000. Costs may vary based on the license type and the chosen free zone or regulatory authority, adapting to your specific business requirements. To get the exact cost for your specific business, please get in touch with the business setup experts at Smart Zones® UAE in Dubai.
There are several compelling reasons to establish a legal consultancy firm in Dubai. These include 100% foreign ownership, access to a thriving market, a favorable regulatory environment, a strategic location, and the potential to expand your client base and enhance your reputation.
The UAE's legal system comprises two parallel court systems: civil courts and Sharia courts. Each Emirate operates under a distinct federal court.
To practice law in Dubai, individuals must be registered with the Ministry of Justice if they intend to advocate in courts. For legal consultants offering services outside of courts, approval from the Department of Legal Affairs and adherence to criteria set by the Department of Economic Development for law firm licensing are required.
Key benefits include access to a thriving market, a favorable regulatory environment, world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, the ability to expand your client base, enhance your reputation, and gain access to new opportunities.
The process involves choosing a business activity, naming your company, determining the legal structure, obtaining initial approval from DED, appointing a Local Service Agent, securing external approvals, securing office space, and submitting documents and obtaining a license.
Essential documents include a current Practicing Certificate or a letter of good standing from the bar association or law society, passport and passport-sized photo, visa page for UAE residents, Legal Affairs Department Card for Dubai practitioners, indemnity insurance policy for practitioners outside Dubai, and a schedule detailing oral advocacy experience.
The initial cost of obtaining a Legal Consultancy Company license in Dubai starts at approximately AED 22,000. Costs may vary based on the license type and the chosen free zone or regulatory authority.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
