Professional
Professional License In Dubai, UAE
A professional license in Dubai is required for businesses and individuals offering specialised professional services. Doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, accountants, artisans, performing artists, and other professionals who intend to offer their expertise directly to customers in Dubai and the UAE must obtain a professional license. Companies that provide professional services must also acquire this license.
The professional license in the UAE applies only to clearly defined, service-focused activities. For example, architects and architectural firms offering design or consultancy services must hold a professional license—and applicants must possess the appropriate academic qualifications, training, and industry experience.
A professional license is also popular among entrepreneurs establishing IT firms, media agencies, and similar service-oriented businesses in Dubai.
Legal Form of Companies With a Professional License
Professional companies in Dubai are usually formed by individuals who already hold the required professional license. In this case, the company operates as a sole proprietorship.
In some situations, a professional company may be formed by multiple qualified individuals. Such companies function as civil companies, where each partner holds an individual professional license.
When foreign professionals establish a professional sole proprietorship or a civil company, they are required to appoint a local service agent.
In addition to sole proprietorships and civil companies, public shareholding companies, limited liability companies, branches of foreign companies, and branches of free zone companies may also perform certain professional activities—although some specialised work may still be restricted.
Applying for a Dubai professional license is generally straightforward. However, the documentation requirements—such as verification of credentials—can be tedious and time-consuming. QBS simplifies the entire process and ensures that all regulatory steps are completed correctly.
Advantages of Obtaining a Professional License in UAE
- No minimum capital requirement
- Tax exemptions (corporate and personal)
- Full repatriation of profits and invested capital
- No foreign currency exchange restrictions
- Freedom to practise your profession inside and outside the UAE
- Eligibility for the 10-year Golden Visa (for talented and skilled professionals who meet specific requirements)
Steps Involved in Obtaining a Dubai Professional License
- Appointment of a local service agent, signing of the local service agent agreement, and notarisation of the agreement
- Preparation of the Memorandum of Association with the local service agent
- Signing of the court agreement before a notary
- Tenancy contract approval by Dubai Municipality
- Submission of all required documents to the Department of Economic Development
- Payment of the professional license application fee and collection of the payment voucher