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Professional License in Dubai
For consultants, service providers, artisans and skilled professionals who want to operate their own business in Dubai.
Professional licences explained
A professional licence covers service based activities that rely on the owner’s skills and qualifications, such as consultancy, design, IT services, marketing and many other professions.
Professional companies on the mainland can be fully owned by foreign professionals. Some professions require proof of qualifications or approvals from the relevant authority.
At a glance
- Service and consultancy activities
- Full ownership for professionals
- Sole establishment or civil company
- Qualification proof for some activities
- Mainland and free zone options
What we handle
- Activity selection
- Qualification and approval checks
- Trade name
- Licence application
- Office or business centre
- Visas
- Bank account support
- VAT and corporate tax registration
- Accounting setup
- Renewals
Why set up with Emna Capital
01
One point of contact
A single advisor manages your file from the first call to the day your licence, visas and bank account are ready.
02
The right jurisdiction
We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options against your activity, clients and budget before you commit.
03
Paperwork done properly
Applications, attestations and translations are prepared and checked by our team to avoid rejections and delays.
04
Support after setup
Accounting, VAT, corporate tax, renewals and PRO work continue with the same team once you are trading.
How it works
Step 1
Free consultation
We discuss your activity, clients, visas and budget and recommend the right route.
Step 2
Documents and approvals
We prepare the application, collect signatures and obtain the required approvals.
Step 3
Licence issued
Fees are paid and the licence and corporate documents issued.
Step 4
Visas and banking
We process visas and support your corporate bank account application.
Frequently asked questions
Under the current rules, most professional activities can be 100% foreign owned without a local partner. Some cases still need a local service agent. We confirm this for your activity.
Yes. Professional companies can sponsor employees subject to the visa quota of the premises.
For certain professions, yes. We tell you exactly which documents require attestation.
Freelance permits suit individuals with a single activity. A professional licence offers more flexibility to grow and hire.
Talk to an Emna Capital advisor
Tell us what you are planning and we will map out the route, the paperwork and the timeline. The first consultation is free.