Dubai’s business licensing is complex, and the wrong choice can cost you time, money, and limit your growth from day one. For entrepreneurs and professionals offering specialised services, securing the correct professional license in Dubai is the critical first step to a compliant and successful venture.
This guide simplifies the process, offering a clear, step-by-step roadmap to obtaining your license, understanding costs, and use the benefit of 100% foreign ownership—backed by 25 years of expertise from Shuraa, a leader in forming over 100,000 companies in the UAE.
What is a DET Professional License in Dubai?
A DET professional license in Dubai (formerly DED) is a mandatory permit for individuals and companies providing professional, service-based, or artisanal activities. It is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai. This license is distinct from commercial or industrial licenses and is specifically designed for experts—such as consultants, engineers, doctors, or artists—who offer services based on their specialised knowledge, qualifications, and skills.
The best part? You get 100% foreign ownership. Unlike previous mandates, UAE law now allows full foreign ownership for most mainland activities, including professional services. However, for certain professional license categories, appointing a Local Service Agent (LSA)—who has no ownership stake but assists with government procedures—may still be required. This means you keep complete control and profit from your business.
Who Needs a Professional License? Key Activities List
Your business activity determines your license type. A professional trade license in Dubai covers a wide spectrum of services. Common activities requiring this license include:
- Management & Business Consultancies
- Information Technology & Web Design Services
- Architectural & Engineering Consultancies
- Healthcare & Medical Services (Clinics, Therapists)
- Legal & Accounting Advisory Firms
- Marketing & Advertising Agencies
- Educational Training & Tutoring Services
- Creative Arts, Publishing & Media
- Beauty Salons & Personal Care Services
- Technical Maintenance & Carpentry Services
This list is not exhaustive. The official professional license activities in Dubai list is extensive, and selecting the precise activity code is crucial. Consulting with experts like Shuraa ensures accurate classification, preventing future compliance issues.
Required Documents for a Dubai Professional License
Having your documents prepared correctly from the start is crucial to avoid delays. The exact checklist can vary slightly based on your activity and legal structure, but the core requirements are as follows:
For All Applicants:
- Passport Copies: Clear copies of passports for all shareholders/partners and the proposed manager.
- Visa Copies: If residing in the UAE, copies of valid residence visas.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photographs with a white background.
- Educational & Professional Certificates: Attested copies of degrees, diplomas, or professional qualifications relevant to the licensed activity. This is a key requirement for a professional license.
- Approved Trade Name Certificate: Issued by the DET after name reservation.
- Tenancy Contract & Ejari Registration: Proof of your physical office address registered via the Ejari system.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required if a shareholder or manager is sponsored by another entity in the UAE (e.g., a current employer).
- Initial Approval Document: Issued by the DET after the initial application review.
Additional Documents Based on Business Structure:
- For a Sole Establishment:
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement: A notarized contract with a UAE national or a local company acting as your agent (where required). This agent has no ownership or profit-sharing rights.
- For a Civil Company/Professional Partnership:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): A legally drafted agreement outlining the partnership terms, profit-sharing, and roles of each professional partner.
- Partners’ CVs & Experience Certificates: Demonstrating collective professional expertise.
Important Note: For specific activities (e.g., healthcare, legal, engineering), you will need additional External Approvals from the relevant government authority (like DHA, DIFC Courts, etc.) before the final license submission. These entities may have their own document requirements.
Our Recommendation: Document attestation and specific formatting requirements can be intricate. With Shuraa, our experts provide you with a personalized document checklist and manage the entire attestation and submission process, ensuring your application is complete and compliant.
How to Get Your Professional License in Dubai: Step-by-Step Process
Follow 8 main steps to obtain a professional license. Following these steps in order will ensure a smooth application:
- Define Your Activity & Legal Structure: Precisely determine your professional service (e.g., Management Consulting, IT Services) and choose your legal form. For mainland professional licenses, common structures include Sole Establishment (for an individual) or a Civil Company/Professional Company (for a partnership of professionals).
- Reserve Your Trade Name: Choose and register a unique business name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that complies with UAE naming conventions. Name reservation is mandatory before proceeding.
- Obtain Initial Approval: Submit your initial application to the DET. This step secures preliminary governmental approval for your business activity, location, and proposed partners/shareholders.
- Secure Legal Address & Ejari: Obtain a physical office space or an approved flexi-desk. You must register your tenancy contract via the Ejari system, which is a mandatory requirement for mainland licensing.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork. This typically includes:
- Passport & visa copies of shareholders/partners.
- Attested educational degrees and professional certificates.
- Completed application forms.
- A detailed business plan.
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement (if required for your activity) or a Memorandum of Association (MoA) for a company structure.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from any current sponsor (if applicable).
- Acquire External Approvals (If Applicable): Depending on your professional activity, you may need additional clearance from specialized government authorities (e.g., Dubai Health Authority for medical services, Dubai Legal Affairs Department for legal consultancies).
- Final Submission & Payment: Submit the complete dossier along with all approvals to the DET. Pay all associated government fees, including the license fee, knowledge fees, and innovation fees.
- Receive Your License: Upon final review and approval, the DET will issue your professional license. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Pro-Tip: Steps 3, 6, and 7 involve detailed regulatory navigation. This is where Shuraa’s 25 years of expertise becomes invaluable, as we manage the entire process end-to-end, preventing costly delays and ensuring full compliance from day one.
Cost of a Professional License in UAE
The cost of obtaining a professional license in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000* to AED 30,000*, This estimate often includes:
- DET License Fee
- Trade Name Reservation
- Local Service Agent Fee (if required)
- Ejari Registration
- Government Charges & Knowledge Fees
The cost is not fixed. It varies based on the activity, office location, and specific government fees. For a precise, transparent quote tailored to your business, speak with a Shuraa consultant.
Why Partner with Shuraa for Your License?
With over 25 years of market leadership and a portfolio of 100,000+ successfully formed companies, Shuraa Business Setup provides more than just paperwork processing. We offer strategic partnership. Our experts navigate the updated regulatory landscape—including the DED to DET rebranding, 100% ownership rules, and Local Service Agent requirements—with precision. We act as your trusted LSA, safeguarding your ownership while handling all government liaison, ensuring a faster, more cost-effective setup so you can focus on your core business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help you navigate the process with clarity, we’ve answered the most common questions below.
1. How to get a professional license in Dubai?
To get a professional license in Dubai, you’ll apply through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a free zone, following steps like defining your activity (consultancy, legal, IT), choosing a structure (sole proprietorship, civil company), reserving a trade name, getting initial approval, securing an office (Ejari), submitting documents (passport, attested qualifications), getting industry-specific approvals, and paying fees to receive your license, a process often taking 1-2 weeks.
2. What is the difference between commercial and professional license in Dubai?
A commercial license is for trading goods (import/export, retail), while a professional license is for providing specialized services based on skills, qualifications, or artistry. The ownership structure and permitted activities differ fundamentally.
3. What are the requirements for a professional license?
Key requirements include: a qualified professional partner/shareholder (with relevant degrees/experience), a DET-approved trade name, a registered local office address (Ejari), and relevant educational/professional certificates. Specific activities may require additional government approvals.
4. Are a professional license and a trade license the same?
“Trade license” is an umbrella term for all business licenses in Dubai (commercial, industrial, professional). A professional trade license is a specific type of trade license for service activities. It’s critical to specify “professional license” when setting up a service-based business.
5. Can I operate on the mainland with a Free Zone professional license?
Traditionally, no. However, under new regulations, Free Zone companies can apply for a DET permit to undertake specific mainland projects or establish a mainland branch. Some free zones also offer a Dual License option for greater market flexibility. Our experts can guide you on the optimal structure.
Ready to launch your professional venture in Dubai with confidence? Benefit from Shuraa’s unparalleled 25-year expertise. Book your free consultation today to secure your license accurately and efficiently.
Contact Shuraa Business Setup: Call: +971 44081900 | WhatsApp: +971 507775554 | Email: info@shuraa.com
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Regulations and fees are subject to change. Always consult with official authorities or professional business setup consultants like Shuraa for the latest, tailored advice.
