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  • November 3, 2023
  • Posted by: cigdubaiae
  • Category: Uncategorized
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Professional License Dubai GuideEligibility: A Localized Guide

What Is a Professional License in Dubai?

A Professional License is a legal authorization issued by Dubai’s DED that allows you to offer specialized services—such as management consultancy, IT development, design or medical representation—across the UAE. It grants:

  • 100 % ownership, with a local service agent handling legal formalities

  • Access to prime markets in Business Bay, DIFC, Dubai Media City and beyond

  • Credibility with banks, government bodies and high-end clients

Learn more on the official DED portal: ded.ae

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidates include:

  • Freelance consultants, trainers and coaches

  • Architects, engineers and interior designers

  • IT specialists, software developers and digital marketers

  • Accountants, auditors and financial advisers

  • Photographers, videographers and graphic designers

If your work relies on expertise rather than physical goods, you need a Dubai Professional License.

Eligibility & Local Requirements

To qualify, you must fulfil these Dubai-specific criteria:

Requirement Details
Local Service Agent Emirati national registered with DED, receives a fixed fee but no profit share.
Trade Name Reservation Unique Arabic/English name approved by DED, reservation fee applies.
Office Tenancy (Ejari) Flexi-desk, co-working or full office lease in a DED-approved building; register tenancy on Ejari: ejari.ae
Educational Credentials Degree certificates attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MOFAIC): mofaic.gov.ae
NOC for Expat Partners No-Objection Certificate from your current sponsor if on an employment visa, plus copy of passport and visa page.
Initial Approvals Depending on activity, approvals from Dubai Municipality, RTA, National Media Council or Dubai Health Authority may be required.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Select Business Activity
    Check DED’s activity list (e.g. “Management Consultancy,” “IT Services”).

  2. Reserve Trade Name & Initial Approval
    Apply online via Dubai Trade, pay DED fees (from AED 620).

  3. Sign Local Service Agent Agreement
    Notarise your MOA with the agent, attest at the Ministry of Justice.

  4. Secure Office & Ejari
    Lease a workspace in a DED-approved location, register tenancy on the Ejari portal.

  5. Submit Documents & Pay Fees
    Upload passport copies, qualifications, Ejari certificate and approvals; pay license fee (approx. AED 10 000–15 000).

  6. Collect License & Seal
    Receive your trade license and company seal from DED; you’re now authorised to operate.

Cost Breakdown in Dubai

Fee Component Typical Amount (AED)
Trade Name Reservation 620
Initial Approval 200–500
License Fee 7 000–12 000
Ejari Registration 220
Local Service Agent Fee 3 000–5 000 annually
MOFAIC Attestation 100–200 per document
Total Estimated 11 000–18 000

(Fees vary by activity, office size and specific approvals.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I operate 100 % independently?
Yes, you retain full ownership. The local service agent handles registration formalities without sharing profits.

Q. How long does the process take?
Typically 7–10 business days, assuming all documents are ready.

Q. Can I work remotely?
A virtual office or flexi-desk in a DED-approved hub (e.g. Business Village, One JLT) fulfils the Ejari requirement at a lower cost.

Where to Find More Information

How CIG Business Setup Assists You

At CIG Business Setup, we offer end-to-end assistance with your professional license in Dubai. Our services include:

  • Activity selection & documentation support

  • DED & Tasheel submissions

  • Local service agent arrangement

  • Ejari & office sourcing assistance

  • Corporate bank account opening

  • Investor & employee visa processing

Contact us at +971 52 120 7238 or visit cigbusinesssetup.ae to fast-track your Dubai Professional License with expert guidance.