Consulting & Professional Services License
Establish Your Expertise in the UAE Market
The UAE is a hub for professional services, attracting consultants, advisors, and specialists from around the world. Whether you are a management consultant, IT specialist, marketing expert, legal advisor, or any other professional, the UAE offers a platform to serve a diverse and growing client base. A Professional License (also known as a Civil License on the Mainland) is the appropriate license type for individuals or firms offering services based on their expertise and qualifications. T4ME provides expert guidance and formation services for consulting and professional service businesses in the UAE.
We help you select the right license structure and jurisdiction to establish your professional practice.
What is a Professional License?
A Professional License authorizes an individual or a company to provide services that are based on professional skills, knowledge, and qualifications. Unlike a commercial trading license, a professional license does not permit the trading of physical goods.
Common Professional Activities:
- Management Consulting
- IT Consulting & Software Development
- Marketing & PR Consulting
- HR Consulting & Recruitment
- Financial Advisory (non-regulated)
- Legal Consulting (non-litigation)
- Engineering Consulting
- Architectural Services
- Educational & Training Services
Mainland Professional License (Civil Company / Sole Establishment)
On the Mainland, professional services are typically licensed as a Sole Establishment (for a single owner) or a Civil Company (for a partnership of professionals).
Key Considerations:
- Local Service Agent (LSA): For many professional activities on the Mainland, a UAE national Local Service Agent is required. The LSA facilitates government dealings but has no ownership stake or management control over the business.
- 100% Ownership: The professional retains 100% ownership of the business.
- Market Access: Full access to the UAE market, including the ability to contract with government entities.
Free Zone Professional License
Many Free Zones offer professional or service licenses that allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a Local Service Agent.
Popular Free Zones for Professionals:
- Dubai Media City (DMC) / Dubai Internet City (DIC): For media, marketing, and technology consultants.
- Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP): For education and training providers.
- DIFC / ADGM: For financial and legal consultants (regulated activities require specific licenses).
- IFZA, Shams, Ajman Free Zone: Cost-effective options for general consulting.
Our Professional License Service
- Consultation: We discuss your professional background and service offerings to recommend the best license type and jurisdiction.
- LSA Arrangement (if needed): For Mainland licenses, we arrange a reliable Local Service Agent.
- Company Registration: We manage the complete application and licensing process.
- Visa Processing: We handle your investor visa and any employee visas.
- Ongoing Support: We provide PRO services for license renewals and other government transactions.
Launch Your Professional Practice in the UAE
Bring your expertise to the UAE market. Contact T4ME for a consultation on your professional license.