If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or SME aiming to setup a professional service company in Dubai, UAE, you might be wondering how to get a business license that suits your needs.
What is a Professional License in Dubai?
A DET professional license in Dubai is an official permit issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) authorizing a business to provide service-related activities to other companies and individuals, such as:
- Consultancy Services
- Healthcare and medical services
- Technical and Maintenance Services
- Legal Advisory Services
- Artistic and creative services
- Accounting and audit services
- Beauty salon services
- Private Security services and more
Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is known for its innovative and ambitious approach to continually offering a business-friendly environment and many incentives to companies of all sizes. The UAE is ranked 16th in the Global Ease of Doing Business Index. Here are some of the reasons why:
- 100% business ownership to foreigners without needing a local sponsor.
- 0% personal income tax and you only pay a 9% corporate tax for annual profits exceeding AED 375,000.
- A favorable business policy ideal for business growth.
- Numerous free economic zones with attractive incentives for foreign investors.
- Ability to transfer capital and profit to home country without currency restrictions.
- There are no import/export duties and a low 5% VAT for mainland companies.
Steps to Obtain a DET Professional License in Dubai
Company Formation in Dubai requires careful planning and decision-making and can be complex if done incorrectly.
As a renowned and expert business consultancy firm in Dubai specializing in assisting foreign investors and entrepreneurs like you to navigate the legal intricacies of the UAE, we’ve prepared this detailed guide to walk you through the steps to getting a DET professional license in Dubai.
- Draft a business plan outlining your business structure, the types of business activity you will offer, your target customers, and business goals.
- With the help of an expert business setup consultant like CBS, select a suitable jurisdiction ( Mainland or Freezone) for starting your company based on your target market and budget.
- Pick a unique name for your business and apply for a trade name certificate from DET.
- Make ready all relevant documents required for registering a company in Dubai, UAE.
- Apply for initial approvals from relevant authorities.
- Get a tenancy contract (Ejari) to rent office space if setting up a mainland company in Dubai.
- Pay the license fee and wait to get your business license in Dubai.
- After obtaining the license, apply for a UAE residency visa for yourself and your employees.
- Open a business bank account in UAE for all financial transactions.
What is the cost of a professional license in Dubai?
The cost of getting a business license in Dubai ranges from AED 5000 to AED 50,000. For starting a professional service company in Dubai, the actual cost will depend on several factors, such as:
- The type of activities you offer
- The Types of business structure
- The choice of the jurisdiction ( freezones are cheaper than the mainland)
- Tenancy Contract
- Number of visas and more
What documents are required to obtain a professional license?
Acquiring a business license in Dubai requires the submission of some specific documents to legal entities. Though some types of company formation in Dubai necessitate extra documentation, the most commonly required documents include:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) for mainland setup
- Proof of Address
- Filled business license application form from DET
- No Objection Certificate ( NOC) if employed in the UAE
- Trade name reservation certificate
How Corporate Business Services (CBS) can help?
Business setup in Dubai, UAE, comes with a set of challenges and decision-making, but with proper guidance and expertise, it can be a hassle-free experience for you. Corporate Business Services (CBS) is an Emirati-owned business consultancy firm in Dubai specializing in offering all-in-one business consultancy services to entrepreneurs and investors.
Partnering with us in your journey to starting a professional service company in Dubai ensures a smooth path in getting your business licenses and all the necessary legal documentation afterward.
You do not need to be physically present in Dubai and the UAE.
As a recognized partner with top government entities and freezone authorities in the UAE, our experts will do all the legal paperwork for you. We start by offering you a free and personalized consultation to understand your needs, then draft a suitable plan for your company formation in UAE, making sure you have a successful and smooth business setup and operation in UAE.
