UAE Professional License for Services & Consultancy
A professional license is issued for skill-based, knowledge-based services — law, accounting, engineering, medicine, consulting, and other expert service providers.
Services Covered by a Professional License
Professional licenses cover all knowledge-based and skill-driven service activities — typically tied to the qualifications of the company owners or directors.
Professional Consulting
Management consulting, business advisory, HR consulting, and strategic planning services under a UAE professional license
Legal Services
Legal consultancy and advisory services — note: litigation requires additional qualifications registered with UAE bar authorities
Medical Practice
Healthcare professional services including medical clinics, dental practices, and specialist medical consultancy with DHA/DOH approvals
Engineering Firm
Civil, structural, MEP, and specialist engineering consultancy services registered with UAE engineering authorities
Accounting Practice
Audit, accounting, bookkeeping, and VAT consultancy services — auditing firms require additional Ministry of Economy registration
Tech & IT Services
Software development, IT consultancy, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology services under a professional license
Professional License in 4 Steps
Activity Definition
Identify the professional activities to be licensed — critical because professional activities must match the qualifications of the company's owners or directors.
Qualification Verification
Professional licenses require proof of relevant qualifications. Arab First advises on what documents need to be attested for each professional activity.
Jurisdiction Selection
Choose between mainland professional licensing (DED) or freezone depending on your target market, client base, and office requirements.
License Issuance
Professional license issued with all approved activities. Arab First handles the full application, notarization, and authority submissions.
Professional License vs Other License Types
| Feature | Professional License | Commercial License | Industrial License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Activity | Skill-based services | Buying and selling goods | Manufacturing and production |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Office Requirement | Office or virtual available | Physical or flexi-desk | Industrial unit required |
| Starting Cost | From AED 7,500 | From AED 7,500 | From AED 15,000 |
| Best For | Consultants, professionals | Traders, retailers | Manufacturers, producers |
Professional License FAQs
What is a professional license in the UAE?
A professional license authorizes skill-based, knowledge-driven service businesses — including consultancy, legal advisory, medical practice, engineering, accounting, IT services, and other expert service providers. Unlike a commercial license (for trading), a professional license is based on the owner's or partners' professional qualifications.
Do I need to provide qualifications for a UAE professional license?
Yes. Professional licenses require proof of relevant qualifications that match the licensed activities. Certificates typically need to be attested by the UAE embassy in your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Arab First guides you through the attestation process from start to finish.
Can I get 100% foreign ownership on a professional license?
Yes. The 2021 FDI reform extended 100% foreign ownership to the vast majority of professional activities on the mainland. Arab First confirms your specific activity's ownership eligibility and structures your company accordingly — no local partner required in most cases.
Can a professional license holder also sell products?
Professional licenses are restricted to service activities. If you need to sell physical products alongside your services, you would need an additional commercial license or a combined professional + commercial license structure. Arab First advises on the most cost-effective approach for mixed-activity businesses.
What is the difference between a mainland and freezone professional license?
A mainland professional license allows you to contract directly with UAE government entities and UAE resident clients. A freezone professional license is cheaper but restricts direct mainland commercial operations. Most pure-service businesses serving UAE clients benefit from a mainland professional license.
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