Key Benefits

Strategic License Classification

Consultancy licenses in Dubai cover diverse specializations, from business management to specialized technical fields. Our experts help you select and structure the precise license classification that aligns with your expertise and business goals. We ensure your license encompasses all intended advisory activities while avoiding unnecessary restrictions or costs. This strategic approach creates the optimal foundation for your consultancy, allowing for service expansion and preventing future operational limitations.

Jurisdictional Advantage Planning

Dubai offers multiple jurisdictional options for consultancy businesses, each with distinct advantages for different business models. Our service includes thorough analysis of mainland versus free zone establishments, considering factors such as target clientele, ownership preferences, and operational scope. We identify the jurisdiction that maximizes your business potential while optimizing for tax efficiency, ownership flexibility, and geographical reach, creating a business structure aligned with your long-term consultancy vision.

Credibility and Market Position Enhancement

A properly structured consultancy license establishes immediate credibility with potential clients and partners in the UAE market. Our comprehensive approach ensures your advisory business meets all professional standards and regulatory requirements, positioning you as a legitimate market participant. We help you leverage license-related credentials in your marketing efforts and industry positioning, creating trust signals that accelerate client acquisition and partnership opportunities in Dubai's competitive advisory landscape.

Operational Freedom and Compliance Assurance

Our service extends beyond mere license acquisition to establish proper operational frameworks for your consultancy. We implement appropriate corporate structures, professional indemnity insurance requirements, and service agreement templates that satisfy regulatory standards. This proactive compliance approach prevents future legal complications while creating operational flexibility to pursue diverse client engagements. Our ongoing support ensures your consultancy maintains perfect standing with regulatory authorities throughout its operation.

Stages of Cooperation

Initial Consultation and Strategy Development

The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your consultancy vision, including service specializations, target industries, and preferred client profile. Our licensing experts evaluate your professional qualifications and experience to identify the optimal consultancy categories for your license. During this foundational phase, we develop a strategic roadmap tailored to your specific advisory business, outlining jurisdictional options, ownership structures, and license classifications that align with your business objectives.

Business Structure Formation and Documentation

Based on the agreed strategy, we establish your consultancy entity by selecting the optimal jurisdiction and preparing all company formation documents. Our team assembles comprehensive documentation packages, including qualification certificates, professional experience verification, business plans, and corporate governance documents. We ensure all paperwork meets the specific requirements for professional service businesses in your chosen jurisdiction, creating a solid legal foundation for your consultancy operations.

License Application and Initial Approvals

We prepare and submit your complete consultancy license application to the appropriate regulatory authority, whether the Department of Economic Development or free zone authority. Our team manages all communication during the review process, addressing any clarification requests or additional documentation needs promptly. During this phase, we secure initial approvals and name reservations while coordinating with specialty departments that may need to review professional service applications in your specific field.

Office Establishment and Compliance Implementation

While awaiting final license approval, we assist with establishing your physical or virtual office presence according to the requirements of your chosen jurisdiction. Our team guides you through the lease registration process, office setup compliance matters, and signage regulations specific to professional services. Simultaneously, we implement appropriate corporate governance frameworks, professional service agreements, and compliance procedures tailored to consultancy operations in the UAE market.

Final License Issuance and Operational Guidance

Upon completing all regulatory requirements, we coordinate the issuance of your consultancy license and related permits. Our support extends to practical operational guidance, including banking relationship establishment, client contract templates, and professional indemnity insurance arrangements. We provide comprehensive orientation on ongoing compliance requirements specific to consultancy businesses, ensuring your advisory practice maintains perfect standing while focusing on client service and business development.

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Don't just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the possibilities that await you.

Top-rated business setup consultancy in Dubai on Google

Alexander Petrov

Amazing service! Everything is done very quickly and responsibly.

Elena Sokolova

We have been working with SNM Solutions & management for almost two years - this time is enough to be convinced of the professionalism of the team. I express my deep gratitude to Julia, Saltanat and Jamilya for their help, advice and participation in our business. Thank you!

Dmitry Vasiliev

Excellent accounting service! I used the company's services to open our own enterprise, and were pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and efficiency. Accountants not only helped me with all the necessary paperwork, but also continue to support m company in our business activities. They are always in touch, ready to help and answer all questions. I recommend this company to everyone who values quality and reliability in accounting.

Marina Kuznetsova

We've been outsourcing our legal part with this company since the beginning of 2023. The company has great managers with a solid ability of the managers to solve complex tasks. Also they could explain every step and tell you what they're doing and why.

Igor Volkov

Amazing service. They helped me with my company opening, updating my trade license, getting visas and much much more. Accounting services are also provided by SNM and Im absolutely satisfied. Should mentioned that Im not the best client - not really well organized and a lot of my requests are very spontaneous. Already recommended SNM to my friends and colleagues.Thanks to Yuliya and Jamilya!

Questions and Answers

Can I operate my consultancy business from home in Dubai?

Operating a consultancy from home is possible through specific programs like DED Trader for mainland businesses or certain free zone “virtual office” packages. However, these options have limitations on visa sponsorship and company scale. Most professional consultancies require physical office space or flexi-desk arrangements that satisfy licensing requirements. Home-based consulting is more suitable for individual consultants with limited operations rather than full-scale consultancy firms requiring multiple employees or regular client meetings.

How long does it take to obtain a Consultancy License in Dubai?

The process typically takes 2-4 weeks for free zone licenses and 3-6 weeks for mainland establishments, including initial approvals, documentation verification, and final license issuance. Specialized consultancy fields requiring additional department approvals may take longer. Factors affecting the timeline include the completeness of your documentation, jurisdiction selected, and consultancy specialization. Our streamlined process can potentially reduce these timelines by 30-50% compared to independent applications.

Is it possible to upgrade or modify my consultancy license after issuance?

Yes, consultancy licenses can be modified to add service categories, change business activities, or expand your operational scope through an amendment process. This typically requires submitting updated business plans, additional qualification documentation, and paying amendment fees. Significant changes like moving from general to specialized consultancy may require more extensive review. Moving between jurisdictions (from free zone to mainland or vice versa) is more complex, essentially requiring re-establishment. We provide guidance for growth-oriented consultancies needing license modifications as their services evolve.

What are the costs involved in obtaining a Consultancy License in Dubai?

Initial setup costs range from AED 15,000-50,000 for free zone consultancy licenses and AED 20,000-70,000 for mainland establishments, depending on jurisdiction, consultancy specialization, and included services. Ongoing annual costs include license renewal (AED 10,000-20,000), office rent (variable based on location), visa expenses for staff, and professional indemnity insurance (required for certain consultancy types). Free zones often offer packages bundling license, visa allowances, and flexi-desk facilities at competitive rates for consultants.

What are the minimum qualification requirements for a Consultancy License?

Qualification requirements vary based on consultancy type. General business consultancy typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 3-5 years of proven experience. Specialized technical consultancy (engineering, healthcare, education) requires relevant degrees, professional certifications, and often 5+ years of documented experience. All educational certificates must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your country of education and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Professional body memberships provide additional credibility for certain consultancy categories.

What is the difference between mainland and free zone consultancy licenses?

Mainland consultancy licenses allow you to work with any client throughout the UAE without restrictions, but traditionally required a local sponsor (though recent changes permit 100% foreign ownership in certain categories). Free zone consultancy licenses offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified procedures, but may have limitations on working directly with mainland clients without a local service agent. The choice depends on your target market, with mainland ideal for government contracts or local businesses, while free zones suit international clients.

What ongoing compliance requirements exist for consultancy businesses?

Licensed consultancy firms must maintain professional indemnity insurance (for certain specializations), submit annual financial reports, and renew their license yearly. Consultants must ensure all professional qualifications remain current and properly verified. Client contracts must follow UAE commercial regulations, with proper documentation of all consulting services provided. Mainland consultancies have additional requirements regarding Emiratization policies, while certain specialized consultancies (financial, healthcare) face additional regulatory oversight requiring regular compliance reporting.

What types of consulting activities can be conducted under a Dubai Consultancy License?

A Consultancy License in Dubai can cover various specializations including business management, HR, marketing, IT, financial advisory, engineering, environmental, healthcare, education, and technical services. The license specifies permitted advisory activities, with options for single or multiple specializations. General business consultancy licenses allow broad advisory services, while specialized licenses (like IT or engineering consultancy) require specific qualifications. It’s crucial to accurately define your services during application as adding categories later requires formal amendments.

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