Dubai is one of the most business-friendly cities in the world. With its booming economy, simplified laws, and strategic global location, thousands of entrepreneurs and investors look to start businesses in the UAE each year. To help them navigate the process, business setup and consultancy firms in Dubai have become essential. If you’re planning to launch a business consultancy company, your first step is securing the right Business Setup & Consultancy Firms License in Dubai, UAE.
This guide walks you through every detail — from understanding what this license allows to the steps involved in getting it, the legal requirements, costs, and how to operate a successful business advisory or setup service in the UAE.
What is a Business Setup & Consultancy Firms License in Dubai?
A business consultancy license in Dubai is a professional services license that permits you to provide expert guidance, setup assistance, and operational advice to entrepreneurs, startups, and companies. This license allows you to operate legally and offer services related to:
- Company formation and business registration
- License application and renewals
- Visa processing and PRO services
- Business structure advisory
- Market entry strategies
- Local sponsor or service agent support
- Legal documentation and compliance consulting
This license is issued either by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland operations or by relevant Free Zone authorities if you choose to operate from within a Free Zone.
Why Start a Business Consultancy Firm in Dubai?
Dubai attracts investors from every continent. Many of them are new to the UAE business ecosystem and need support to understand its regulations, licensing options, and corporate structures. This growing demand creates a strong opportunity for skilled consultants.
Setting up a business setup consultancy in Dubai offers numerous advantages. The city’s legal system is designed to support professional services, including advisory firms and consultants. Consultants are seen as key enablers of business growth and innovation.
Additionally, Dubai’s multicultural environment allows consultants to work with clients from across the world, expanding networks and gaining international experience.
Services Allowed Under a Business Consultancy License
When you hold a valid consultancy license in Dubai, you are authorized to provide several professional services. These include a wide range of business advisory services that support investors in different stages of their business journey.
A registered consultancy firm can help with new company formations, renewals, amendments, compliance documentation, and post-license services. Consultants can advise on selecting the right legal entity, choosing between mainland and Free Zone, applying for trade licenses, and dealing with governmental procedures.
Consultancy firms also support clients with residency visas, corporate bank account openings, and partner visas, adding more value to their offering.
Mainland vs Free Zone Setup for Consultancy Firms
Before you apply for your license, you need to decide where to register your business. Dubai offers two main options: mainland and Free Zone. Each comes with its own structure, flexibility, and operating rights.
Mainland Business Consultancy License
A mainland business setup license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED Dubai). It allows you to operate anywhere across the UAE and take on both government and private sector clients. You can open your office in any commercial or business district within Dubai.
The mainland structure gives you the freedom to expand branches, hire staff without restriction, and offer services beyond your license’s jurisdiction.
This model is ideal if you plan to serve a broad range of clients, including international investors who want to start a company within the mainland region.
Free Zone Business Consultancy License
A Free Zone consultancy license is granted by specific Free Zone authorities like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), or Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). This license allows you to operate within that Free Zone and offer services to businesses inside it.
Free Zone licenses are easier and quicker to obtain, come with benefits like 100% foreign ownership, and offer simplified office rental options. You can also benefit from tax exemptions, streamlined visa processes, and supportive startup environments.
However, a Free Zone consultancy firm cannot directly serve mainland clients unless it signs up with a distributor or opens a mainland branch.
How to Get a Business Setup & Consultancy Firms License in Dubai
Starting a business consultancy firm in Dubai involves a series of steps. You need to register your company, choose your business activity, submit the required documents, and meet all regulatory approvals. Here’s the entire process explained step by step.
Step 1: Choose the Legal Structure
Decide on the legal framework of your business. Most consultancy firms choose:
- Sole Establishment – Ideal for single-owner advisory firms
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Best for partnerships and larger teams
- Civil Company – Allowed for professionals with the same background
- Free Zone Entity – Ideal for 100% foreign ownership and minimal regulation
The legal structure determines your ownership rights, visa eligibility, and taxation framework.
Step 2: Select Your Business Activities
You must list all the services you plan to offer under your trade license. For a consultancy firm, you may include:
- Business formation consulting
- Management advisory services
- Startup support services
- Professional PRO and document clearance
- Visa and immigration advisory
Make sure you select only the permitted professional activities as per your chosen jurisdiction.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Choose a name for your business that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and complies with UAE naming guidelines. Avoid using restricted or religious words. The name must not match any existing registered company name.
After choosing your name, submit it for approval through the DED or Free Zone portal. Once approved, you’ll receive your trade name reservation certificate.
Step 4: Secure an Office Space
You’ll need a physical office to get your consultancy license. For mainland businesses, this means signing a tenancy contract and registering it through Ejari. For Free Zone firms, you can choose from co-working spaces, flexi-desks, or private offices depending on your budget and team size.
The office space must meet the minimum area requirement based on your employee quota and intended operations.
Step 5: Apply for Initial Approval
Submit your business plan, passport copies, and trade name documents to obtain your initial approval from the licensing authority. This step confirms that your business model is acceptable under UAE law.
Initial approval also allows you to proceed with the remaining formalities, including document submissions and payment processing.
Step 6: Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees
Once your office is rented and initial approval is in place, submit the final application for your consultancy trade license. You’ll be required to submit:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Entry visa or Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Trade name certificate
- Office tenancy contract or Free Zone office agreement
- Initial approval letter
Once reviewed and approved, your license will be issued.
Cost of Business Setup & Consultancy Firms License in Dubai
The cost of setting up a consultancy business in Dubai can vary based on several factors including license type, location, visa quota, and office rent.
The estimated cost for a consultancy license in Dubai ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 30,000 in Free Zones and AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 in the mainland, excluding visa and office rent costs.
Additional expenses may include:
- Office rent (Ejari)
- Company stamp and business cards
- Visa costs
- Health insurance
- Bank account setup
- Website and branding
The total investment could range from AED 25,000 to AED 100,000, depending on the scale and branding of your firm.
Benefits of Opening a Consultancy Firm in Dubai
Running a consultancy company in Dubai comes with several strategic and financial advantages. As a licensed consultant, you can enjoy a tax-efficient environment, an expanding client base, and strong government support for professional services.
Other benefits include:
- Full repatriation of profits and capital
- Fast-track visa processing
- Access to a diverse, international clientele
- Flexible business structures
- Low operational costs with high-profit potential
Consultancy is one of the most stable and future-proof industries in Dubai, especially when you build credibility, network, and provide genuine value to clients.
Renewing Your Business Consultancy License
Your consultancy license in Dubai is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires:
- Valid tenancy contract or office space agreement
- Updated shareholder documents
- Payment of government renewal fees
- Employee visa and health insurance updates
Timely renewal avoids penalties and protects your company from suspension or blacklisting.
Conclusion
Setting up a business consultancy firm in Dubai is one of the smartest ways to enter the UAE market. The demand for company formation, visa advisory, licensing, and business compliance services continues to grow every year.
With the right strategy, legal structure, and proper licensing, your Business Setup & Consultancy Firms License in Dubai, UAE can become your gateway to a profitable and sustainable business. Whether you’re helping startups, international investors, or corporates, your knowledge and support will become the foundation of their success.
If you want a seamless setup experience, partner with professionals who understand the licensing process, legal framework, and market dynamics. They’ll guide you from the first step to full launch—so you can focus on building your brand and serving clients.
FAQs
What type of license is required for a business setup company in Dubai?
You need a professional consultancy license under the activity “Business Setup Services” or “Corporate Services Provider.”
Can a foreigner own 100% of a consultancy firm in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of the business, especially under an LLC structure or through Free Zone entities.
What is the cost of a consultancy license in Dubai?
Costs range between AED 12,000 to AED 50,000, depending on location, visa quotas, and office rent.
Do I need a physical office to get a business consultancy license?
Yes. Mainland firms require an Ejari-registered office. Free Zone firms can use flexi-desks or shared workspaces.
How long does it take to get a consultancy license in Dubai?
If all documents are in order, the process typically takes 5 to 10 working days.
Can I provide visa and PRO services with this license?
Yes. You can assist with visa applications, medical tests, and document processing if your activity allows it.
Is a Free Zone or Mainland license better for a consultancy firm?
Both work well. Choose mainland for wider client access. Go with Free Zone for 100% ownership and lower overheads.
