Starting a legal consultancy firm in Dubai is an excellent business opportunity for qualified legal professionals and law graduates. Dubai’s rapid business expansion and growing investor ecosystem make legal services one of the most in-demand sectors. If you’re a legal expert looking to start your own practice, the first step is to apply for a Legal Consultancy License in Dubai, UAE.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from licensing options to cost, documentation, and FAQs.
What Is a Legal Consultancy License in Dubai?
A Legal Consultancy License is a professional license issued to individuals or firms qualified to offer legal advice, legal opinions, contract drafting, compliance assistance, and arbitration services.
This license is granted by:
- Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland setup
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) or other Free Zones for niche legal setups
You are allowed to advise on UAE laws, corporate regulations, business compliance, and legal frameworks, but you cannot appear in UAE courts unless you’re a registered Emirati lawyer.
Why Legal Consultants Are in Demand in Dubai
As Dubai continues to grow as a commercial capital, thousands of new businesses are registered every year. These companies require legal guidance on contracts, dispute resolution, corporate structuring, employment laws, and regulatory compliance. With international investors, startups, and real estate deals booming, the demand for legal professionals has never been higher.
Who Can Apply for a Legal Consultancy License in Dubai?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a degree in law
- Have experience or qualifications in legal consulting
- Not have a criminal record or past professional misconduct
- Not be disqualified or disbarred in any country
Both individual lawyers and legal consultancy firms can apply. For firms, at least one partner must hold a law degree and relevant experience.
Services Allowed Under a Legal Consultancy License
With a legal consultancy license in Dubai, you can offer the following services:
- Legal advice on business formation
- Contract and agreement drafting
- Real estate transaction support
- Corporate compliance consulting
- Legal due diligence
- Employment law advisory
- Mediation and arbitration (non-court)
- Trademark and intellectual property consulting
- Commercial contract review
However, you cannot represent clients in UAE courts unless you are a licensed Emirati lawyer enrolled with the Ministry of Justice.
Mainland vs Free Zone for Legal Consultancy in Dubai
You’ll need to choose whether to set up in Mainland Dubai or a Free Zone. Both have different rules and benefits.
Mainland Legal Consultancy License
Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), a mainland license allows you to:
- Offer legal consulting across the UAE
- Open your firm in any commercial area
- Work directly with private companies and government clients
- Serve on contracts with mainland companies
This license is ideal if you want full-scale operations with broad access to clients.
Free Zone Legal Consultancy License
Free Zones like DIFC, DMCC, or IFZA offer specialized platforms for legal firms. Benefits include:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Simplified procedures and faster approvals
- Zero income tax
- Flexi-desk or virtual office options
However, Free Zone firms need a local distributor or agent to serve mainland clients.
How to Get a Legal Consultancy License in Dubai: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the full process:
Step 1: Decide Business Structure
Choose the type of entity:
- Sole Establishment (for individual lawyers)
- Civil Company (for partnerships between lawyers)
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) (for firms with multiple partners)
- Free Zone Company (for firms focused on international clients or remote service)
Step 2: Choose Your Business Activities
Legal activity options include:
- Legal Consultancy Services
- Legal Research and Studies
- Legal Translation (if needed)
- Corporate and Commercial Law Consulting
- IP and Trademark Advisory
Select activities that reflect the scope of your services.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Pick a name for your firm that:
- Reflects legal services
- Is free of offensive, religious, or political terms
- Ends with a structure suffix like “Consultants” or “Legal Advisors”
Apply for trade name reservation through DED or Free Zone authority.
Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval
Submit your passport, visa copy, and qualifications for initial approval from the relevant authority.
Some zones may require:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- No objection letter if you’re employed
Step 5: Secure Office Space
To finalize the license, you’ll need to show proof of an address:
- Mainland: Rent an office and register with Ejari
- Free Zone: Select from coworking spaces or executive offices
Your office should match the size and professionalism expected of a legal practice.
Step 6: Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees
After completing all the above:
- Submit the final application
- Provide proof of tenancy, qualification, and trade name
- Pay the license and registration fees
Once processed, you’ll receive your official Legal Consultancy License in Dubai, UAE
Required Documents for Legal License Registration
You will need:
- Passport copy of the applicant/partners
- Entry stamp or UAE visa copy
- Degree in law or equivalent qualification
- Experience certificate (sometimes requested)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval document
- Office lease agreement
All documents must be notarized if issued outside the UAE.
Cost of Legal Consultancy License in Dubai
Here’s an approximate cost breakdown:
| Cost Component | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Trade license fee | AED 10,000–15,000 | AED 8,000–12,000 |
| Office lease (Ejari) | AED 10,000–40,000 | AED 5,000–15,000 |
| Immigration card & visa | AED 3,000–5,000 | AED 3,000–5,000 |
| Legal translation/notarization | AED 1,000–3,000 | AED 1,000–3,000 |
Total cost ranges from AED 20,000 to 60,000+ depending on scale.
Can You Open a Legal Consultancy Firm Without a Law Degree?
No. A law degree is required for all applicants. The UAE authorities ensure that only qualified legal professionals offer consultancy services to maintain industry credibility and trust.
Limitations of Legal Consultancy Firms in Dubai
There are a few restrictions to be aware of:
- You cannot appear in court or provide litigation services unless you’re a licensed UAE advocate.
- You cannot practice criminal law, family law, or immigration law unless specifically authorized.
- All services must follow UAE legal regulations, and violations may lead to penalties or cancellation of the license.
Benefits of Starting a Legal Consultancy in Dubai
The opportunities in this space are vast. Some key benefits include:
- Growing demand from corporate clients and startups
- High profit margins
- Opportunities to partner with law firms globally
- Ability to serve both Arabic and English-speaking clients
- Platform to specialize in compliance, intellectual property, or business structuring
Conclusion
Getting your Legal Consultancy License in Dubai, UAE is a powerful step toward building a trusted brand in the region’s legal and corporate landscape. With the right qualifications, a strong business setup, and a clear understanding of what services you can provide, your firm can thrive in this high-value market.
Dubai offers a forward-thinking, investor-friendly environment that welcomes specialists in every field—including legal consulting. Whether you choose a mainland setup for broader reach or a Free Zone for streamlined operations, the process is straightforward and designed to support your growth.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, it’s always a smart idea to partner with experts in Company Formation in Dubai, UAE who understand the legal framework and paperwork process from start to finish.
FAQs
Do I need to be a UAE national to open a legal consultancy firm in Dubai?
No, expats can open a legal consultancy firm as long as they meet the qualification and experience requirements.
Can legal consultants go to court in Dubai?
No. Only UAE nationals registered with the Ministry of Justice can represent clients in court.
How long does it take to get a legal license in Dubai?
It typically takes 7 to 14 business days if all documents are in order.
What qualifications are required to apply for this license?
A law degree, proof of experience, and good standing with no legal or professional misconduct.
Can I offer services to international clients from Dubai?
Yes, especially if you register in a Free Zone. Many legal firms in Dubai serve clients worldwide.
Is it mandatory to rent an office to apply for this license?
Yes, a physical address is required—Ejari for mainland, and virtual or shared desks in Free Zones.
