Introduction
Dubai continues to shine as a magnet for professionals globally. Legal credibility starts with the right license, whatever your profession is, from a consultancy, tech specialist, artist, or wellness expert.
The Professional License is issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism. The license allows you to operate service-oriented businesses. Under this license, you can enjoy 100% ownership and sponsor your own visa. Experience all and more without a local partner.
We’ve aimed to write this guide to uncover most of the information. It covers everything you need to know. Know the selection of professional license activities in Dubai, setup steps, and cost breakdowns. The best practices to launch or expand legally and seamlessly in Dubai are also explained briefly.
Why Choose a Professional License?
Choosing a professional license gives you the authority to perform several activities. We’ve compiled them together below:
- Full Ownership: No need for a local partner. Expats can fully own their licensed activity
- Professional Status: Ideal for skilled services. Including consultancy, tech, legal, medical, artisan, and wellness.
- Service-Focused Flexibility: License several related activities. It can be up to 10 activities under one umbrella
- Straightforward Setup: Initial licensing typically takes 3–10 days. However, renewals can be done mostly online
Which Activities Qualify?
A DET professional license activities list has been shared in detail. Professional license holders may operate activities across these common sectors:
- Consultancy & Advisory: Management, legal, financial, education
- Tech & Digital: IT, graphic design, web development, digital marketing
- Medical & Wellness: Medical representatives, therapists, wellness coaches
- Creative & Artisanal: Interior design, carpentry, arts, photography, printing
- Training & Education: Teachers, trainers, career coaching
- Support Services: Translators, auditors, beauty salon operators
DET allows you to select up to 10 related activities. This ensures flexibility to expand within your professional field.
Professional vs. Commercial vs. Industrial
Want to know which license type is fit for which business activities? We’ve combined together different license types with their respective ownership, activities, and fees included in the form of a table:
| License Type | Ownership | Activities | Typical Fees (AED) |
| Professional | 100% expat | Service-based: consulting, IT, medical | 10,000–30,000 |
| Commercial | Up to 100% post-reform | Trading goods, retail, import/export | ~17,000 |
| Industrial | 100% expat | Manufacturing, assembly | Varies widely |
| E-Trader | 100% expat | Small online/home-based operations | 1,650–1,800 |
Latest 2025 Updates & Reforms
As per the latest updates, 100% foreign ownership for mainland licenses is introduced. Now applies to most professional license activities in Dubai. This may include a professional license without needing a local sponsor. Moreover, instant licensing expanded. Many activity categories now qualify for fast-track “Instant License” approval. This allows setup within hours and without an office lease upfront. The new reforms have streamlined digital licensing. DET’s portal supports full online application, payment, and issuance channels.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process (2025)
Make your professional license process as smooth as you can by following the steps below:
1. Choose Your Activities
Select up to 10 related service-based activities from DET’s professional license list.
2. Reserve a Trade Name
Select a name that abides by DET naming rules. Avoid religious or political terms. You have to pay a reservation fee of AED 100–200.
3. Secure Initial Approval
Submit a business plan, passport copies, and statements via DET’s Invest in Dubai portal.
4. Local Service Agent Agreement
For mainland licensing, appoint a UAE local service agent (LSA). They hold no ownership but act on your behalf to fulfill legal processes.
5. Lease Office Space or Select Instant License
For standard licenses, lease a physical office and register Ejari. For Instant License, skip office requirements initially and upgrade later.
6. Final Submission & Fees
Complete your application, attach documents, and pay ~AED 10,000–30,000. It depends on services and space.
7. Receive License & Business Registration
Digital license is typically issued within 1–3 working days after approval.
8. Apply for Visa(s)
Use your new license to apply for an establishment card, visa quota, and digital government services.
Cost Breakdown
We simplify the cost breakdown for obtaining the professional license in Dubai:
| Fee Component | Typical Range (AED) |
| Trade name reservation | 100–200 |
| Initial approval & agent fee | 1,000–3,000 |
| License issuance | 10,000–15,000 (avg. 11,000) |
| Office Ejari (mainland) | 2,000–5,000+ per year |
| Instant license setup | Lower; no office needed |
| Visa & Emirates ID (per visa) | 3,000–5,000 |
| Renewal (annual) | Similar to issuance |
Why the Professional License Stands Out
The professional license gives you full ownership. It removes local partner dependency. The license provides flexibility in services and activity additions. With this license, you can quickly set up for the Instant license option. It is available from home-based to staffed offices
Common Scenarios
The following are different situations where this professional license works like magic. Know what those are to benefit from them:
- Tech Consultant – IT services, digital marketing, training + Instant license → operate fast, migrate to office later.
- Health Coach / Therapist – Wellness license, coordinate with health authority, full visa facility under DET.
- Creative Freelancer – Graphic design + printing activities, full license credibility, sponsor staff when needed.
Upgrading from E-Trader
If you’ve started with a low‑cost e‑Trader license for online work, adding employees or moving into full services requires a professional license. The e‑Trader license sits at one end of a setup ladder leading up to full DET licensing.
Setup Tips for 2025
We’ve listed some smart tips for the smart business owners who are ready to operate with a professional license in Dubai:
- Reserve your name early to secure brand identity.
- Test Instant License eligibility first to speed up launch.
- Budget for office space unless opting for Instant License.
- Ensure LSA is trustworthy; they’re your legal anchor.
- Apply for visas early after license issuance to set up staff and dependents.
Annual Renewal & Compliance
Renew professional license yearly. You can do it via the portal. Keep the office lease/Ejari valid (unless Instant License). Update activities if you expand services. Renew visas, renew trade name if nearing expiry. Account for VAT if turnover exceeds AED 375,000, even for professional services
Conclusion
The Professional License in Dubai remains a top choice for skilled professionals. Specifically, those who are seeking credibility, independence, and flexibility.
The year 2025 has introduced easier setup, full foreign ownership, and Instant License options. This makes this a powerful tool for growth. Choose your professional license activities in Dubai carefully and secure your name. Lastly, follow all steps through DET’s streamlined process to legitimize your brand. Start operating professionally and access key visa rights.
An IT expert, health practitioner, consultant, or creative can build a scalable, recognized presence in the Emirate’s thriving market. All they need is a professional license in their hands.
Make your things work faster and quicker with instant support from professionals. Hire Al Buraq professionals to obtain your professional license fast. Know the activities allowed under the licenses and how you can operate your business stressfully!
