Consultancy License in Dubai & UAE: Cost & How to Get One (2026)
A consultancy licence in the UAE lets you offer professional advisory services legally. It starts from around AED 12,500 in a free zone such as IFZA or SHAMS, gives 100% ownership, and can be issued within 3–7 working days. Some specialised fields need proof of qualifications or extra approvals.
Last updated: June 2026
Cost breakdown (2026)
| Consultancy licence from | AED 12,500 |
|---|---|
| With 1 visa from | AED 16,900 |
| Attestation (if required) | From AED 2,000For regulated professions |
| Timeline | 3–7 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, a consultancy license in dubai & uae in the UAE starts from AED 12,500 (as of June 2026).
What you need
- Passport copy of shareholder(s)
- Chosen trade name (3 options)
- Selected consultancy activity
- Degree or experience proof for regulated fields
- Application form and passport-size photo
How to get your Consultancy License in Dubai & UAE
- 1
Choose consultancy activity & zone
Select a professional consultancy activity in a suitable free zone.
- 2
Reserve your trade name
Submit compliant name options for approval.
- 3
Submit documents & pay
Provide passport copies, qualifications and the application, then pay the package fee.
- 4
Receive your licence
Your consultancy licence is issued digitally.
- 5
Bank account & visas
Open a corporate account and apply for residence visas as needed.
Costs beyond the licence
Consultants travel light, but three costs matter: professional indemnity insurance (AED 1,500–4,000 a year, increasingly demanded by corporate clients before signing), contract templates reviewed by a UAE lawyer (AED 2,000–5,000 once), and accounting for corporate tax filing even at 0% liability (from AED 3,000 a year).
If you'll pitch government or enterprise clients, budget for attestations and a professional email/domain setup — small line items that decide whether procurement takes you seriously.
Free zone or mainland for consultancy?
Free zone is the default: your clients sign contracts with any legal entity, and remote delivery makes location irrelevant. The exception is consulting for UAE government bodies or large mainland corporates whose procurement portals require a mainland professional licence — check your two biggest target clients' vendor rules before choosing, because that requirement alone justifies mainland's higher cost.
Common mistakes with consultancy licences
The activity wording matters more than consultants expect: "management consultancy" does not cover recruitment, training delivery or IT implementation — invoicing outside your listed activity gives clients grounds to dispute and banks reason to query. Solo consultants also over-buy visas and office space nobody visits. Start with licence plus one visa; upgrade when revenue demands it.
Recommended free zones
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a consultancy licence in Dubai?+
A consultancy licence starts from around AED 12,500 in a free zone, or about AED 16,900 including one residence visa. Costs vary with activity, visas and office needs.
Which free zone is best for a consultancy?+
IFZA, SHAMS and Meydan are popular for consultancy thanks to low cost, 100% ownership and fast digital setup with flexible activity lists.
Do I need a degree for a consultancy licence?+
Most general consultancy activities do not require a degree, but regulated fields such as engineering, legal or financial consultancy may need attested qualifications.
Can I sponsor visas on a consultancy licence?+
Yes. A consultancy licence lets you apply for residence visas for yourself and staff, subject to the visa quota linked to your package or office.