Professional License, Dubai, and the LSA Requirement
Professional Company Formation by 365 Day PRO Corporate Services
A Professional License in Dubai: A Professional License in Dubai is best suited for entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals providing their services according to their skills and qualifications. A Professional License in Dubai, or Professional Business Activity License, is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET / DED Dubai).
In the case of a Professional Company, 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and a Local Service Agent (LSA), who is a UAE national, is named only for administrative purposes. There is no equity, profit share, or managerial control with the LSA, so this is very attractive for expatriate professionals.
Examples of professional licenses include consultancy, IT services, marketing agencies, engineering services, educational institutions, healthcare consultancy, and technical services. With the mainland professional license, you are free to conduct business activities anywhere in the UAE. Additionally, you are in a position to charge customers directly.
Services offered by 365 Day PRO Corporate Services include full assistance for Professional Company Formation in Dubai, including the arrangement of LSA, approval, licensure, visas, and much more.
Benefits of Professional Company in Dubai
- Professional license in Dubai enables 100% foreign ownership
- No ownership or profit-sharing rights
- Mainland Professional Company can operate in UAE
- For Consultants, Specialists, and Service Providers
- Lower set-up cost than the commercial licenses
- Improved credibility with clients and government institutions
- Flexibility to include multiple professional activities
- Easy visa eligibility criteria according to the size of the
- For individuals and corporate professionals
- Long-term Scalability through Mainland Business
Kinds of Professional Companies in Dubai
- Sole Professional Establishment – It is owned by one person.
- Privately Held Company – Two or more professionals with related activities
- Professional LLC – Service-based LLC structure offering liability protection
- Business Structure Type
- Branch of Foreign Company
- Scope of Operations of the Branch
- Branch of UAE Company – Expansion of existing UAE professional firm
Each project is subject to the regulations and activities approved by DED Dubai.
Procedures to Open a Professional License in Dubai
1. Business Activity Selection
Select a professional activity applicable among those approved by DED Dubai.
2. Determine Legal Structure
– Decide if it will be a sole practice, civil company, or professional LLC.
3. Local Service Agent Appointment
Engage a UAE citizen as an LSA via a notarized agreement.
4. Trade Name
Keep the trade name reserved with DED Dubai.
5. Initial Approval
Obtain initial approval indicating no objection to the creation of the professional company.
6. Professional Qualification
Submit educational certificates & documents for experience (if required).
7. MOA / LSA Agreement Not
Draft and Notarize Agreements in line with legal structure.
8. Office Space & Ejari Registration
Lease Office Space & Ejari Registration
9. Final Submission & License Issuance
Submit documents to DED and obtain the professional license.
10.Setting up Card & Visa Processing
Open the immigration file and apply for visas.
Documents Required to Form an LLC Company in Dubai
Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy
- Emirates ID copy (if available)
- Passport-size photograph
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
- Board Resolution authorizing company formation
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Declaration
- Authorized signatory documents (passport and ID copies)
Why Choose 365 Day PRO Corporate Services to Open a Professional Company in Dubai
365 Day PRO Corporate Services is a reputable expert in Professional Company Formation in Dubai, providing clear, compliant, and fully integrated business setup services. Our professional knowledge of DED Dubai rules and regulations, LSA planning, and professional licensing ensures that your business is set up properly right from the start.
Personalized consultation is offered through us in respect of the appropriate activity, legal structure, and license approach. From the appointment of a trustworthy Local Service Agent to the processing of approvals and paperwork, we take care of everything.
What distinguishes us is that we have the philosophy of supporting you for 365 days. Apart from the license, we offer PRO services, visa renewals, compliance, and government liaison, giving you the ability to deliver your professional services.
By fostering excellent links with the authorities and banks, we provide faster approval, lowering risks and guaranteeing a stable business operation. For a seamless and safe future-proof professional business incorporation in Dubai, partner with 365 Day PRO Corporate Services.
20 Main Activities of Professional Companies in Dubai
- Management Consultancy
Offers expert consulting services for business strategy, operations, restructuring, and organizational optimization for enterprises belonging to diverse industry sectors.
- Business Consultancy
Emphasized areas include improving business processes, entry strategies, feasibility studies, and optimization solutions.
- IT Solutions & Software Services
Includes software development, system integration, cloud solutions, IT support, and cybersecurity advisory.
- Digital Marketing & SEO Services
Includes search engine optimization, social media marketing, online advertising, content marketing, and digital brand management.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
Offers financial record management, VAT compliance, and accounting advisory services (on approval).
- Engineering Consutlancy
Provides technical design, planning, supervision, and engineering advisory services for construction and infrastructure projects.
- Interior Design
Includes conceptual design, space planning, and interior advice, but does not include execution or contracting.
- Education and Training Services
It includes professional training institutes, skill development initiatives, corporate trainings, and educational consultancy services.
- Healthcare Consultancy
Offers advisory services in healthcare management, medical operations, and planning (healthcare, non-treatment areas).
- HR & Recruitment Consultancy
Includes manpower consulting, recruitment advisory, developing HR policies, and workforce planning.
- Marketing Consutancy
Offers brand strategy, market research, consumer analysis, and marketing advisory.
- Project Management Services
Provides services in planning, overseeing the execution process, risk assessment, and delivery.
- Technical Services
Includes advisory services regarding HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems (non-execution).
- media and content creation services
Includes content strategies, media production, photography, videography, and digital publishing services.
- Legal Consultancy
Offers legal advisory services, not including representation or practice rights before the courts.
- Environmental Consultancy
Provides sustainability planning, environmental impact assessment, and compliance advisory assistance.
- Quality & ISO consultancy
Offers information about ISO certifications, quality management systems, and compliance audit procedures.
- Architectural Consultancy
Involves architectural design, planning, and consultancy, pending regulatory approvals.
- Research & Development Consultancy
Provides services in conducting market research, product research, feasibility studies, and innovation consulting.
- Event Planning Consultancy
It includes conceptual planning, coordination, and advisory services regarding business and social events.
Activities that Require Third Party Approval in Dubai
- Engineering Consultancy
Must be approved by Dubai Municipality, including verification of qualifications as engineer.
- Education & Training Institutes
To be KHDA-approved, with curriculum and faculty compliance involved.
- Healthcare
It must be approved by the DHA or MOH, depending on its advisory scope.
- Accounting & Audit Services
Needs approval from the Ministry of Economy or the relevant professional bodies.
- Legal Consultancy
Requires clearance with the relevant legal and professional authorities.
- Media & Advertising Activities
Must be approved by the National Media Council (NMC).
- Environmental Consultancy
Approval of Dubai Municipality or Environmental Authorities is required.
- HR & Recruitment consultancy
Needs approval from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Technical Consultancy
Needs municipal authorization based on the advisory area.
- Architectural Consultancy
Must be approved by Dubai Municipality, including professional credentials.
FAQs – Professional Company Formation in Dubai
1. What is a professional license in Dubai?
Professional licensure gives the person or company the right to render service-delivery functions based on skills and qualifications.
2. Is there 100% foreign ownership permitted for professional companies?
Yes, professional firms allow full foreign ownership with the appointment of LSA.
3. Does the Local Service Agent have ownership rights?
No, the LSA has no equity participation, profit sharing, nor management control.
4. How long does professional company formation take in Dubai?
Usually 5-15 working days, depending on approvals.
5. Is office space mandatory for a professional license?
Office space should be Ejari-registered. Only an Ejari-registered office space is mandatory for obtaining a professional license.
6. Are multiple professional activities possible within the scope of one license?
Yes, subject to activity compatibility and approvals.
7. Are professional qualifications necessary?
Certain activities may require certificates of education and experience.
8. Can a professional company sponsor an employee visa?
Yes, visa eligibility is based on office size and activities.
9. Is opening a bank account part of the set-up procedure?
Yes, professional help is offered to open a corporate bank account.
10. Why choose 365 Day PRO Corporate Services for professional company setup?
We provide professional consultation, LSA planning, quick approvals, and year-round PRO support services.