A Dubai project management licence (PMC licence) lets you legally operate as a consultancy advising on project delivery, planning, and oversight. Setup costs range AED 15,000–28,000 all-in under DET regulation, taking 3–5 weeks. Choose mainland or free zone registration depending on your client base and operational model.
What Is a Project Management Licence in Dubai?
A project management licence authorises you to provide consulting, planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk-management services for construction, infrastructure, and development projects. This falls under the Dubai business setup category regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). You may also need approvals from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or Dubai Municipality if your scope touches public-sector or municipal works. The licence typically covers project consultancy, programme management, and cost control—but not execution or contracting unless you hold a separate construction licence.
Unsure if your service scope needs multiple licences? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free licence-type audit.
Mainland vs. Free Zone: Which Route for PMC Setup?
You have two registration paths:
| Option | All-In Cost (AED) | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland (DET) | 15,000–22,000 | 3–5 weeks | Clients across Dubai; flexible office location; UAE-wide contracts |
| Free Zone (e.g., DMCC, Jebel Ali, Dubai Silicon Oasis) | 18,000–28,000 | 3–5 weeks | International clients; 100% foreign ownership; zero UAE corporate tax |
Mainland companies need a local Emirati sponsor (typically 51%) unless you qualify under the new DET freelancer or SME schemes. Free zones offer full foreign ownership but may impose geographic or client restrictions—always confirm with your zone authority before launch.
Required Documents & Approval Process
Your PMC setup hinges on three phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Registration (Week 1)
- Passport copies (all partners; colour, clear)
- UAE visa status proof (if resident)
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from home country (if non-UAE national; legalized)
- Proof of office address or virtual office arrangement
- Detailed business plan with project management scope
Phase 2: DET Licence Application (Week 2–3)
- Submit Business Registration Application to DET via SMART Services portal or in-person
- Wait for DET approval (typically 5–10 working days)
- Pay licence fee (included in all-in cost band)
Phase 3: Post-Licence Compliance (Week 4–5)
- Register with General Authority of Islamic Affairs (if applicable)
- Obtain establishment card from DET
- Open a corporate UAE bank account (bring original DET approval letter)
- Set up payroll with MOHRE for any UAE-resident staff (visa sponsorship quota applies)
Our Dubai business setup consultants handle document prep and DET liaison—save 2 weeks.
Cost Breakdown: All-In AED 15,000–28,000 (2026)
The final outlay depends on structure and location:
| Cost Item | Mainland Range (AED) | Free Zone Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DET licence fee | 1,000–2,000 | 2,500–4,000 | Varies by business size & classification |
| Approval & processing | 3,000–5,000 | 3,500–6,000 | Includes DET admin, NOC legalization, document prep |
| Office setup or virtual address | 2,000–4,000 | 3,000–5,000 | Licence requires a registered office; virtual acceptable |
| Bank account opening & initial balance | 2,000–4,000 | 2,000–4,000 | Most banks require minimum balance AED 1,000–5,000 |
| Staff visa & sponsorship (optional, per person) | 4,000–7,000 | 4,000–7,000 | Only if hiring; MOHRE quota applies |
| Professional consultancy & filing | 3,000–5,000 | 3,000–5,000 | DBS-provided: full-scope guidance & form completion |
| TOTAL (excl. visa) | 15,000–22,000 | 18,000–28,000 | All-in; no hidden fees |
Costs are all-inclusive: no surprise levies post-registration. Ongoing annual renewal runs AED 800–1,200.
Visa Sponsorship, Quota & Staff Headcount
Once licensed, you can sponsor staff visas under MOHRE quotas. A mainland PMC with AED 100,000+ capital can sponsor 2–5 employees (varies by emirate and company size). Free zone companies may have different quota rules—check with your zone’s HR department. Salary requirements are set by MOHRE: typically minimum AED 3,000–5,000 per role. Visa costs (AED 1,500–2,500 per sponsor per annum) are not included in the setup fee but are mandatory if you hire UAE-resident staff.
Need a staff-sponsorship roadmap? Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a staffing-cost estimate.
Timeline & Next Steps: Start in 3–5 Weeks
Week 1: Prepare documents (passports, NOC, business plan).
Week 2–3: Submit DET application; obtain approval.
Week 4: Register with authorities; open bank account.
Week 5: Receive establishment card; go live.
Fast-track mainland setup (2 weeks) is available for SME-scheme applicants or DET-registered consultancies. Free zones sometimes offer same-day provisional approvals if documents are complete.
Ready to launch? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com. DBS handles end-to-end filing for AED 15,000–28,000 all-in—no surprises, radical transparency, 80,000+ clients since 2009.
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to start a project management company in Dubai?
You need a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This authorises planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk-management services. If your scope includes site supervision or execution, you may also need a separate contractor’s or engineering licence. DBS can clarify your exact licence requirement in a 10-minute call.
Does a construction project management firm need additional approvals?
Yes. If your clients are government entities or Dubai Municipality, you may need approval from the relevant authority (RTA, DMCC, or Municipality). If you operate on a free zone, confirm that free-zone PMC licences are accepted for mainland project work. DET regulates the base licence; secondary approvals depend on your contract type and location.
How much does a project management licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
All-in setup costs are AED 15,000–22,000 (mainland) or AED 18,000–28,000 (free zone). Costs cover DET licence fee, document preparation, office registration, bank account opening, and professional consultancy. Annual renewal is AED 800–1,200. Staff visas and payroll are separate. No hidden fees—DBS quotes are transparent.
Can a free zone company offer project management on the mainland?
Yes, but only if your free-zone licence permits mainland services. DMCC, Jebel Ali, and Dubai Silicon Oasis typically allow cross-emirate contracting. However, public-sector projects may require a mainland registration or special approval. Always confirm with your zone authority before bidding. Free-zone setup costs AED 18,000–28,000 all-in.
Which activities fall under a project management licence?
Project consultancy, programme management, cost control, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and feasibility studies. Excluded: site execution, labour supply, equipment rental, or contracting (unless you hold a separate contractor’s licence). Your licence scope defines what work you can legally invoice. DBS helps you align your licence classification to your service model.
How long does it take to set up a PMC in Dubai?
Standard timeline: 3–5 weeks (DET approval: 5–10 working days; document prep: 1–2 weeks). Fast-track for SME-scheme applicants: 2 weeks. Free-zone provisional approvals can come within 3–5 business days if documents are complete. DBS handles the filing—you launch faster.
What is the visa sponsorship quota for a new PMC?
A mainland PMC with AED 100,000+ capital can sponsor 2–5 staff visas (MOHRE quota varies by emirate and company size). Each visa costs AED 1,500–2,500 annually. Free-zone companies have different quota rules—contact your zone. DBS arranges visa applications post-registration; costs are separate from setup.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
