A management consultancy licence is a professional licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai. The all-in cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on mainland or free-zone setup and your business structure. Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks.
What Is a Management Consultancy Licence in Dubai?
A management consultancy licence authorises you to provide advisory, strategic, and operational consulting services across sectors. It is classified as a professional licence under Dubai’s commercial framework, distinct from general trading licences. This applies whether you register on the mainland or within a Dubai business setup consultants network. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) oversees all professional licensing, including renewals and compliance audits.
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Mainland vs. Free-Zone Consultancy Licence
Dubai offers two pathways: mainland (100% UAE national or foreign ownership with sponsorship) and free zones (DMCC, TECOM, DTEC, etc.). Mainland registration costs AED 15,000–22,000 all-in and requires a local partner or agent unless you hold UAE nationality. Free-zone licences typically range AED 18,000–30,000 all-in, including desk/office rental, and allow full foreign ownership with no local sponsor. Choose mainland if you intend client-facing operations citywide; choose free zone if you prioritise ownership simplicity and international credential recognition.
Cost Breakdown: What You Pay for a Management Consultancy Licence
The all-in cost band is AED 15,000–30,000, itemised as follows:
| Item | Mainland (AED) | Free Zone (AED) |
| Licence application & approval (DET) | 2,500–4,000 | 3,000–5,000 |
| Trade name registration | 400–600 | Included |
| Office address (registered/co-working) | 3,000–8,000/year | 5,000–12,000/year |
| Local agent/sponsor fee (if required) | 1,500–3,000 | N/A |
| Labour & MOHRE approvals (if hiring) | 500–1,500 | 500–1,500 |
| Bank account opening + clearance | 0–500 | 0–500 |
Your total for Year 1 typically sits in the AED 15,000–30,000 range. Renewal costs (Year 2+) are lower, typically AED 8,000–15,000, excluding rent escalation.
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Timeline: How Long Does Dubai Consultancy Licensing Take?
The standard approval timeline is 2–4 weeks from submission to licence issuance, provided all documents are complete and no additional DET queries arise. Mainland applications via a sponsor or agent typically clear in 18–25 working days. Free-zone approvals via the zone authority (e.g., DMCC, TECOM) usually resolve within 15–22 working days. Delays occur if your trade name is rejected, visa quotas are full, or MOHRE flags labour approvals. DBS can expedite pre-submission checks to avoid rework.
Required Documents for Your Consultancy Licence Application
The DET and local authorities require:
- Passport copies: Notarised and attested, all owners and local agent (if mainland).
- Visa copies & establishment card: Proof of current UAE residence.
- Business plan: 1–2 pages outlining services, target sectors, and financial projections.
- Trade name approval: Reserved at DET (mainland) or zone authority (free zone).
- Office lease or co-working agreement: Proof of physical address for consultancy operations.
- Bank reference letter: From your home country if first-time setup or new to UAE.
- CVs & qualifications: Educational certificates for principals, ideally MBA or relevant degree.
- MOA & shareholding document: Memorandum of Association specifying ownership structure.
Free-zone applicants submit via the zone portal; mainland applicants route through DET’s Dubai business setup platform or via an approved typing centre.
Visa Sponsorship & Employee Quota for Consultants
Once your licence is approved, you may sponsor staff visas based on your allocated quota. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) assigns visa slots according to your licence category and capital. A management consultancy typically qualifies for:
- Visa quota: 1–2 visas for sole proprietors or small entities; 4–6 for limited liability companies with AED 1 million+ capital.
- Sponsorship requirements: Monthly salary bands (typically AED 3,000–10,000 minimum per visa, depending on role), plus accommodation, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity.
- Local hiring: You are not obliged to hire Emirati nationals, but MOHRE incentives exist for those who do.
Plan visa costs into Year 2 onwards; each visa renewal is AED 600–1,200 annually plus benefits. If you intend solo operation initially, a consultancy licence does not require employee sponsorship.
Professional Licence vs. Commercial Licence: Key Differences
A management consultancy licence is professional, not commercial. This distinction affects:
- Scope: Professional licences permit advisory, training, and strategic work; commercial licences cover retail, distribution, and manufacturing.
- Approvals: Professional services may require additional scrutiny from MOHRE and industry bodies (e.g., Dubai Chamber of Commerce).
- Ownership: Foreign ownership rules differ; free zones allow 100% foreign control; mainland requires a UAE national sponsor or agent.
- Renewal: Professional renewals are annual and often tied to compliance audits and client reference checks.
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Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to start a management consultancy in Dubai?
You need a professional consultancy licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This covers strategy, management, HR, IT, and business advisory services. You can obtain it on the mainland (with a local sponsor/agent) or in a free zone (DMCC, TECOM, DTEC). Both are valid; choice depends on your client base and ownership preference.
Is management consultancy a professional or commercial licence?
Management consultancy is a professional licence. Professional licences are distinct from commercial (trading) licences and are regulated by DET under stricter governance. Professional consultants may advise on strategy, operations, and governance but do not buy/sell physical goods. Renewal and compliance checks are annual and rigorous.
How much does a management consultancy licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
The all-in cost is AED 15,000–30,000 for Year 1, including DET approvals, office address, trade name registration, and local sponsor fees (if mainland). Mainland typically ranges AED 15,000–22,000; free zone, AED 18,000–30,000. Year 2 renewals cost AED 8,000–15,000. Exact cost depends on free-zone choice and office location.
Can I get 100% ownership of a consultancy in Dubai mainland?
Not if you are non-UAE. On mainland, foreign nationals must appoint a local UAE sponsor (51% stake) or agent (no stake, just facilitation). Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. If ownership retention is critical, establish in a free zone; if you prefer mainland access, negotiate a nominal agent fee (AED 1,500–3,000/year).
Do I need qualifications to open a consulting firm in Dubai?
No formal qualification is mandated by DET, but holding a degree (ideally MBA, engineering, or finance) strengthens your application and credibility. Submit CVs and certificates for all principals. MOHRE may query advisors with no relevant background; a bachelor’s degree in any field and 3+ years’ industry experience are commonly accepted.
How long does it take to licence a consultancy in Dubai?
Typical approval timeline is 2–4 weeks from complete submission. Mainland applications clear in 18–25 working days; free-zone approvals, 15–22 working days. Delays occur if trade name is rejected, visas are queued, or MOHRE raises queries. DBS pre-vets documents to avoid rework and expedite final sign-off.
What happens if my trade name is rejected by DET?
DET may reject a name if it is too similar to an existing registered business, uses restricted words, or is deemed offensive. You have 48 hours to propose an alternative. Expect 2–3 iterations in competitive sectors (e.g., ‘Strategic Advisors’). DBS checks name availability before lodging to minimise rejections and save time and fees.
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