A Dubai project management licence requires DET approval under ISIC activity codes 7020 or 7110. Total cost ranges AED 15,000–28,000 all-in, including trade name, visa, and compliance. Processing takes 3–5 weeks from document submission to final certificate.
What Is a Project Management Licence in Dubai?
A project management licence permits individuals and companies to offer consultancy, planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management services across construction, infrastructure, and corporate projects. Under Dubai business setup frameworks, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) regulates PMCs under ISIC codes 7020 (management consultancy) or 7110 (architectural and engineering activities). The licence does not authorise direct construction work—only advisory and project control roles.
Unsure which code fits your services? DBS Documents Clearing LLC can audit your scope—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Licensing Authority & Legal Requirements
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the sole issuing body for PMC licences on the mainland. All applications pass through the DET’s general trading licence framework. If your company will import or export project management software, equipment, or materials, you may also need Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) clearance for labour compliance. Free-zone PMCs operate under their respective free-zone authority (e.g., Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport Free Zone, DAFZA).
Cost Breakdown for 2026
| Cost Item | Typical Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade Name Registration (DET) | 500–1,200 |
| General Trading Licence (DET, annual) | 6,000–12,000 |
| Initial Visa (3 staff, MOHRE linked) | 3,000–6,500 |
| Office Space & Compliance Documents | 2,500–5,000 |
| Agency & Processing Fees | 3,000–3,300 |
| Total All-In Cost | AED 15,000–28,000 |
Mainland setup typically runs AED 15,000–22,000; free-zone models (e.g., Dubai Silicon Oasis, Internet City) may cost AED 18,000–28,000 due to zone-specific administrative fees.
Mainland vs Free-Zone Setup
Mainland (DET): DET-licenced PMCs can service clients anywhere in Dubai and wider UAE without restriction. You must lease a physical office (minimum 50–100 sqm, depending on staff size). No additional zone authority fees apply; only DET and MOHRE approvals required.
Free Zone (e.g., DIC, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DAFZA): Free-zone PMCs enjoy exemptions on import duties and 100% foreign ownership. However, offshore clients must be serviced via a local sponsor or via a mainland representative office. Free-zone licences are annual and typically AED 18,000–28,000 all-in. Your ability to bid for UAE government contracts depends on Emiratisation compliance (minimum UAE national staff quotas).
Choosing between mainland and free zone? DBS Dubai business setup consultants can compare tax, visa, and client-reach scenarios—email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.
Timeline & Document Requirements
Typical Timeline: 3–5 weeks
- Week 1–2: DET trade name and MOHRE labour endorsement.
- Week 2–3: General trading licence issuance; visa processing begins.
- Week 3–4: First visa batch (Director + 1–2 staff) approved.
- Week 4–5: Final compliance inspection and trade licence collection.
Essential Documents:
- Applicant passport (valid 6+ months), UAE residence visa or entry permit.
- Proof of office lease (tenancy contract, ejari registration).
- Passport copies of all visa holders (up to quota).
- MOHRE Wage Protection System (WPS) account setup.
- Company bank account opening (most banks require DET licence copy).
- Professional qualifications (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) for senior staff.
Visa Eligibility & Staff Quota
A PMC licence permits up to 3 initial visas for a sole proprietorship and up to 10–15 visas for a limited liability company (LLC), depending on capital and business plan. Visa quota is tied to your paid-up capital (minimum AED 100,000 for an LLC; no fixed minimum for sole traders, but DET typically expects AED 50,000+ to be credible).
All visa holders must have active employment contracts lodged with MOHRE. UAE nationals cannot hold management visas but may be appointed as local sponsors (required for many government contracts). Non-GCC professionals holding valid UAE residence visas are fast-tracked; processing drops to 2–3 weeks.
Common Activities Under a PMC Licence
A DET-issued project management licence covers consultancy in scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, stakeholder management, quality assurance audits, and project controls. It does not permit:
- Direct construction work (hire a separate contractor licence).
- Surveying (requires a separate surveying licence from DET).
- Design or architectural services (requires DIAC accreditation).
If your PMC will supervise construction on-site, you must hold or partner with a licensed contractor. Many successful Dubai PMCs hold dual licences—one as a consultant and one as a contractor—or work as subcontractors to main contractors on major projects.
Next Steps & How DBS Helps
Establishing a project management company in Dubai requires precision with DET codes, visa scheduling, and landlord compliance. Dubai Business Services has supported 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009, streamlining PMC setups in 3–5 weeks at transparent, all-in costs (AED 15,000–28,000).
Ready to move forward? Contact us for a free 20-minute scoping call. We’ll confirm your ISIC code, estimate your exact visa quota, and lock in a fixed timeline.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com (not info@).
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to start a project management company in Dubai?
You need a DET-issued General Trading Licence under ISIC code 7020 (management consultancy) or 7110 (engineering). This is issued on the mainland by the Department of Economy and Tourism. Free-zone alternatives exist at Jebel Ali, DAFZA, or Dubai Silicon Oasis, but they require compliance with zone rules and local sponsorship for UAE government contracts.
Does a construction project management firm need additional approvals?
If your PMC will supervise construction sites, you must also hold or partner with a licensed contractor (RTA or private contractor licence). Environmental screening (for large projects) and safety accreditation (OSHA or local equivalent) are often client-mandated. MOHRE labour compliance is always required for staff visas.
How much does a project management licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete mainland PMC setup (trade name, general trading licence, initial visas, office compliance, and agency fees) costs AED 15,000–28,000 all-in. Free-zone options range AED 18,000–28,000. Renewal of the annual licence alone is AED 6,000–12,000.
Can a free-zone company offer project management on the mainland?
Free-zone PMCs can service mainland clients, but mainland clients may require proof of UAE tax compliance and a registered representative office. For government contracts, you typically need a 51% UAE national ownership stake or partnership. DET may also request a mainland liaison office for regulatory purposes.
Which activities fall under a project management licence?
Schedule planning, budget control, risk management, quality audits, stakeholder coordination, and project reporting. Activities excluded: direct construction, surveying, architectural design, and main contracting. If your scope includes these, you need separate licences or partnerships with licensed specialists.
How long does it take to set up a PMC in Dubai?
Standard timeline is 3–5 weeks from document submission. Week 1–2: DET trade name and MOHRE endorsement. Week 2–3: trading licence issued. Week 3–5: visa approvals and final compliance. Fast-track available for GCC nationals (2–3 weeks) and expedited processing if all documents are pre-approved.
What visa quota can I get for my project management company?
Sole proprietors typically receive 3 initial visas; LLCs qualify for 10–15 visas based on paid-up capital (minimum AED 100,000) and business plan. UAE nationals cannot hold management visas but may serve as local sponsors. Quota increases are available annually by reapplying to MOHRE with evidence of business growth.
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.
