A Dubai tax consultancy licence costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in and requires registration with the FTA (Federal Tax Authority) and approval from DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism). Professional qualifications, a business plan, and visa sponsorship are mandatory. Setup typically takes 3–6 weeks from application to issuance.
What Is a Dubai Tax Consultancy Licence?
A tax consultancy licence allows you to offer professional advisory services in corporate tax, VAT compliance, transfer pricing, and tax planning to businesses in Dubai and across the UAE. Whether you establish a Dubai business setup on the mainland or in a free zone, you must comply with FTA (Federal Tax Authority) registration standards and DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism) activity approval. The licence is issued for a calendar year and renewal begins 60 days before expiry.
Licensing Authority & Regulatory Framework
The FTA (Federal Tax Authority) registers tax agents and consultants under UAE VAT regulations and corporate tax rules. DET issues your Dubai business activity licence, which lists tax consultancy as your primary activity code. The MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) must approve your visa sponsorship quota. Free-zone operators (such as DMCC, JAFZA, or Ajman Free Zone) handle their own licensing if you choose that route, though mainland services remain restricted unless you obtain separate mainland approval.
Cost Breakdown for 2026
| Item | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade Licence (Mainland) | 2,000–4,000 |
| Initial FTA Registration | 3,500–6,000 |
| Office Space (Virtual/Desk) | 4,000–8,000 |
| Visa & PRO Fees | 2,000–4,000 |
| Professional Qualification Verification | 1,500–3,000 |
| Total All-In | AED 15,000–30,000 |
Free-zone setup may incur additional zone fees (AED 5,000–12,000 annually) but offers exemptions on certain mainland levies.
Required Qualifications & Documents
All tax consultancy applicants must hold a relevant professional qualification: CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent. You will need certified copies of your degree, qualification certificate, passport, UAE residence visa (if already in the country), and a detailed business plan outlining your target market and service scope. FTA requires proof of professional indemnity insurance (AED 250,000 minimum cover). Your Dubai business setup consultants at DBS can guide you through document authentication and MOHRE verification.
Submit all documents via FTA’s online portal (tax.gov.ae) and await DET approval before commencing operations.
Mainland vs Free-Zone Options
A mainland licence allows you to serve clients throughout Dubai and the wider UAE, but carries higher annual renewal costs (AED 2,000–4,000) and stricter compliance audits. Free-zone companies (DMCC, JAFZA, Ajman FZ) offer lower overhead and tax incentives, though you must obtain a separate mainland services approval from DET if you want to offer tax advisory to onshore entities. Most tax consultancies start mainland to maximise client reach; free zones suit consultants targeting international firms and cross-border tax planning.
Timeline & Visa Sponsorship
From application submission to licence issuance, expect 3–6 weeks. FTA registration typically completes in 1–2 weeks, DET approval in 2–4 weeks. MOHRE visa sponsorship quota is usually 1–2 employees per consultancy (depending on office size and turnover). You will need a local UAE address and a registered office before FTA processes your application. Once approved, you can sponsor yourself and one or more staff members on a professional/manager visa.
Fast-track processing is available; contact DBS to discuss expedited pathways.
Next Steps: Get Your Tax Consultancy Licence
Dubai Business Services has cleared licences for 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009. We handle FTA registration, DET approval, MOHRE visa coordination, and all document prep. Talk to a Dubai business setup consultant today for a free 20-minute scoping call.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com — zero jargon, zero surprises, just transparent costs and a clear roadmap to launch.
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to start a tax consultancy in Dubai?
You need a Dubai trade licence (activity code for tax consultancy), FTA registration as a tax agent, and DET business activity approval. If you sponsor employees, MOHRE visa clearance is required. Mainland setup costs AED 15,000–30,000 all-in; free-zone options range AED 5,000–15,000 depending on zone, though mainland approval adds AED 2,000–5,000.
How do I register as an FTA tax agent in the UAE?
Visit tax.gov.ae, create an FTA account, and submit your professional qualification, passport, business plan, and indemnity insurance proof. DET must approve your business activity licence first. FTA processes applications in 1–2 weeks. Your PRO (Professional Representative) can manage the portal submission; DBS arranges this as part of setup.
How much does a tax consultancy licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
All-in mainland costs range AED 15,000–30,000, covering trade licence (AED 2,000–4,000), FTA registration (AED 3,500–6,000), office (AED 4,000–8,000), visa & PRO (AED 2,000–4,000), and qualification verification (AED 1,500–3,000). Free zones vary; add AED 2,000–5,000 for mainland service approval if operating hybrid.
Do I need professional qualifications to offer tax advisory in Dubai?
Yes. FTA and DET require CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent. You must submit certified degree and qualification copies, verified by your home country’s notary or UAE-recognised authority. Qualification verification by MOHRE typically takes 1–2 weeks. Self-taught or unqualified consultants cannot register with FTA.
Can a free zone company provide tax consultancy services on the mainland?
Free-zone companies can advise offshore and international clients freely, but cannot legally serve mainland UAE businesses without separate DET mainland services approval. This approval costs AED 2,000–5,000 extra and extends your licence scope. Most consultancies choose mainland from the start for full market access.
How long does FTA tax agent registration take?
FTA typically completes registration in 1–2 weeks, provided your DET licence is already active. DET approval itself takes 2–4 weeks. Total timeline from application to live trading is 3–6 weeks. Weekends and public holidays may extend this; DBS prioritises expedited processing for qualifying applicants.
What visa quota and sponsorship apply to tax consultancies in Dubai?
MOHRE typically approves 1–2 sponsored visas per consultancy, depending on office size and turnover. You can sponsor yourself as the principal, plus one manager or consultant. Visa cost is AED 2,000–4,000 all-in (processing, insurance, PRO). Renewal occurs annually with your trade licence.
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.
