A typing centre licence in Dubai costs AED 20,000–40,000 in your first year, covering DET registration, accreditation with GDRFA or MOHRE, and initial staffing. The approval timeline runs 4–8 weeks once your application meets all eligibility criteria.
What Is a Typing Centre Licence in Dubai?
A typing centre licence authorises a business to provide document typing, photocopying, notarisation support, and related secretarial services in the Emirate. Unlike an Dubai business setup for a general trading company, a typing centre must secure accreditation from either the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This distinction is critical: independent typing centres operate under DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) jurisdiction and require documented approval to access government systems. Amer centres and Tasheel centres, by contrast, are government-affiliated franchises that bundle typing services with immigration processing and labour services—they do not require separate licensing if operated as franchisees.
First-time typing centre operators: confirm your structure (independent or franchise) before filing with DET.
Typing Centre vs. Amer and Tasheel: Key Differences
Three document-services models exist in Dubai:
| Model | Operator | System Access | Accreditation Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Typing Centre | Private business | GDRFA + MOHRE | DET + separate accreditation |
| Amer Centre | Government franchise | GDRFA only | Direct franchise agreement |
| Tasheel Centre | Government franchise | MOHRE + FTA | Direct franchise agreement |
An independent typing centre must file a separate commercial licence with DET, then apply for accreditation to connect into GDRFA and/or MOHRE databases. Amer and Tasheel are not businesses you license—they are government-run service points you apply to franchise. If you want to run your own typing centre brand, you must pursue the independent route.
Typing Centre Licence Cost: AED 20,000–40,000 First Year
Dubai Business Services’ research confirms the all-in first-year cost band for an independent typing centre:
- DET Trade Licence: AED 2,000–5,000
- GDRFA Accreditation Filing + Vetting: AED 5,000–12,000
- MOHRE Accreditation Filing + Vetting: AED 5,000–12,000 (if dual accreditation)
- Initial Office Setup (lease deposit, furniture, PCs, software): AED 8,000–15,000
- Staff Recruitment & Training (minimum 2 trained typists): AED 3,000–6,000
Total First-Year Range: AED 23,000–50,000. Most operators in established locations (Deira, Al Baraha, Bur Dubai) report spending AED 20,000–40,000 when shared office space and existing PCs are reused. Renewal fees (Year 2+) drop to AED 8,000–15,000 annually (licence renewal + accreditation renewal).
Get a detailed cost breakdown: email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com or WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
GDRFA and MOHRE Accreditation: What You Need
GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) accreditation permits your centre to process residency document submissions, visa applications, and immigration-related typing. MOHRE accreditation grants access to labour-contract typing, work-permit forms, and employer-related document services. Many operators pursue dual accreditation to maximise revenue and market reach. Both bodies require:
- Active DET trade licence in ‘Secretarial & Document Services’ or ‘Typing Centre’ classification
- Dedicated, hygiene-compliant office space (minimum 100 sq. m. recommended)
- Document management system (digital or manual filing) audit-ready
- Proof of at least two full-time, UAE-trained typists with English and Arabic proficiency
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) or Professional Indemnity insurance (AED 3,000–8,000/year)
Application processing: 4–8 weeks from submission. Delays occur if staff CVs, office lease agreements, or system documentation are incomplete.
DBS documents teams for you: staff training modules, accreditation templates, and system compliance checklists included in our consulting package.
Staffing Requirements for Your Typing Centre
GDRFA and MOHRE both mandate trained typist staffing. The rules as of 2026:
- Minimum Staff: 2 full-time typists per centre (1 English, 1 Arabic—may overlap if bilingual)
- Qualifications: Secondary education minimum; typing certification (e.g. ICDL, BCS Level 2, or equivalent) preferred but not mandated
- Training Records: Accreditation bodies request staff CVs, employment contracts, and proof of induction on data security and document confidentiality
- Salary Benchmark: AED 1,500–2,500/month for entry-level typists; supervisors AED 2,500–4,000
If you plan to franchise or expand to multiple centres, MOHRE may request a Head of Operations or Quality Assurance role to oversee typist training and compliance.
Timeline: 4–8 Weeks From Application to Approval
Here is the realistic approval pathway:
- Week 1: Trade licence application filed with DET; decision typically 3–5 working days if complete
- Weeks 2–3: GDRFA accreditation application submitted (once DET licence issued); GDRFA vets office location, staff CVs, and system readiness
- Weeks 4–6: GDRFA desk review and (occasionally) on-site inspection; approval or request for clarifications
- Weeks 6–8: MOHRE accreditation (if parallel-tracked) follows same cycle; dual accreditation can be staggered to reduce bottlenecks
Fastest approval: 4 weeks if all documents (staff CVs, office lease, insurance, system diagram) are pre-prepared. Slowest: 8–10 weeks if resubmissions are required.
Dubai Business Services fast-tracks your application with pre-vetting and document audits. Talk to our consultants for a realistic timeline estimate.
FAQs on Typing Centre Licensing
See below for answers to the seven most common questions from entrepreneurs launching typing centres in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a typing centre licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
An independent typing centre licence costs AED 20,000–40,000 all-in during Year 1, including DET trade licence (AED 2,000–5,000), GDRFA/MOHRE accreditation (AED 5,000–12,000 each), office setup (AED 8,000–15,000), and staff training (AED 3,000–6,000). Renewal fees from Year 2 are AED 8,000–15,000 annually. Costs vary by location (Deira is cheaper than JBR) and whether you pursue single or dual accreditation.
What is the difference between a typing centre, Amer and Tasheel?
A typing centre is an independent private business licensed by DET requiring separate GDRFA/MOHRE accreditation. Amer and Tasheel are government-run franchise service points; you do not licence them as private businesses—you apply to become a franchisee. Amer focuses on residency/immigration; Tasheel covers labour and employer services. Choose independent typing if you want full operational control and custom branding.
Do typing centres need GDRFA or MOHRE accreditation?
Yes, at least one is required. GDRFA accreditation permits residency and visa document processing; MOHRE accreditation grants labour-contract and work-permit access. Most profitable typing centres pursue dual accreditation to serve both immigration and employer clients. Both accreditations require an active DET licence, trained staff, and a professional office space. Approval takes 4–8 weeks per body.
What staff qualifications are required for a typing centre?
You must employ at least two full-time typists: one fluent in English, one in Arabic (or one bilingual). Secondary education is the minimum; typing certifications (ICDL, BCS) are preferred but not mandated by 2026 rules. Staff must pass background checks and complete induction training on data security and confidentiality. GDRFA/MOHRE will request CVs and employment contracts during accreditation review.
How long does typing centre approval take?
The complete approval timeline runs 4–8 weeks. DET trade licence processing takes 3–5 days; GDRFA and MOHRE accreditation each require 3–4 weeks of desk review and possible on-site inspection. If documents (office lease, staff CVs, insurance, system diagrams) are pre-prepared, you can reduce the timeline to 4 weeks. Resubmissions extend approval to 8–10 weeks.
Can I operate a typing centre from a co-working space or must I have a dedicated office?
GDRFA and MOHRE prefer a dedicated, professionally managed office space. Shared desks in a co-working hub may be rejected unless the co-working operator provides a formal letter of consent and your lease specifies ‘document services’ use. Minimum space is typically 100 sq. m. to accommodate secure filing, multiple workstations, and waiting areas. Check with your local municipality before signing a shared lease.
What insurance do I need for a typing centre?
Professional Indemnity (E&O) insurance is mandatory, costing AED 3,000–8,000 annually depending on your projected turnover and claim history. This covers errors in document preparation, data breaches, and claims by clients. Some GDRFA/MOHRE accreditation bodies request proof of cover before approval. General liability insurance is optional but recommended if you handle high-value documents or cheques.
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