Obtaining a Dubai Mainland Professional License requires completing several key steps, such as securing initial approval, registering a trade name, renting office space, and submitting all required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED). The process typically takes around two weeks, with license fees ranging from AED 8,500 to AED 35,000.

Steps to Acquire a Dubai Mainland Professional License:

• Identify the professional activity

• Appoint a local service agent

• Select and register a trade name

• Obtain initial approval from DED

• Lease office premises

• Submit the required documentation

• Pay the applicable license fee

• Receive the professional license

Key Points about Dubai Professional Company Licenses:

• Foreign investors can own 100% of the company

• A local service agent, who must be a UAE national, is required

• The service agent does not hold any ownership in the company

• The agent is compensated with an annual service fee

• There are no mandatory capital requirements

• Shareholders must provide relevant qualifications and experience certificates

• An Ejari (tenancy contract) must be submitted as part of the process

• If a UAE national holds 51% of the shares and the remainder is owned by expatriates, the business operates under a limited liability structure