Applying for a professional license in Dubai is a wise decision, as many people have lucrative businesses here. However, specific procedures and policies are needed to ensure everything is legal.
The process for obtaining a professional license includes filling out all the paperwork and setting up an official company entity. This article will outline the steps to go ahead with this process and start your business.
1. What is a professional license?
A professional license in Dubai is a document that proves the person has met the required standards of the licensing authority to work in that profession.
In the same way, to be eligible for this license, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and pass your professional exam. You will also need to complete several years of work experience before applying for the license.
2. What are the most common types of professional licenses?
2.1 Real estate agent license
To become a real estate representative, you will need to obtain a real estate license. This type of license is among the most expensive. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is responsible for issuing and regulating real estate licenses in Dubai.
On the other hand, to opt for a real estate professional license in Dubai, you must have a valid UAE residency visa. This is the only way to start working as a real estate agent in Dubai.
2.2 Engineering license
An engineering license in Dubai is one of the most popular jobs for people interested in working in this field. However, the prices for this license are slightly more expensive.
The engineering license is for people under the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The applicant should have completed their degree from an accredited university. They should also provide evidence that they have worked as a licensed engineer in their home country for not less than five years before applying.
2.3 Medical license
A medical license is necessary to work in Dubai. The medical license is for doctors under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and it is valid for five years. It can be renewed after five years if the doctor has not committed any violations or broken any rules.
All doctors practicing in this country use a medical license to work in Dubai, regardless of nationality.
2.4 Lawyer license
The Dubai Legal Affairs Department (LAD) is the government authority responsible for the licensing and regulation of lawyers in Dubai. To be authorized as a lawyer in the city of Dubai, you must have a law degree from an accredited institution.
Also, you need to pass the qualifying exams set by the LAD. Once you obtain your degree as a lawyer in Dubai, you can practice law in the UAE.
2.5 Teacher license
To work as a teacher in Dubai, you will need a professional license from the Dubai Teacher’s Licensing Department. The licensing process is straightforward, and most applicants get it without complications.
To opt for a license in Dubai, you will need to have a degree in education from an accredited institution, and you must also have at least two years of teaching experience. You will also need to pass a check under your criminal background.
2.6 Entertainment license
You will need a sponsor from an established company in Dubai and a valid work permit to apply for the license. Also, you may also proof of your educational qualifications or any other certificates relevant to the type of work you are applying for.
The company will need to ensure that you have all the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience listed in the job description.
2.7 Financial advisors license
Dubai is a great place to work as a financial advisor. Many expatriates in Dubai are looking for financial advice, and you can easily find clients through word-of-mouth or online advertising.
To work as a financial advisor in Dubai, you must need the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) approval. The DFSA is the regulatory authority for the financial services industry in Dubai.
2.8 Business consultant license
Many business consultants would like to work in Dubai but may not have the necessary license. The good thing you need to know is that it is possible to get a business consultant license to work in Dubai.
First, you need to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for buying a consultant’s license. The requirements include meeting at least five years of experience or business management. You must also be proficient in Arabic because all business consultations are conducted in this language.
2.9 Internet and web design license
In the Emirates, there are few regulations for web designers. This means that anyone inside or outside the country can start designing websites as long as they have a UAE work visa. The cost for the internet license is affordable and easy to get
3. The procedure to obtain a professional license to work in Dubai
When applying for a professional license in the UAE, you should first provide a detailed overview of your company’s activities. The next move would be to hire a local service agent to handle all of the administrative tasks related to getting it.
You need to get approval from the DED following your appointment. Apart from that, you should reserve a business name (for which you need to pay a fee) and then send all the paperwork to the DED for approval.
3.1 Initial approval
An initial approval means that the UAE Government has no objection to the business. However, this does not mean you have the right to operate your company. You will need to apply for permits and licenses before opening your business.
Getting approval is necessary before or while undertaking some activities related to government resources. Examples of this are legal, security, and finances, which require approval before the initial approval.
3.2 Register the trade name for your company
You need to take a few steps to legally register your legal trade name in Dubai. The first step is to search the trade name registry to ensure the name you want is available. Once you have confirmed that another company is not using your company name, you can start the registration process.
The trade name must not violate the country’s public morality or public order. The structure acronym must represent the legal form of the company. It is necessary to have a trading name compatible with the business entity and not registered before.
3.3 Paperwork needed to apply for a professional license in Dubai
The paperwork needed for applying for a professional license in Dubai is:
- An application form
- Passport copies of the expatriate business owners
- ID copies of the expatriate business owners if they are residents
- Visit visa copies if the expatriate business owners are not residents
- Emirates ID copies and passport of the local partner
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the expatriate business owner’s sponsor
- Additional approvals listed by the Department of Economic Development
- Licenses from the Municipality and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) if necessary
3.4 Get an application form
Besides the documents already mentioned, to obtain your professional license in Dubai, you will need to present to the Dubai Municipality a prescribed application form (BR1 form). Also, you need the name reservation already certificated and the initial approval from the Department of Economic Development.
You need to get the rental contract and the Ejari registration. The Ejari ensures the quality of the contracts, and it is necessary for professional license renewal in Dubai.
3.5 Finish the application
With the help of a local interpreter, fill out the Service Agreement Form. If the form is in Arabic, a legal translator seal is not required. Once you finish with that, create a contract with your sponsor by endowing them with a Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Then, in the agreement, discuss the sponsor’s up-front fee. If you want to work for a civil company, you must fill out another registration form and get it certified. All business venture partners must appear to sign the court agreement if they want it to be considered valid.
Finally, make sure you get permission from the place you will rent from the owner before signing the contract. A form submission requires an attestation (one original copy). Once you have it, send copies of your and the expatriate owner/partner’s passport cards to the branch.
4. How much does a professional license cost?
The costs of a professional license in Dubai will depend on the type of profession you wish to practice. Generally, the more specialized the job is, the more expensive is the license. These are of approximately AED 15,310 and include fees such as service agent fees, trade name fees, local fees, and many others.
You have 30 days to make the payment for your registration from the date you receive the payment voucher statement. Otherwise, your application will not proceed, and you need to start the process again.
5. Can a company have 100% ownership with a professional license?
A DED professional license is one of the best aspects of opening a company in the emirates, and it gives you 100% ownership of your business. As long as you have a professional license, you only need an agreement with a local operator. Besides, the ownership of the equipment will be under your name.
Having 100% foreign ownership is possible, but it depends on the business activity and the licensing category. A professional license in Dubai offers the most flexibility for foreign investors and carries out several positions under this license.
6. How does the professional license renewal work?
Renewing your license is a process you must do every year. For your comfort, the professional license activities in Dubai allow you to work for an entire year.
You can do all the paperwork for the professional license renewal in Dubai from the DED after passing the license check. This includes an application form and a payment for the DED.
7. How can a professional license help your company?
The most evident benefit is that it can help you protect your company’s intellectual property. It can also help you set and enforce quality and professionalism standards within your industry.
Passing the Dubai professional license check can also help build consumer trust by demonstrating that your company is committed to high quality and safety standards. In conclusion, professional licensing can also help attract new customers and business partners.
If you need partners in this process, the experts of Connect Middle East are here to help you. Our team has professionals ready to assist you and give you all the legal advice you need. You can contact us through our email address (contact@c-uae.com) any time you want!
