Everything to Know About DED Professional Licence in Dubai

Rajinder Singh Nagiyal

September 14, 2023

Business Setup

Everything to Know About DED Professional Licence in Dubai

A professional licence is a mandatory prerequisite for businesses engaging in service-related operations in Dubai. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the body vested with the authority to issue these licences.

The DED issues several licences for the various types of enterprises in Dubai.

For example, individuals engaged in trading operations need a commercial licence; those engaged in manufacturing activities need an industrial licence; and businesses engaged in professional activities need a professional licence.

This article will focus on all of the information you require regarding the DED professional licence in Dubai.

Who requires a DED professional licence in Dubai?

It is of utmost importance to stress that the DED licence is only available to those with a professional degree and extensive experience in a certain industry.

It should be noted that any business or person with training can be considered a professional, and there are many businesses that may qualify for both professional and commercial licences.

This frequently leads to uncertainty among business owners as to whether they should obtain a professional licence or a commercial licence.

In order to provide answers to this controversy, the DED has created an administrative framework that divides the various industries into various licencing options.

The following is a list of some of the categories of People and Businesses in Dubai who need a DED professional license:

Financial coaches, Auditors, and Accountants
Artistes (Woodwork/Arts)
Business Advisers
Architects
Teachers and other educational specialists
Entertainers (Artistes)
Lawyers, solicitors and Legal Consultants
Medical consultants
Advertising Specialists
Artistes (Woodwork/Arts)
Publishing and printing services
Internet and Web Design Services

Technical Services
Hair Salons
Auditing and Accounting Firms
Services in Information Technology
Consulting firms
Medical and Health care Services

Note: The full list of activities covered by a professional licence can be gotten from the Department of Economic Development office or website.

Tip: To make things simpler, it is essential to consult a knowledgeable business setup company like RSN Finance, to assist you in

choosing which business licence in Dubai would best suit the nature of your business.

How can I become licensed as a professional in Dubai?

Paperwork

The initial stage in obtaining a DED professional licence in Dubai is paperwork. It is wise to compile the necessary paperwork and have everything ready in advance. Note that the amount of paperwork needed as well as the required ones depends on the type of business.

Required Paperwork for a Professional Licence

Application form
Passport(s) of the business (Non-Dubai) owner
Emirates ID copies of the business owner (from Dubai)
NOC from the sponsor of the expatriate business owner
Emirates ID copies and passport(s) of the local partner
Visa copies (visit visas) are required if the expatriate business owner(s) is not a resident of the UAE
Additionally, municipal and (if required) Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approvals
Any further approval as listed by the DE

Other Process

In Dubai, professional licenses are issued by the Department of Economic Development. Therefore, communicating frequently with the Dubai DED is crucial.

Although obtaining a professional licence in Dubai through the DED is simple, there are steps one must take in order to achieve the desired outcome.

A fee will be charged by the DED, and in some cases, a security deposit can be necessary. Additionally, the DED must receive the BR1 form, name reservation certificate, tenancy agreement, and EJARI registration certificate.

Tip: Hiring professionals or a business setup company to handle the paperwork and DED requirements will make the process more effective. Considering that this expedites the licencing process and turns out to be more economical.

Cost of a Professional Licence in Dubai

Dubai professional licence comprises the following; Professional licencing fees, service agent fees, trade name fees, market fees (based on the length of the lease), local fees, administrative service fees, government cultural fees, etc., and costs around AED 15,310.

Can a professional business own itself outright?

The best thing about a DED professional licence is that it gives you 100% ownership of your company in Dubai. Companies must associate with UAE nationals if they hold trade licences other than a professional licence. According to UAE legislation, the UAE native will own 51% of the company’s shares, with the foreign partner owning the remaining 49%.

With a professional licence, all you will need is a contract with a local service agent, to whom you will pay a set annual fee. But you are the sole owner.

Note: For all government-related actions, businesses in Dubai with a professional licence require a local agent.

With RSN Finance Business Setup, we will serve as your local service agent and draft a contract to protect your ownership and investment.

Contact RSN Finance if you want to learn how to protect your company in Dubai so that you can run it independently.