Professional Trade License
Professional Trade License in UAE for Company Formation
Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals and service providers looking to establish their own businesses. With its pro-business environment, low tax regime, and global connectivity, the city welcomes entrepreneurs in consulting, engineering, design, IT, healthcare, auditing, education, marketing, and various other fields. If your business model is service-based, advisory, or specialised in nature, obtaining a Professional Trade License in UAE is essential to operate legally and successfully.
A Professional Trade License in UAE is issued to individuals or groups engaged in non-commercial, knowledge-based activities that rely on intellectual talent, academic credentials, or skillset. Whether you are a solo consultant or a group of partners forming a multi-shareholder professional Trade License in UAE entity, UAE provides flexible company structures in both its mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
At Almalia Consulting FZCO, we manage the entire company formation journey — from preparing the right legal documents and securing your Professional Trade License in UAE, to finalising incorporation, obtaining regulatory approvals, coordinating visas, and facilitating corporate bank account opening. We help ensure your professional Trade License in UAE firm is structured efficiently and fully compliant with UAE laws from day one.
What Documents Are Required for a Professional Trade License in Dubai?
1. Passport Copies of Shareholders and Managers
Valid, clear passport copies of all shareholders and appointed managers are required. Passports should have a minimum of six months validity.
2. Proof of Residential Address
Each shareholder must provide a recent utility bill or valid tenancy agreement showing their full name and residential address. The document must not be older than 3 months.
3. Passport-Size Photographs
High-quality, recent passport-sized photos with a white background are required for all shareholders and company managers.
4. CVs or Professional Profiles
Each shareholder and key manager must submit a concise CV or professional biography highlighting academic background, work experience, and skillset relevant to the proposed business activity.
5. Proposed Trade Name and Business Activity Description
Three to five company name options should be submitted, along with a clear description of the service-based or consultancy activities your business intends to offer.
6. Academic or Professional Certificates (if applicable)
Certain professions such as engineering, legal, auditing, medical, or financial services require certified academic or industry-specific qualifications to be submitted for approval.
7. Bank Reference Letter or Personal Bank Statement
Each shareholder is required to provide either a reference letter from their existing bank or a personal bank statement covering the last six months. This ensures financial credibility and compliance with UAE regulations.
How We Help You Set Up Your Professional Trade License in UAE
Initial Consultation & Business Structuring – We begin with an in-depth understanding of your goals — whether your services will be offered within the UAE, across the GCC, or globally — and help determine the ideal structure, ownership setup, and jurisdiction for your Professional Trade License in UAE.
Company Name Reservation & Pre-Approvals – We reserve your preferred business name and submit initial applications for approval of your proposed activities with the relevant authority.
License Issuance & Legal Documentation – We prepare and notarize all required legal documents, finalize your shareholder structure, and obtain necessary attestations and regulatory clearances to secure your Professional Trade License in UAE.
Office Space Support & Establishment Compliance – We help you lease a suitable office space — Ejari registration for mainland businesses or flexi-desk arrangements in free zones — and ensure all zoning, usage, and professional criteria are met.
UAE Registered Address & PRO Services – We provide the required registered address for your company and handle all administrative tasks including establishment card issuance, UAE residence visas, labor cards, and other PRO-related services for your team.
Corporate Bank Account Assistance – We compile your complete compliance file and liaise with top-tier UAE banks to facilitate the opening of your corporate account.
Post-Incorporation Support & Compliance – Almalia Consulting continues to support your business beyond incorporation by managing license renewals, maintaining corporate records, registering for VAT if required, and ensuring your professional entity remains fully compliant with local regulations.
Why Almalia Consulting FZCO for Professional Trade License In UAE
Proven Experience in Multi-Owner Professional Firms – We have successfully assisted consultants, engineers, educators, creatives, and IT professionals in setting up multi-shareholder professional companies throughout Dubai’s mainland and free zones.
100% Foreign Ownership Availability – Many UAE free zones offer full foreign ownership for service-based businesses. Recent updates to mainland laws also allow non-citizens to own 100% of professional companies under certain structures.
Transparent Process and Fair Pricing – We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges. Our goal is to make the licensing and incorporation process smooth, affordable, and fully transparent.
Privacy and Legal Protection – Your agreements, certificates, and business data are protected under UAE commercial law. Free zone setups offer additional privacy protections, making them an attractive option for international professionals.
Long-Term Business Support – From formation to growth, we remain your strategic partner. We help with bank relationships, government liaison, renewals, staffing support, and compliance advice to ensure your company grows sustainably.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a Professional Trade License in Dubai?
It’s a government-issued license that legally permits individuals or companies to carry out professional, service-based, or consultancy activities in Dubai.
Can more than one person co-own a professional firm?
Yes. UAE regulations allow multi-shareholder ownership with flexible structures, either in the mainland or free zone jurisdictions.
Do I need a local service agent?
In the mainland, professional licenses may require a UAE national service agent with no ownership or control. In free zones, 100% foreign ownership is usually allowed without a local agent.
How long does the licensing process take?
Typically 7–10 working days, provided all documents are ready and no regulatory complications arise.
Do shareholders need to visit Dubai for company formation?
Not always. Many jurisdictions permit remote incorporation. However, UAE banks may require physical presence for compliance interviews.
Can Almalia Consulting help open a bank account for my professional firm?
Yes. We prepare your complete file and coordinate with leading banks to open a corporate account suitable for your business needs.
How do we get started?
Get in touch with Almalia Consulting FZCO. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process — from planning to final licensing — so you can start your professional business in Dubai with total confidence.