Consultancy & Service Licence in the UAE

Turn your expertise into a business. A consultancy or service licence may suit businesses that provide advice, specialist knowledge or professional services, rather than trade in physical goods.

Whether you are starting independently or building a team, Launch & Ledgers can help you explore a setup that matches your services, customers and growth plans.

Button: Discuss Your Business Setup

What Is a Consultancy or Service Licence?

A consultancy or service licence authorises your business to carry out the specific service activities approved by its licensing authority.

The appropriate licence depends on what your business actually does. Advising clients, managing projects and delivering creative work may require different activities, even when offered by the same company. Licence names and activity classifications also vary between mainland authorities and free zones.

Who Is This Licence Suitable For?

Businesses that may fit a consultancy or service licensing route include:

• Management consultants: Advising businesses on strategy, operations and organisational performance.

• Marketing agencies: Providing marketing strategy, campaign planning and related services.

• IT consultants: Advising on technology, software systems and digital transformation.

• HR consultants: Supporting workforce planning, HR policies and organisational development.

• Creative businesses: Offering graphic design, branding and other approved creative services.

• Specialist advisers: Providing expertise within an approved professional field.

These are examples to discuss when selecting your activities. Some services require additional qualifications or regulatory approvals, and related activities are not automatically covered by one licence.

Consultancy Licence vs Commercial Licence

• Consultancy or service licence: Consider this route if customers pay for your advice, expertise or delivery of a service.

• Commercial licence: Consider this route if your business buys, sells, imports, exports or distributes goods.

If your business combines services with product sales, confirm that the proposed licence covers both parts of your operations.

Mainland or Free Zone?

The right setup depends on how and where you plan to work.

Mainland Setup

Explore a mainland option if your business model involves a local office, regular work at client premises or activities that require a particular mainland approval.

Free Zone Setup

Explore a free zone option if its approved activities, workspace arrangements and setup packages match your business needs. Check any requirements for operating outside the free zone before deciding.

Compare options against:

• Your exact services and intended customers.

• Where the work will be performed.

• Office or workspace requirements.

• Shareholder and visa requirements.

• Any professional qualifications or external approvals.

• Initial setup and annual renewal costs.

Consultancy & Service Licence Costs in the UAE

Your total setup cost will depend on the licensing authority, selected activities, company structure, premises and visa requirements.

When requesting a quotation, ask for a clear breakdown of:

• Licence and registration: Activity fees, licence issuance and company registration.

• Trade name and approvals: Name reservation and any required external approvals.

• Workspace: Office, shared workspace or other eligible premises arrangements.

• Immigration and visas: Applicable establishment and visa-related charges.

• Professional services: Application preparation and setup support.

• Renewal: Recurring licence, premises and related costs.

Compare the full setup cost and renewal charges before selecting a package.

Button: Request an Itemised Quote

Documents to Prepare

Request a checklist for your chosen authority and activity before submitting an application. Depending on your setup, you may be asked for:

• Passport copies for shareholders and the appointed manager.

• Emirates ID and residence visa copies, where applicable.

• Proposed company names and a description of your services.

• Application forms and shareholder information.

• Academic qualifications, professional certificates or experience details, where required.

• Company formation and premises documents, where applicable.

• Additional approvals for regulated activities.

Corporate shareholders and branch applications may require further documentation.

How to Start Your Consultancy or Service Business

1. Define Your Services

Describe exactly what you will deliver to clients. Clear service descriptions help identify suitable licence activities.

2. Compare Setup Options

Assess the relevant mainland and free zone routes based on your customers, working arrangements and budget.

3. Confirm Activities and Approvals

Check whether the proposed activities require qualifications, professional registration or additional permissions.

4. Prepare Your Application

Complete the required documents, trade name process and premises arrangements for your chosen route.

5. Obtain Your Licence

Submit the application and pay the applicable fees. Before starting work, confirm that your licence and any required approvals cover the services you intend to provide.