Professional Trade License

Professional Trade License Dubai

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers different business licenses based on the nature of the activity. These include commercial licenses for trading, industrial licenses for manufacturing, and professional licenses for service-related businesses. This section focuses on explaining the process of obtaining a DED professional license in Dubai.

What does a DED professional license include?

Companies providing services in Dubai must obtain a professional license, issued solely by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Who needs a DED professional license in Dubai?

Moreover, individuals or businesses with specialized skills are classified as professionals. In Dubai, such entities must obtain a DED professional license, including:

Documents required for Professional license

The following documents are required to obtain a professional license:

Passport Copies

Valid passport copies for expatriate business owner(s)

Visa Copies

Visit visa copies for expatriate owner(s) who are not residents of the UAE

Photograph

Recent photograph of the UAE national partner

Cost of a professional license in Dubai, UAE

The cost of a Dubai professional license is approximately AED 15,000*, which covers a range of charges, including professional license fees, trade name reservation fees, local service agent fees, market fees (based on tenancy value), government cultural fees, administrative service charges, and other local fees.

Can a professional company be fully owned by a foreigner?

One of the key advantages of obtaining a DED professional license is that it allows for 100% ownership of your Dubai-based business. Under this license, you are only required to appoint a local service agent, who is paid an agreed annual fee, while full ownership of the company remains with you. A local service agent is mandatory for handling all government-related procedures for professional license holders in Dubai. With Avantra Corporate Business Setup, we can act as your local service agent, drafting an agreement that protects your investment and ensures your ownership stays fully under your control.