UAE business license
Professional License
Typically used for services, consultancy, and many professional or technical service businesses.
A professional license is commonly associated with service-based businesses — consultancy, IT services, marketing, technical services, and similar scopes.
Again, the licence family is not the activity list. “Software development” or “management consultancy” are activities that often sit under a professional (or related) licence path, depending on the authority.
Some professional scopes may need external approvals. Mainland and free zone rules differ on office, visas, and naming.
Typical requirements
- Activity selection matching the real service scope
- Possible professional qualifications or approvals for certain scopes
- Office arrangement as required by the chosen jurisdiction
Key facts
- Licence family
- professional
- Office implications
- Service companies often start with flexi or dedicated desk packages in free zones; mainland office rules depend on the licensing path.
- Visa implications
- Investor and employment visas depend on company setup and jurisdiction quotas — confirm for your file.
General · General guidance
Source: EmirHub advisory guidance (general UAE practice)
External approvals may apply to certain professional scopes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional license for consultancy?
Many consultancy activities are structured under a professional licence family, but the exact activity codes and authority rules matter. EmirHub confirms the fit before incorporation.
Is professional the same as technical services?
Technical services often sit in the professional / technical space, but wording and activity lists differ by authority. Treat them as related, not identical labels.
Related
Activity
- Air-Conditioning, Ventilation & Air Filtration Systems Installation & MaintenanceUsed for businesses installing, maintaining and repairing AC and ventilation systems.
- Electrical Fitting & Fixtures ContractingFor contractors installing and maintaining electrical fittings and related works.
- Plumbing & Sanitary ContractingCovers plumbing and sanitary installation and contracting services.
- Building MaintenanceFor companies maintaining buildings and common facilities within licensed scope.
- Painting ContractingFor painting and related finishing contracting services.
- Interior Decoration & Fit-Out ContractingUsed for interior decoration and fit-out contracting for offices, shops and interiors.
- Carpentry & Flooring ContractingFor carpentry, joinery and flooring contracting services.
- Building Contracting (General)Broad building contracting — usually needs classification and careful activity selection.
- Building Cleaning ServicesFor commercial and building cleaning service providers.
- Pest Control ServicesPest control services — typically needs external approvals.
- Information Technology ConsultancyAdvisory IT consultancy services for businesses.
- Computer Systems & Software DesignFor software design and development businesses, including app and systems work.
- Web-DesignWebsite and digital design services.
- Computer ProgrammingComputer programming and custom software coding services.