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UAE is a hub for professionals and businesses. One thriving industry in the nation is the consulting business. It is a highly sought-after profession in the Emirates, and the market is huge. Not just in the nation, but worldwide, and we can see a huge chunk of this market lies in the UAE. That is why more and more individuals are opting for consultancy business in Dubai.
In this blog, we will see the process that needs to be followed for setting up a consulting business in Dubai, the services that can be offered, the documentation, and the costs associated. So, if you are an expert with skills to offer, read along to check out beneficial opportunity for yourself in thriving economy of Dubai.
The consulting market in the UAE has been witnessing tremendous growth in recent years. The reason behind this is clear. There has been a growing number of businesses in the nation seeking professional consulting services in various areas, such as accounting, tax, banking, business setup, marketing, legal affairs, and much more. Not only businesses, but professionals working in the nation also seek such services to outsource certain tasks. The UAE consulting market has seen a significant growth of 15.2%, making its market value $1.1 billion, and it is now the second-largest market in the GCC. The UAE is committed to making itself an AI and technological hub, further driving demand for consulting services.
A consulting business in UAE provides professional advice, guidance, and solutions to enterprises and individuals in diverse areas. These areas can include finance, management, law, commerce, and technical fields. Consultants are exclusively specialized in their respective fields and have substantial experience in those areas. Consulting business in Dubai can take the form of consulting firm, or even freelancers can provide such services.
There are various kinds of consulting services in Dubai that can be pursued as a profession or business. The DED has provided a wide range of options that offer enough scope for individuals to find their niche. Some of them include:
These are just a few examples; the actual list goes beyond this. You can check more options on the DED official website or by contacting our legal experts.
To start and run any type of consultancy business in Dubai, you will need to secure the appropriate UAE trade license. This special permit allows you to legally provide advisory and consulting services in the city. The category for this license is a professional license, and it can be obtained in both mainland and freezone areas.
To obtain a consultancy license in Dubai, you will need to provide proof of your expertise and experience in the relevant field. This license serves as a testament to your qualifications and expertise, ensuring that you meet the highest standards in the UAE.
Here are the documents you will need for the licensing and registration of a consultancy firm in Dubai:
Please note that additional documents may be required. It depends on your chosen location, your specific business conditions and your needs. We recommend consulting our experts at Dubiz Business Setup for detailed guidance.
For opening a consulting company in Dubai, there is a proper legal procedure and steps to follow. By following these steps carefully, you will ensure that you gain all the necessary approvals and licensing required to start your business in Dubai on the right foot. Here is how to start a consulting business in Dubai:
First, you must decide on your domain and determine what field you will provide expertise in. Of course, it will depend on your interests and, most importantly, your expertise.
Next, you need to decide where to operate: mainland or freezone. Each jurisdiction has its own advantages and registration formalities. On the mainland, you get the freedom to operate throughout the entire UAE. Recently, legal changes have allowed 100% ownership on the mainland, too, increasing its appeal to entrepreneurs. If you want to target more clients and enjoy unmatched flexibility, the mainland consultancy license might be the best option for you. With a freezone license, you get access to exclusive advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and flexible desk and shared working space options. If you only plan to operate within a specific freezone and cater to international clients, this could be a good choice for you.
After choosing your jurisdiction, you must select a suitable name for your consultancy business in Dubai. The name must be registered with the appropriate authority, and you must ensure that it adheres to UAE naming guidelines. The name should not be misleading or offensive. Additionally, make sure the name is unique, attractive, and easy to remember for branding purposes.
Any business needs initial approval to operate in the UAE. You must secure an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for your consulting business in Dubai from the DED (Department of Economic Development) in the case of mainland or the relevant freezone authority. Once you secure the NOC, you can proceed to the next step.
For your consultancy, you will need a professional office where you can meet potential clients. You can rent an office space, purchase property, or enter into a shared facility agreement. The choice is yours. Alternatively, you may have the option to operate virtually, depending on the nature of your consultancy.
If you plan to provide specialized services, you may need to secure additional approvals from relevant government bodies. For example, if you aim to provide healthcare consultation, you will need to get a permit from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Finally, you can apply for the consultancy license with the appropriate authority. In the case of mainland, you must approach the DED, and for freezone, your license will be issued by the respective freezone authority. You will need to fill out the application form and submit documents such as a passport copy, a photo, proof of qualification/experience, and NOC. After paying the associated fees, submit your application. Once approved, you will receive your professional license and can begin providing consultancy services in the city.
If you are a foreigner, you will need to obtain the proper visa to enter, stay, and work in the UAE legally. You may also get visas for your family, employees, and staff. Additionally, you will need to open a business bank account for your consultancy to manage financial matters.
The cost of a consultancy license in Dubai starts from AED 15,000* and goes up to AED 25,000*. However, the total cost may vary with the location you choose, the number of visas required, office space requirement, etc. For detailed costing, let our experts help you out.
There are many advantages for those looking to start a consultancy business in UAE:
The demand for consultation services is increasing day by day in Dubai. Additionally, there are so many industries to choose from such as finance, law, technology, recruitment, marketing, etc.
The market for consultancy business in Dubai is tremendously increasing as more businesses and individuals are seeking such services. This creates ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to explore.
You can work as a freelancer and provide consultation services to a broad base of clients. This means you get to enjoy more freedom and flexibility while pursuing your dream career in the city.
The process for business setup in Dubai has been made easy by the government in order to attract business minds from every corner of the globe. There are very few administrative hurdles, and your business can be up and running in no time.
Dubai is home to multi-millionaires and startups belonging to diverse industries. The business community is highly developed, and you get to network with them and increase your reach.
When it comes to the consultancy business, it may seem cluttered, with many competitors trying to offer the best services. However, that does not mean there is no room for a new consultancy firm to shine. With the right marketing strategies, any consultancy business in Dubai can reach its peak. Here are some tips:
Create a brand that aligns with the values and expectations of your prospective clients. Differentiate yourself from competitors by showcasing what makes your firm unique.
Use various tools such as Facebook, social media, website development, SEO, and engaging content to target Dubai’s tech-savvy population effectively.
To grow your consultancy business in Dubai, build a network within the city’s well-developed business communities. Participate in local events, conferences, and trade shows to better understand the local culture and market.
Do not just be an expert; be empathetic to your clients’ problems. Provide solutions that truly resonate with their needs and create an experience they will never forget.
Begin with a specific niche and target a particular audience. Trying to cater to everyone from the start is not a great idea. Gradually, you can expand and diversify into other fields.
As a consultant in Dubai, there are many areas of expertise to explore and provide. It depends on one’s capabilities and experience as to what they pursue. Though starting a consultancy business in Dubai does not need to be that difficult, for many, it may seem complicated due to the paperwork involved. That is where professionals step in.
At Dubiz Business Setup, we believe that company formation in Dubai should be as simple as possible for our clients. We provide every service related to business setup in Dubai under one roof, making the process hassle-free, faster, and budget friendly. Whether it is trade licensing, trade name registration, office setup, bank account opening, or resolving setup complexities, Dubiz can handle all the challenges for you, ensuring a smooth journey to establishing your consultancy company in Dubai. If you need any assistance or still have doubts about how to open consultancy firm in Dubai, you can reach out to us anytime. Beyond that, we also help with golden visa for professionals in Dubai.
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Consultants help businesses and individuals to solve matters related to specific areas such as finance, IT, management, operations, law, etc, against fees. Consultants hold special qualifications and experience and are specialised in their respective fields.
Consultants’ earnings in UAE range between AED 2,222 and AED 45,777. The earnings depend on scale of operations and the field in which services are being provided.
The consultancy license in UAE ranges between AED 15,000* to AED 25,000*. However, the cost may vary based on the jurisdiction selected, the number of visas needed, etc.
The consultancy market in UAE has been witnessing a significant growth of up to 15% and is considered to be worth $1.1 billion. Thus, creating ample opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Yes, there are ample opportunities in consultancy in Dubai for foreigners. They would need to follow the proper legal procedure and obtain the necessary business license and business visa to operate.
