Consultancy License in Dubai

Every company, regardless of the field in which it operates, should consider the possibility of promoting its activities. The marketing strategies or advertisements may help them reach a wider audience and thereby make their brand visible in the market. 

In numerous cases, companies seek professional help from a consultancy firm to market their product. Apart from the oil and gas sector, consulting agencies are also making noticeable growth, and for that, you require a consultancy license in Dubai. 

Foreign investors who are in dire need of obtaining the desired attention for their business and have a more public outreach can get help from such agencies. Now, to start a consulting business, one also needs to have a valid license. 

In order to do this, both local and foreign enterprises must comply with certain rules and regulations so that the process can be smooth and easy.

Services Offered by a Consultancy Firm in Dubai

Every business needs a consultant to help them in setting up their company in Dubai. A consultancy business may be in an advertisement, marketing, media & entertainment, finance, human resource, and so on. 

Keeping in mind the client value, promotional budget, and a clear message, these companies execute their plans to be number one. Their services vary depending upon the type of consultancy a company provides.

For example, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) provides the following means of promoting advertisements:

  • Printed ads
  • Billboards
  • Radio and television ads
  • Multimedia advertisements
  • Email ads.

The activities of a financial consultancy are:

  • Financial statements and performance analysis
  • Market research, analysis, price trends, and forecasts
  • Feasibility studies
  • Consulting on securities, commodities, and related contracts
  • Investment portfolio modeling
  • Financial advisory services
  • Financial planning
  • Investment consulting.

Similarly, each consultancy has a set of activities to be performed under a particular domain. Also, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has mentioned a few rules that are mandatory to be followed by these agencies under any circumstances. 

They are as follows:

  • They must show respect for the religious beliefs
  • They must respect people’s privacy
  • They must not be offensive
  • They must contain the name of the agency creating them
  • They must be impartial
  • They must present accurate information.

Requirements for Consulting Companies in Dubai

Business setup in Dubai in order to start a consulting business is an easy process; however, while researching it, one has to look out for the advertising standards published in the UAE Official Gazette. They have to comply with the standards issued by the KHDA in Dubai and require that all such agencies file their advertisements with the Regulations and Compliance Commission with the Authority. 

Documents Required 

  • An application form from the DED
  • For an ex-pat starting the business, passport copies of the owner and the partners (if there are any)
  • Initial approval from the authorities (Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), National Media Council, etc.) depending upon the type of consultancy firm
  • A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsors for foreign partners, if the ex-pat is already on an employment visa
  • If the shareholder is on a visit visa, then their Unified Number (UID No.) is required.

If it is an advertisement consultancy, the company has to take permission from the relevant authorities to display banners, pamphlets, and other such sources of promotion.

How to Get a Consultancy License in Dubai?

The process to get a license for a consulting agency is the same as any other business type. Producing the required documents and following the process is the basic step one needs to follow.

  1. Fill Out the Application

Fill out the application form and submit the above-mentioned documents to the DED after attesting the same from a public notary service.

  2. Draft the MoA

Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the sponsor if the firm comes under mainland jurisdiction.

  3. Get an Approval

Get approval from the municipality for the tenancy contract if the office is taken under a rental agreement.

  4. Submit the Required Documents

Submit all the forms with attestation and the passport copies of the owner/partners and NOC for expatriate owner/partners (if any) at any branch of the DED.

  5. Pay the Fees

Make payment at the counter and get the license; a payment voucher shall be issued at the same time.

It will take around 5-6 working days to get approval from the DED, and you are good to start your consultancy business in Dubai. Even though there is strong competition in this field, the demand for consultancy services is high, and, more importantly, customers are willing to pay in accordance. 

Do contact us if you are looking to set up a consultancy firm or looking for a professional license in Dubai; we’d be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which government authority provides the approval for the tenancy contract while obtaining a consultancy license in Dubai?

The Dubai Municipality.

How much time does it take to start a consulting business in Dubai?

It will take around 5-6 working days to get approval from the DED.

What are the mandatory rules that should be followed by consulting companies in Dubai?

They are as follows:

  • They must show respect for the religious beliefs
  • They must respect people’s privacy
  • They must not be offensive
  • They must contain the name of the agency creating them
  • They must be impartial
  • They must present accurate information.

What are the activities of a financial consultancy in Dubai?

The activities of a financial consultancy are:

  • Financial statements and performance analysis
  • Market research, analysis, price trends, and forecasts
  • Feasibility studies
  • Consulting on securities, commodities, and related contracts
  • Investment portfolio modeling
  • Financial advisory services
  • Financial planning
  • Investment consulting.