Management and business consultancies
Trade Licence Services
Professional Trade Licence in the UAE
Establish your consultancy or service-based business with guidance on professional activity selection, jurisdiction, qualifications, approvals and Licence processing.
Understanding the Service
What Is a Professional Trade Licence?
A Professional Licence generally authorizes approved services delivered through professional knowledge, expertise, technical ability or specialized skills. The Licence covers only the activities listed by the issuing authority.
Some professions require academic qualifications, experience, attestation, professional membership or external approval. A company’s Professional Licence does not replace an individual practitioner permit or registration where one is legally required. Eligibility depends on the activity, jurisdiction, legal structure and applicant.
Business Fit
Who Needs a Professional Licence?
IT and technology consultancies
Marketing and advertising service providers
Design and creative studios
Technical service providers
Training and educational consultancies
HR and recruitment consultancies
Accounting or bookkeeping providers
Engineering-related consultancies
Available Options
Examples of Professional Activities
Business and Management
Management consultancy, project advisory, business development and administrative consultancy.
Technology
IT consultancy, software-related services, cybersecurity consultancy and technology advisory.
Marketing and Creative
Marketing consultancy, graphic design, content and approved advertising services.
Technical and Specialist
Engineering, architecture, education, accounting and other regulated professional activities.
Compare Your Options
Professional vs Commercial vs Freelance
The correct route depends on what is delivered, who operates the business and how it is expected to grow.
| Decision Factor | Licence Route | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Licence | Approved expertise-led or specialist services | May operate as a structured company and employ staff subject to eligibility |
| Commercial Licence | Buying, selling, importing, exporting or distributing goods | Product trading activities must be listed |
| Freelance Permit | Eligible individuals providing specified services | Can limit activities, staffing, visas, company name or expansion |
Decision Factors
Qualifications, Individual Approval and Jurisdiction
The company Licence authorizes the entity. Certain people delivering regulated work may also need individual permission.
Academic and experience certificates
Certificate attestation
Professional membership
Individual practitioner approval
Sector-regulator approval
Mainland or Free Zone customers
Office or flexi-desk eligibility
Shareholders and staffing
Visa and banking requirements
Future expansion
How It Works
Professional Licence Application Process
- 01
Understand the Services
Define exactly what the business will deliver.
- 02
Select the Activity
Match services with approved activity descriptions.
- 03
Compare Jurisdictions
Assess Mainland and suitable Free Zone routes.
- 04
Check Qualifications
Confirm professional evidence and external approvals.
- 05
Structure and Trade Name
Choose the legal form and reserve the name.
- 06
Premises and Documents
Arrange an eligible address and prepare documents.
- 07
Licence Issuance
Submit the application and pay applicable fees.
Preparation
Documents Commonly Required
Requirements depend on the activity, authority, applicant and legal structure.
Personal and Professional Documents
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID where applicable
- Photograph and contact information
- Academic and experience certificates
- Professional memberships
- Attested qualifications where required
- NOC or regulatory approval where applicable
Business Documents
- Proposed activities and trade names
- Legal-structure and shareholder information
- Business plan where required
- Tenancy or facility documents
- Corporate shareholder documents where applicable
Transparent Planning
What Determines the Professional Licence Cost?
A useful quotation must define every inclusion and exclusion rather than promote one universal price.
Request an Itemized QuotationMainland or Free Zone jurisdictionSelected activitiesLegal structure and shareholdersQualification and attestation requirementsExternal approvalsOffice or flexi-deskInvestor and employee visasEstablishment servicesProfessional feesAnnual renewal obligations
Operational Readiness
Visas, Banking and Operational Setup
The Licence should connect with the company’s staffing, banking and compliance requirements.
Investor, partner and employee visas
Emirates ID procedures
Corporate bank account preparation
Professional indemnity insurance where applicable
Accounting and bookkeeping
Corporate Tax and VAT assessment
Ultimate Beneficial Owner records
Employment and immigration documentation
Licence and permit renewals
ITQAN Support
How ITQAN Supports Your Application
One coordinated discussion connects the Licence application with the operational steps that may follow.
Business-model assessment
Professional activity selection
Mainland and Free Zone comparison
Legal structure guidance
Qualification and approval checks
Trade name and initial approval
Incorporation documents
Office and tenancy support
Professional Licence processing
Visa and banking preparation
Accounting, tax, amendments and renewals
Explore Business Setup Services
Find the Right Business Setup Page.
Move between Mainland, Free Zone, licensing and connected business services without returning to the main menu.
Trade Licence Services
Business LicencesCommercial Trade LicenceIndustrial Trade LicenceProfessional Trade LicenceTrade Licence RenewalsOther Services
Business Bank Account OpeningLocal Sponsorship Agent ServicesOffice Space Arrangement (Ejari)Visa ServicesGolden VisaProperty Investor VisaUAE Mainland
Dubai MainlandAbu Dhabi MainlandSharjah MainlandDubai Free Zones
Meydan Free ZoneDubai SouthIFZAJAFZADAFZASharjah Free Zones
SHAMSSPC Free ZoneSAIF ZoneHamriyah Free ZoneAjman Free Zones
Ajman Free ZoneAjman NuVentures Centre Free ZoneRAK & Abu Dhabi Free Zones
RAK Free ZoneInnovation City Free ZoneMasdar CityKhalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)Frequently Asked Questions
Answers Before the Next Step
Final eligibility, fees, processing periods and approvals depend on the relevant authority, activity, applicant documents and operating requirements.
Ask About Your Case01What is a Professional Trade Licence?+
It authorizes a company to perform specified knowledge-based, technical, consultancy or specialist services. Only the activities printed on the Licence may be offered.
02Is it different from a Commercial Licence?+
Yes. Professional licensing covers expertise-led services, while Commercial Licences cover trading goods. A mixed business may require compatible activities or another structure.
03What is the difference between a Professional and Freelance Licence?+
A Professional Licence can support a structured business, while a freelance route is generally designed for eligible individuals and may restrict staffing, activities or expansion.
04Can I combine several professional activities?+
Compatible activities may often be combined, subject to the authority, qualifications, external approvals and fees. The intended services should be reviewed together.
05Can I sell products under this Licence?+
A Professional Licence alone generally does not authorize product trading. Appropriate Commercial Licence activities may be required.
06Do I need a Local Service Agent?+
Not every Professional Licence requires one. The answer depends on the activity, legal structure, jurisdiction and current rules.
07Are qualifications required?+
Some activities require academic certificates, experience, attestation, membership or regulator approval; others do not. Requirements must be checked activity by activity.
08Do I need an individual professional permit?+
Certain regulated professions require the person performing the work to hold an individual permit or registration in addition to the company Licence.
Important: Final eligibility, fees, processing periods and approvals depend on the relevant authority, activity, applicant documents and operating requirements.
Discuss Your Requirements
Planning a Professional Services Business in the UAE?
Tell us which services you intend to provide, your qualifications, preferred jurisdiction, ownership and visa requirements. ITQAN will assess the appropriate activity, Licence, approvals and estimated setup costs.
Discuss Your Professional Licence