Yes, you can get a management consultancy license in Dubai by following a few simple steps. This 2025 guide breaks it down step-by-step – from the paperwork to the costs and everything in between.
These days, there’s no shortage of companies looking for management consultants in Dubai: helping businesses improve their performance, navigate change, and achieve sustainable growth through specialized services. These include business process innovation, strategy, market assessment, human capital development, and service excellence. Management consultancies also help with performance audits, regulatory advisory, and technology implementation.
So why are so many consultants choosing Dubai as their base? Dubai’s an attractive base for management consultancy firms because of its access to global markets, ease of doing business, and strong earning potential. Let’s give it to you in numbers: the UAE business management consulting services market is projected to grow at a whopping rate of 12.7% annually between 2025 and 2033, for a market value of $8.1 billion, according to research released by the IMARC Group.
This blog will cover exactly what a management consultancy license in Dubai allows you to do, including the typical business activities under this license type, and the professional educational qualifications needed. We’ll also show you how Dubai ranks as a market for management consultancy firms, answer your frequently asked questions, and detail just why Trade License Zone can help you save time and money in business setup in Dubai.
Management consultancy license in Dubai: Step-by-step
To get a management consultancy license in Dubai, you need to team up with Trade License Zone, defining your business activity and legal structure, reserving your business’ trade name, getting initial approval, lease office space, apply for your management consultancy license, apply for your visa, open a corporate bank account, and start your business.
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
Partner with Trade License Zone to get your management consultancy firm set up and running right from the get-go. We know the ins and outs of setting up a business in Dubai – and we’ll help you get yours up and running smoothly from day one. We handle the regulations, paperwork, and all the behind-the-scenes activities so you can concentrate on building your consultancy.
Step 2: Define your business activity and legal structure
For this step, you need to define your business activity and its legal structure. Management consultancies in Dubai perform a wide range of business activities, such as strategy, operations, HR, and the relevant subcategories. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) lists over 2,000 such activities, and you need to get this spot on as it determines the type of trade license you can get, business jurisdiction, and operations. With Trade License Zone’s guidance, we’ll help you align your business activities with those permitted under the management consultancy license in Dubai.
As part of this step, you’ll also need to choose a legal structure for your business. You can choose from structures such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a sole proprietorship, a branch office of a foreign company, a free zone company, and more.
The last part of this critical step is to select a jurisdiction: mainland or free zone (that is, if this isn’t your chosen legal structure). A mainland setup provides more flexibility if you plan to have a physical office space, while a free zone setup only allows you to open an office within your specific free zone of choice. Not to worry, our expert team at Trade License Zone’s offices will help you through everything here to get you set up properly – the first time.
Step 3: Choose a trade name
Pick a name that reflects what your consultancy does – and make sure it ticks the boxes for UAE naming rules. Then, we’ll reserve your trade name with Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) or your chosen free zone authority. Once approved, you’ll be granted a trade name reservation certificate.
Step 4: Secure initial approval
What’s initial approval? It’s the stamp of approval from the Dubai government for you to proceed with your management consultancy license application and business setup.
You’ll need to submit the following paperwork to the DED or your relevant free zone authority:
- Copies of shareholders’ passports and visas (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you’re already a UAE resident (if employed elsewhere)
- Detailed business plan outlining your business activities
Once approved, you’ll get an initial approval certificate and can move on to the next step.
Step 5: Lease office space
You need a physical or virtual office in Dubai to get your management consultancy license. If you opt for a mainland setup, you’ll need a physical office. With a free zone setup, you can even choose a flexi-desk or virtual office. Contact Trade License Zone to learn about our virtual office, flexi-desk, and other office space packages.
Step 6: Apply for your management consultancy license
Now, you can apply for your management consultancy license from the DED or the relevant free zone authority. The management consultancy license falls under the category of professional trade licenses and must include your approved business activities.
Step 7: Apply for your visa
Apply for your visa for yourself. This involves undergoing mandatory medical checks, processing for an Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Step 8: Open a corporate bank account and launch your business
This is the final step. We’ll introduce you to the corporate banks best suited to your line of business. Once you’ve opened your corporate bank account, you can launch your management consultancy.
What does a management consultancy license allow you to do?
A management consultancy license in Dubai allows you to offer business advisory services, strategic planning and growth consulting, operations improvement, HR consulting, financial guidance, market analysis, feasibility studies, and risk assessments. Depending on your chosen jurisdiction, you can serve clients across the UAE and internationally.
Whether you’re advising a fledgling startup or helping a multinational rethink its strategy, this license opens doors.
Key benefits of starting a consultancy firm in Dubai
Starting a consultancy firm in Dubai gives you access to a growing demand for consulting services, a global market, tax advantages, 100% foreign ownership and flexibility, and streamlined business setup processes.
1. High market demand
Dubai’s diverse economy creates a strong and increasing demand for expert management consulting. This demand is driven by digital transformation, government reform, startup growth, sustainability initiatives, and the diversity of industries on the ground. From SMEs to multinational brands, Dubai’s home to them all.
2. Global and diverse market
Located at the intersection of the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, companies operating from this business hub have easy access to a broad client base. This means that management consultancies in Dubai can serve a diverse and expanding market.
3. Tax benefits
Here’s the kicker – no personal or corporate income tax on your earnings (below certain thresholds and for some business activities). That means that you can retain more profits and reinvest them in your business.
4. 100% foreign ownership
Own 100% of your business without jumping through local partner hoops. This gives your company flexibility with regards to setup and operations. You’re the boss!
5. Streamlined business setup
Set up shop fast, especially in free zones. Here you can register your business and begin consulting within a few days.
What documents are needed for a consultancy license?
The documents you need to apply for a consultancy license in Dubai include:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of address (e.g., a utility bill)
- Business plan and list of business activities
- NOC (No Objections Certificate) – if applicable
- Emirates ID and visa copies (if a resident)
- Educational/professional certificates (needed for some mainland setups sometimes)
How much does a management consultancy license cost in Dubai?
The cost of a management consultancy license in Dubai typically starts from AED 12,500. This cost depends on a list of factors, such as business structure and jurisdiction, visa fees, medical and Emirates ID fees, office space, and more.
Here’s more insight to help you plan your budget:
- Free zone options range from AED 12,500 to over AED 25,000 – depending on the package
- Mainland license types start from around AED 15,000 to over AED 30,000
- Visa costs start from AED 3,500
- Medical and Emirates ID processing can be AED 1,000
- Office space packages vary widely due to the package type chosen (flexi-desk or virtual office for free zones or physical offices in mainland setups), with annual leases starting at AED 5,000
Common activities under a consultancy license
A management consultancy license in Dubai typically covers activities like business setup and restructuring, market strategy, HR and recruitment advisory services, marketing and branding, financial advisory and budgeting, and corporate training and coaching.
Do you need qualifications to become a consultant in the UAE?
You don’t need formal qualifications to become a management consultant in the UAE. In many cases, experience trumps formal degrees – especially if you’ve got a solid track record to back it up.
There are some caveats, though. For licensing purposes, some free zones and mainland authorities may ask for educational credentials (such as a degree or professional certifications) when applying for a management consultancy license. This is because certain specialties (for instance, legal, accounting, medical, and education) require certifications.
In the end, what really counts is your reputation, your client relationships, and your results.
Is Dubai a good market for management consultants?
Yes, Dubai’s a good market for management consultants thanks to rapid economic diversification, strong presence of startups, SMEs, and international businesses, high demand for expert consultants, and pro-business policies.
Rapid economic diversification
Dubai’s going through a major shift right now, fueled by the UAE’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the state’s economy beyond just oil. That means there’s a growing need for specialists and experts across sectors like tech, healthcare, transport, sustainability, finance, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and legal.
Strong presence of startups, SMEs, and global businesses
Startups are booming in Dubai. SMEs are scaling. And multinational corporations are expanding their footprint in the region. And all of them – from startups to global players – need help making smart decisions and scaling wisely.
High demand for expert consultants
No two businesses are alike – no business has smooth sailing in its journey from startup to massive profits. Expert consultants bring practical experience and proven track records to help shape and streamline companies to success.
Business-friendly policies
Another factor in making Dubai a good market for management consultants is Dubai’s business-friendly policies that make it easy to do business here and encourage a steady flow of foreign investment. That’s why more and more consultancies are calling Dubai home.
Frequently asked questions
How to become a management consultant in Dubai?
You can become a management consultant in Dubai by securing a trade license, building a professional network and portfolio, and following all regulatory conditions.
What are the requirements for a management consultancy license in Dubai?
The requirements for a management consultancy license in Dubai include completing a trade license application, submitting shareholder paperwork, business activity list, a trade name reservation certificate, an office space agreement, an initial approval certificate, and sometimes education qualifications.
What are the fees for a management consultancy license in Dubai?
Fees for a management consultancy license in Dubai vary from AED 12,500 to AED 30,000.
Is it possible to get a free management consultancy license in Dubai?
No, it’s not possible to get a free management consultancy license in Dubai. Some free zones offer promotional rates or payment plans, and some incubators or accelerators may subsidise some license fees.
Why work with Trade License Zone
Getting a management consultancy license in Dubai is easier with Trade License Zone. We make the process straightforward – no wasted time, no confusion.
We know that each business is unique, and that’s why we offer tailored advice for business setup in Dubai, whether it’s a free zone or mainland setup type. Trade License Zone will prepare all documents and liaise with government authorities on your behalf. And we don’t disappear once you’re up and running. We’re here to help with renewals, compliance, and whatever comes next.
Contact Trade License Zone today to get your consultancy off the ground the smart way.
