IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- Company setup from
12,900 AED
Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices
IFZA is a low-cost business setup solution in Dubai, perfect for startups and SMEs involved in trading, consulting, or services.…
Dubai has established itself as a hub for consultancy businesses, attracting professionals and firms from across the globe. The UAE’s evolving legal framework, dynamic economy, and cultural nuances in doing business in the Arab world create a strong demand for advisory services. Consultancy businesses thrive here, offering expertise to navigate this complex yet rewarding environment.
The consultancy industry in the UAE has seen significant growth. For example, in 2023, consultancy services contributed billions of dirhams to the UAE economy, fueled by sectors like business advisory, technology consulting, and legal services. According to local business authorities, the number of consultancy licenses issued in Dubai alone increased by approximately 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting the rising demand for professional advice and strategic solutions.
What is a consultancy license in the UAE?
A consultancy license allows individuals or businesses to offer advisory and intellectual services across various industries. Unlike trading or industrial licenses, it focuses on knowledge-based activities rather than the sale of goods or production.
Key differences from other business licenses
1. Focus on intellectual services
Consultancy licenses are tailored for service-oriented businesses that rely on expertise and problem-solving, such as business advisory, HR consultancy, or project management.
In contrast:
- Trading licenses involve selling or distributing physical goods.
- Industrial licenses are issued for manufacturing or production businesses.
2. Specific clientele
Consultancy firms typically cater to clients seeking strategic advice — corporations, government entities, or individuals requiring specialized knowledge. Services are often project-based or provided under long-term retainer agreements.
In contrast:
- Freelance permits target independent professionals who often work with smaller clients or on a one-off basis.
- Commercial licenses serve businesses engaging in retail trade or wholesale B2B activities.
3. Office requirements
For certain consultancy businesses a physical office space can be mandatory, however virtual offices are allowed, especially in free zones.
In contrast:
- Freelance permits and e-commerce licenses often do not require a physical office but some sort of facility have to be included, which is usually virtual offices.
4. Regulation and approval
Certain consultancy activities — for example financial advisory or legal consulting — require additional permissions from UAE authorities like the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) or the Ministry of Justice.
In contrast:
- Trading licenses typically involve fewer regulatory requirements and can be processed more quickly.
DAZ company formation process
The procedure of setting up a business in DAZ is also administered by JAFZA. The process can be launched without your personal presence, but you will need to visit the free zone once your company’s documents are generated. The process for registering a license in DAZ starts with obtaining a space within the free zone, as it is assumed that a space is required for car storage and/or display. Spaces in DAZ are not frequently available, so you have to initially register your interest, indicating the type and size of the space required. Once the space is available, the free zone will give the go-ahead to commence the license registration process. The estimated timeframe of Dubai Auto Zone company formation can vary from 5 to 6 weeks – this includes securing a license from the free zone authorities and company registration. Obtaining an immigration card and a visa may each take an additional 7-10 workdays.
Determine the business activities of your future company and the corresponding license type. This aspect is vital for a successful business setup, as choosing the wrong activity and license can cause errors during company registration, leading to problems with opening a bank account or obtaining residency visas for yourself and your employees.
Specify the legal status of your business. DAZ offers several available formation types for establishing a business depending on the preferred number of shareholders and business activities:
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment) – an LLC with a single shareholder who can be either an individual or non-individual (company).
- FZCO (Free Zone Company) – a free zone LLC formed by multiple shareholders which may include both individuals and non-individuals (companies).
- Branch - a branch opened by a parent company within DAZ with 100% ownership by the parent company and subject to its name and activities. Parent companies can be both foreign and UAE-based.
These company formation options are not subject to any restrictions on foreign ownership.
Prepare and submit the necessary documents together with the application form. The list of necessary documents for Dubai Auto Zone company registration will vary depending on the company type, license, and business activities you choose, so it is advisable to consult with specialists in this field to guide you through this process. The basic requirements are as follows:
- Application form
- Project summary
- Passport copy of manager & shareholders/directors/secretary in case of FZE/FZCO
- Passport copy of manager in case of a branch of an overseas company
- Personal information form
- 3 months' bank statement (company or personal)
- Parent company’s profile (in case of branch formation)
- NOC from a sponsor for UAE resident applicants
If a shareholder of your future FZE/FZCO is a company, you will be required to provide additional documents:
- Certificate of registration - attested by the UAE embassy
- Memorandum and Article of Association - attested by the UAE embassy
- Board resolution - attested by the UAE embassy
- Manager’s passport copy
- Specimen of manager’s signature (can be attested by DAZ)
- Original FZE/FZCO application form - typed
Also, this step involves paying all the registration and processing fees. In DAZ, the application processing fee is AED 545 and is non-refundable.
Secure the license and registration documents for the company, including:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business license
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share certificate
- Lease agreement
Receive the Establishment Card containing information about your company and visa quotes.
Apply for an entry permit. If you’re outside of the UAE during the processing of the entry permit, you will need to come to the country when the document is issued within 60 days to complete the medical test and biometrics for your visa. If you’re in the UAE when the entry permit is issued, a status change will be done from your previous UAE tourist/residency visa to the new one.
Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa and an Emirates ID. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company.
Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. Once you receive your account details, you are free to start running your business.
With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.
DAZ license costs
Dubai Auto Zone offers quite reasonable setup costs, which is very beneficial with regard to the number of advantages it provides to automobile-focused entrepreneurs and investors.
The cost of DAZ licenses is similar to those of JAFZA and is quite reasonable compared to other free zones.
| FEE TYPE | COST |
|---|---|
| Trading/Service license | 14,020 AED |
| FZCO registration fee | 20,020 AED |
| FZE registration fee | 15,020 AED |
| Branch registration fee | 10,020 AED |
Additional costs included in a typical setup package apart from the license fee:
- Registration fee
- Establishment Card
- Lease cost
- Visa-related fees
- Medical checkup
- Emirates ID
Elena O.
We'll find the ideal free zone for your business
Dubai Auto Zone Company Formation
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