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.
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- Company setup from
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Registration in 7 days
Offices, co-working spaces, warehouses
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- Company setup from
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Registration in 2 weeks
Offices, warehouses, light industrial units
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- Company setup from
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Registration in 5 days
Flexi-desks, offices
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Registration in 2 weeks
Offices, warehouses, plots of land
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Smooth and speedy process from the initial contact to the final visa approval. Wale was super helpful and professional and always answered promptly all my questions.
Emirabiz is a red carpet service worth paying for and I want to thank Helen and her team for her dedicated support and her amazing follow-through. To launch a business in UAE and get…
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Local Consultancy is quite simply excellent at what they do and the services that they provide. Business owner Elena is completely hands on, looking after my needs as a client personally,…
Strongly recommended! I needed to setup a company in the free zone and I ended up in the right place. Natela and Natalia were super helpful in assisting me in the process from the beginning…
Amazing company to work with. Very fast and efficient. Got all of our Paperwork done and visas + Emirates IDs in a very timely manner. Princess was wonderful and always followed up with me…
It's one of the best services that I received. I keep my relationship with this company for years now. Everything from Visa or Company related matters are resolved here with a very little…
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I'd like to thank Mrs. Parul from Emirabiz who has helped me sort out the UAE Residency paper for me. She was incredibly professional, very responsive, knowledgeable about the process, and…
Thank you very much for your service. All was done in a short time and in a very comfortable conditions. The level of Anna Soloviova is high. All her explanations and details of new company…
Your Service was fantastic and flawless! And a very, very special „Thank You“ for Nadia! She provided assistance to solve problems, responded immediately to E-Mails, amazing customer…
I am satisfied with the process, steps and speed of my company incorporation also you helped me a lot and very quickly.Turkey
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We were considering options for opening a company in one of the free zones in the UAE and sought preliminary advice from Emirabiz. Consultant Natalia provided the most complete information…
I contacted Emirabiz for help in choosing and registering a company in a free zone in the United Arab Emirates. Natalia Maslina, a Business Setup Advisor, provided me with comprehensive…
So First of all thank you so much for your continuous help and quick reply for all my questions and doubts about the formation and setups. Also I am recommending this company for everyone…
I would like to acknowledge an outstanding customer service and comprehensive business development advice provided to me by Natalia. Her high level of professionalism and thoughtful…