Types of technical services licenses in Dubai
When starting a technical services company, it is essential to understand the types of licenses available. Depending on your target market, operational goals, and location preferences, business owners can pick one of the two primary options: mainland license or free zone license.
Mainland license
A mainland license allows businesses to function anywhere within the UAE market, including onshore projects and contracts. Issued by the DED, this license is ideal for companies seeking flexibility and access to a broader market.
Key features of a mainland technical services license:
- Businesses can work with government entities, private clients, and corporations.
- No restrictions on the number of employees or office locations.
- Allows businesses to bid for larger contracts, including local infrastructure projects.
- Requires a local sponsor or agent (depending on the company structure).
For businesses targeting the Dubai mainland, a mainland license offers the greatest flexibility to expand operations across the Emirates.
Free zone license
A free zone license is handed out by particular free zone authorities and is ideal for businesses that plan to operate within designated economic zones. Free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, and SPC Free Zone offer competitive advantages for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Major features of a free zone technical services license:
- 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local sponsor.
- Tax benefits, including possible 0% corporate tax.
- Budget-effective setup solutions, including virtual offices and flexi-desk options.
- Simplified visa processing for employees and investors.
However, companies operating under a free zone license are restricted from directly working within Dubai mainland. They cannot rent a shop or have a physical facility in the mainland, but they might be able to provide services in clients' facilities that are on the mainland.
Key differences and advantages
The table below highlights the primary differences between mainland and free zone licenses:
Criteria | Mainland license | Free zone license |
---|
Ownership | 100% foreign ownership (possible need for local sponsor depending on activity) | 100% foreign ownership |
Facility area | Anywhere in the UAE | Limited to free zone territory |
Tax benefits | Standard UAE tax rules | Possible 0% corporate tax |
Client scope | Government and private contracts | Broad-based with the exception of government contracts |
Both types of licenses offer unique benefits depending on your business goals. Businesses targeting government contracts should opt for a mainland license, while companies looking to operate from within a free zone, as well as for a possible 0% corporate tax benefit may prefer a free zone license.
Who can apply for a technical services license in Dubai?
Starting a technical services company in Dubai requires meeting concrete eligibility criteria, submitting the right documentation, and showcasing relevant qualifications. The city’s business-friendly environment makes the process accessible to both individuals and companies who wish to enter this growing market.
Basic eligibility criteria
To qualify for a technical services license in Dubai, individuals and businesses must meet the following basic criteria:
- Age requirement: the applicant must be at least 21 years old.
- Legal eligibility: the applicant should not have any legal cases or restrictions.
- Business structure: decide on your company structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Proprietorship, Free Zone Entity (a free zone-based LLC), or branch of a foreign company.
- Local agent (for mainland): for mainland operations, businesses may require a local sponsor or agent, depending on ownership rules.
Entrepreneurs from any country can apply for a technical services license, as Dubai welcomes investors with minimal restrictions.
Required documentation
To obtain a technical services license in Dubai, businesses must prepare and file the following documents:
- Passport copies of the business owner(s) and shareholders.
- Visa copies, including residency or investor visas, if applicable.
- Emirates ID copies (for UAE residents).
Ensuring all documents are complete and accurate will streamline the application process and reduce delays.
Skills and qualifications needed
While the technical services license does not require specialized educational qualifications, businesses offering technical solutions must showcase expertise and reliability. Investors must:
- Have relevant experience in technical services such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or IT solutions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the UAE’s market, safety regulations, and client expectations.
- Employ skilled professionals with the necessary certifications and training.
Businesses with qualified personnel, proper planning, and clear service offerings will find it easier to gain approvals and establish credibility in the market.
Permitted activities under a technical services license
A technical services license in Dubai covers a broad range of permitted activities, allowing businesses to specialize in different technical and maintenance services. Understanding the list of activities helps entrepreneurs align their operations with Dubai’s regulations.
Full list of permitted activities
The technical services license enables businesses to engage in the following activities:
- Air conditioning, ventilation, and HVAC systems maintenance
- Electrical and plumbing services
- Carpentry and flooring work
- Building maintenance and cleaning services
- Painting and wallpaper installation
- IT infrastructure setup and networking solutions
- Glasswork and aluminum installations
- Mechanical equipment maintenance
- Installation of fire safety and security systems
- Repair and maintenance of elevators and escalators
These permitted business activities provide opportunities for businesses to serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients across Dubai.
Examples of popular technical services
Several technical services stand out as highly in demand in Dubai due to rapid infrastructure development and growing residential communities:
- HVAC maintenance. With Dubai’s climate, HVAC installation, and maintenance services are consistently sought after.
- Electrical and plumbing solutions. These essential services are required for both residential and commercial buildings.
- IT infrastructure. Businesses specializing in IT solutions, such as server installation and network cabling, find significant demand from companies across sectors.
- Building maintenance. Offering comprehensive building care, including painting, cleaning, and repair services, is a profitable niche.
These examples highlight the flexibility and potential profitability of a technical services company operating under a valid license in Dubai. Entrepreneurs can choose a specific niche or provide multiple services to maximize market opportunities. You can consult with a business setup expert to advise on the possible range of activities that can be covered by your technical license.
Step-by-step guide to starting a technical services company in Dubai
Getting your technical services company in Dubai up and running is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to successfully obtain the license and launch your business.
1. Decide on your business jurisdiction (mainland or free zone)
The first step is to choose where you want to set up your company:
- Mainland: ideal for businesses targeting onshore clients and government contracts.
- Free zone: suitable for companies looking to operate from within a free zone, as well as a possible 0% corporate tax benefit.
Your decision will impact your license cost, ownership structure, and operational scope.
2. Choose a suitable business name
Select a business name that aligns with Dubai’s naming conventions. The name must:
- Avoid any offensive or religious terms.
- Be unique and not already registered.
- Include words related to your technical services business.
- Be approved by the DED or free zone authority.
3. Decide on your legal structure
Pick the legal entity type that best suits your company:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): common for mainland businesses.
- Sole proprietorship: suitable for individuals offering specialized services.
- Free zone entity (free zone-based LLC): ideal for businesses in designated free zones.
- Branch of a foreign company: for foreign businesses seeking to expand their operations.
Your chosen structure determines ownership requirements, liability, and operational guidelines.
4. Obtain office space or virtual office (if applicable)
- For mainland companies, physical office space is mandatory.
- In free zones, businesses can opt for cost-effective solutions like virtual offices or flexi-desks, depending on the scale of operations.
- Ensure your office meets Dubai Municipality and free zone authority standards.
5. Submit a license application and mandatory documentation
Prepare and hand the necessary documents over to the relevant authority (DED for mainland, free zone authority for free zones). These include:
- Passport copies of owners and partners.
- Trade name reservation certificate.
- Initial approval documents.
- Lease agreement (Ejari) for office premises.
6. Obtain approvals from DED or free zone authorities
Once your documents are reviewed, obtain the final approvals. Mainland businesses need clearance from DED, while free zone entities require approval from their respective free zone authorities.
7. Receive your technical services license
After approvals, your technical services license will be issued, allowing you to begin operations. You can then proceed with:
- Opening a corporate bank account.
- Obtaining a third party approval (if required).
- Applying for employee visas (if required).
- Setting up accounting systems to guarantee financial compliance.
By following this structured approach, you can successfully establish your technical services company in Dubai, ensuring legal compliance and smooth business operations.
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…
Hi, I am Eric, from France. I am very satisfied by the work performed for me by Emirabiz. I was based in Saudi Arabia last year and I wanted to create my Company in UAE. I did everything…
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…
From a scale from 0-10 in which 10 is out if this world amazing, Timi and her team deserve a 11! I decided to move to Dubai with my family and Working with Timi was by far the best decision…
Emirabiz Consultancy has consistently provided reliable and outstanding service for my visa renewal needs. I've been working with them for years, and I am very happy and satisfied with…
I worked with Timi on my golden visa process and she did an amazing job. Everything went smooth and fast! Highly recommend!
Assisted me in obtaining my Golden Visa. A big thank you to Parul Parikh for guiding me through the process and for ensuring that my application was successful. Craig
I had a wonderful experience with Emirabez. Parul Parikh helped in doing my Golden visa. It was completely smooth and hassle free. It was done very quickly. Parul was very cooperative and…
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
Hi, I meet Natalia Consultant she help me a lot for my business information with quick response great job Natalia.Pradeep, Sri Lanka
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…