Dubai is today one of the biggest hubs for businesses in the Middle East. With this, obtaining a technical services license is a lucrative opportunity for all entrepreneurs wishing to tap into this thriving business ecosystem. With a technical service license, you can venture into multiple industries, like engineering, architecture, computer software and hardware, and more. However, it all begins with getting the right license in hand.
This blog is your guide to obtaining a technical services license in Dubai, UAE. Let’s get started with the requirements, benefits, step-by-step guide, and more –
Overview of Technical Services License in Dubai, UAE
A commercial business license known as a technical services license enables organisations and experts to lawfully provide a range of practical, skill-based, and specialized technical services. The development, maintenance, and enhancement of Dubai’s commercial, industrial, and residential real estate depend on these technical activities or services.
Important points to remember when acquiring a technical services license are:
- Issued to mainland companies by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- A technical trade license in Dubai is granted by the free zone authorities to businesses that are based there.
- Permits a technical service business in Dubai to lawfully provide installation, maintenance, repair, and some technical services.
List of Services or Activities Under Technical Services License
Before getting a technical services license, one must wonder what specific business activities or services can be carried out with it. Here’s a list:
- Plumbing: Installation and repair of faucets, pipes, and drainage systems.
- Electrical Work: Setting up, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems and wiring.
- Air Conditioning: Installation, repair, servicing, and replacements.
- Paint: Interior and Exterior paint job.
- Carpentry: Building wooden structures.
- Floor and Tile: Laying and repairing tiles and flooring materials.
- Home Maintenance: Overall general upkeep of homes.
- Equipment and Machinery: Installation of equipment or machinery.
- Solar Power Systems: Offering technical installation and repair of solar systems.
These are the typical activities, along with others that come under a services license in Dubai mainland or free zones.
Getting a License For Business Setup in Free Zones Vs the Mainland
There are typically two jurisdictions in Dubai for setting up a company in Dubai–
- The Mainland
A mainland technical services license usually features:
- Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai, is in charge of regulating
- Work anywhere in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
- 100% foreign ownership (in accordance with recent changes to UAE business legislation)
- Apply for bids and contracts with the government.
- No limitations on local companies
- Anywhere on the Dubai mainland can serve as an office or retail.
- Your office space is related to your unlimited visa eligibility.
- The Free Zone
- Under the jurisdiction of the appropriate free zone authority (e.g., IFZA, DMCC, DAFZA)
- 100% foreign ownership is always permitted.
- Customs exemptions and tax breaks
- Faster and simpler setup—perfect for online platforms or startups
- Unless working with a local distributor or agency for the UAE mainland, it can only operate in the free zone or abroad.
- More economical for small enterprises or lone proprietors
Why Should You Get a Technical License in Dubai?
If you’re wondering why you must get a professional license to start a technical services company in Dubai, here are some compelling reasons. Dubai offers:
- Complete legal defence
- The ability to open business bank accounts
- The liberty to sponsor the residency visas of employees and labourers.
- The advantage of taking part in government and large-scale projects.
- Access to a sizable clientele in Dubai’s rapidly expanding infrastructure and real estate industries
- A favourable business climate and no personal taxes, and the freedom to offer a host of technical services in Dubai.
Steps To Get a Technical Services License
If you wish to obtain a technical services license in Dubai, UAE, without any hassle, here are some steps that you must follow:
Step 1: Choose Your Tasks or Activities in Dubai
Select the particular technical services license activities you want to provide from the DED-approved list or the free zone. It is important to underline the specialized services or activities covered under a technical license. Without this, the application for technical services license will be considered incomplete.
Step 2: Select The Company Structure And Jurisdiction
- For a successful business setup in Dubai, choose between operating in the free zone (fast and inexpensive setup) or the mainland (wider access to the UAE).
- Decide on your business structure to get your commercial license(sole proprietorship, LLC (Limited Liability Company), etc.).
Step 3: Reservation Of Trade Name
Provide two or three original names that adhere to UAE naming conventions to start a technical services business.
Step 4: Get Legal Paperwork Ready
Here are the major legal documents you need to submit for a license to set up your technical services company:
- The Memorandum of Association (LLC) should be drafted and signed.
- Obtain a certificate of trade name reservation.
- Create an Ejari (tenancy agreement) for businesses on the mainland.
- Gather copies of your passport, your visa, and your Emirates ID (if you’re a resident).
Step 5: Get Outside Approvals (If Required)
Depending on the wide range of service activities you have selected, you may need:
- DEWA approval (water/electricity)
- Dubai Municipality (building)
- Civil Defence (fire and safety) in Dubai
Step 6: Pay The Fees And Submit Your License Application
- Send all paperwork for a license in Dubai mainland to DED or the free zone authority.
- Pay the government and the services license cost in Dubai. The average mainland licence fee is AED 12,500*.
Step 7: Getting The Permit
Get your technical services licence after your license registration is accepted. You can now start operations, open company bank accounts, apply for staff residency visas, and thrive in the technical services industry!
Technical Services Company License Cost In Dubai
Here’s a breakdown of a technical services license cost –
Mainland: The cost of a technical services license starts from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000* on the mainland (including trade name reservation, government taxes, and MOA). Additional EJARI(office) expenses range from AED 3,000 to AED 20,000* annually.
Free Zone: AED 12,000 to AED 18,000* is the range of package pricing. Packages for shared offices and desks start at AED 8,000* annually. Visa, medical, and Emirates ID processing fees are extra. Also, the cost is determined by the business activities in Dubai that you choose to offer.
If you still find the process of obtaining a technical commercial license difficult or navigating the costs feels like a challenge, turn to expert business consultants. A reputable firm like Xpert Advisory can streamline the process of getting a license for easy business setup in the UAE. Our knowledgeable and experienced consultants make company formation less challenging for new entrepreneurs in the Emirates. Call us to learn more about our services.
Documents Required To Apply For a Technical Services License
Looking to start a technical services company? Here is a list of the documents you have to present when applying for a technical services license –
- Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
- Visa copy and Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Two passport-size photographs (white background)
- Trade name reservation certificate (from DED or Free Zone)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) (for LLCs)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registration) for your business premises (mainland)
- NOC from current sponsor (if the applicant is already under a UAE employment visa)
- Completed application forms
- Any required external approvals (e.g., DEWA for electrical, Dubai Municipality for construction, Civil Defense for fire/safety)
Begin Your Business Venture Today!
Finally, if you want to set up your business in the Emirate, you need to follow these simple steps. Also, follow the guide for easy application. Dubai is the best when it comes to offering successful business ventures. Pave your way into the market by getting a license successfully. A wide range of business options in Dubai’s vibrant economy are made possible by a technical services licence, from plumbing and electrical work to specialised HVAC or cleaning services.
What are you waiting for? Speak to a licensed business consultant to streamline the process of obtaining the right license and establishing your successful business!
FAQs
Is It Possible To Have 100% Foreign Ownership In a Technical Services Company?
Yes, both the free zone license and mainland Dubai allow 100% foreign ownership.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Technical Services License?
It usually takes 1-3 weeks to get a license if all documentation is submitted properly and on time.
Is It Possible to Trade Without A License in Dubai?
No! Operating without a trade license is an offense in the Emirate, and you might end up paying a heavy fine for it.
