What a DMCC service licence covers
DMCC describes the service licence as suitable for businesses providing professional or consultancy services such as advisory and IT services. DMCC’s activity list also includes management consultancy, financial advisory, marketing, software development, AI, blockchain and cybersecurity — subject to approvals where regulated.
Approvals to check
- Regulated professions (legal, engineering, accounting) need professional registration
- Financial services and investment: external approvals
- Crypto and virtual assets: regulator authorisation
- Healthcare and medical: health-regulator approval
Cost and office
Service licence renewal is cited by DMCC at about AED 20,265 a year for trading and service licences (varies). A flexi desk package is the usual starting point for consultants — see office requirements. Alternatives for lower cost: IFZA, Meydan.
UAE clients?
If your clients are UAE businesses or government, compare a Dubai mainland professional licence.
Sources and verification
Facts attributed to DMCC come from its own published guide and package pages (links below), accessed September 2026. Prices and rules change — confirm on dmcc.ae before paying. Figures from market guides are labelled as such.
- DMCC — Business Activities and Licences: A Complete Guide (9 Apr 2026)
- DMCC — Business setup packages
- DMCC — Schedule of charges
- DMCC — Public register
- DMCC — Set up a new business
Fee-data status: Published fees — DMCC package prices as published by DMCC; other costs are indicative.
DMCC professional licence: FAQs
Which DMCC licence do consultants need?
Typically the service licence, with the activity chosen from DMCC’s list.
Is DMCC good for freelancers?
DMCC offers flexi-desk packages; whether a package suits a solo freelancer depends on cost and activity. Compare cheaper zones such as Meydan or IFZA.
Can I provide services to UAE mainland clients from DMCC?
Direct onshore service delivery has limits; confirm with DMCC and compare a mainland licence.
Get a written quote for DMCC
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.