VAZONE Expert Guide
Consultancy Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Launch your consultancy firm in Dubai Mainland with 100% ownership, fast approvals, and full compliance. VA Zone provides end-to-end support for business setup, licensing, visas, and banking.
Table of Contents
What is a Consultancy Business in Dubai Mainland?
- Business strategy & operational planning
- Management advisory
- Process improvement & efficiency optimization
- IT & technology consulting
- HR & recruitment consultancy
- Marketing & branding consultancy
- Accounting & financial advisory (non-regulated)
- Work with UAE corporates and government clients.
- Full legal compliance
- Eligibility for investor, partner, and employee visas
- Full foreign ownership is allowed.
- Business Consultancy License Dubai Mainland
- Management Consultancy License Dubai
Why Choose Dubai Mainland for Your Consultancy?
- Work with any UAE client, including government contracts.
- Offer services across all Emirates without restriction.
- Apply for multiple visas for employees and family.
- Establish credibility with corporates.
Comparison Table: Mainland vs Free Zone
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Work with UAE clients | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Restricted |
| Government contracts | ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not allowed |
| Office requirements | ✅ Mandatory | ⚠ Optional |
| Number of visas | ✅ High | ⚠ Limited |
| Business credibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Types of Consultancy Businesses
A. General Consultancy
- Business Consultancy License
- Management Consultancy License
B. Specialized Consultancy
- IT Consultancy License
- Marketing Consultancy License
- HR Consultancy License
- Accounting & Bookkeeping Consultancy License
C. Niche Consultancy (Industry-specific)
- Engineering Consultancy
- Interior Design Consultancy
- Healthcare Consultancy
- Education & Training Consultancy
- Legal & Compliance Consultancy
Step-by-Step Process to Set Up a Consultancy Company
Step 1: Activity & Structure Consultation
- VA Zone helps determine the right license type and business activities.
- Avoids rejected applications due to conflicting activities.
Step 2: Trade Name Reservation
- Reserve a unique trade name with Dubai DET (Department of Economy & Tourism).
Step 3: Initial Approval
Obtain approval for your consultancy activities from DET.
Step 4: MOA Drafting & Notarization
- Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Submit for notarization and legal verification.
Step 5: Office Lease & Ejari Registration
- A physical office is mandatory for Mainland companies.
- VA Zone provides flexible office solutions and Ejari registration.
Step 6: License Issuance
- DET issues the official Business Consultancy License
Step 7: Immigration & Visa Processing
- Investor, partner, employee, and family visas
- VA Zone handles visa approvals and submissions.
Step 8: Corporate Bank Account Setup
- VA Zone assists with bank selection, documentation, and appointment scheduling.
Timeline to Set Up a Consultancy Company
Costs & Fees of Setting Up a Consultancy Business
- Trade name reservation
- Initial approval from DET
- License issuance
- MOA & establishment card
- Immigration & labor file setup
- Office rental
- Employee visas
- Corporate bank account setup
Visa Options with a Consultancy Company
A Mainland consultancy company can sponsor:
- Investor/Partner visas
- Employee visas
- Family/dependent visas
Key Tip: The number of visas depends on office size and business plan. VA Zone helps maximize your visa allocation efficiently.
Office Requirements for Mainland Consultancy Companies
- Physical office space is mandatory.
- Ejari registration is required.
- VA Zone offers flexible office packages to meet DET requirements.
- Enables visa eligibility and full compliance
Bank Account Setup for Consultancy Firms
- Selecting banks suitable for consultancy firms
- Preparing all necessary compliance documents
- Coordinating bank meetings
- Reducing rejection risk
Common Challenges and Mistakes
- Choosing conflicting consultancy activities
- Applying without proper office documentation
- Weak business profile for banking
- Missing compliance documents
Mainland vs Free Zone for Consultancy Businesses
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zones |
|---|---|---|
|
Work with UAE clients |
✅ Yes |
❌ Limited |
|
Government contracts |
✅ Allowed |
❌ Restricted |
|
Office flexibility |
❌ Mandatory |
✅ Optional |
|
Visa scalability |
✅ High |
⚠ Limited |
|
Business credibility |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Why Choose VA Zone for Consultancy Setup
- Expert consultants for Dubai Mainland licenses
- Fast approvals and transparent pricing
- End-to-end services: license, office, visas, banking
- Ongoing compliance support and renewals
- Trusted by UAE entrepreneurs
Get Started Today
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FAQs – Consultancy Business Setup Dubai
What is a Consultancy Business in Dubai Mainland?
A Consultancy Business in Dubai Mainland allows you to legally provide professional advisory services such as business strategy, management advisory, IT, marketing, HR, and accounting consulting. Mainland companies can serve UAE clients, corporates, and government entities.
Why choose Dubai Mainland for your consultancy?
Dubai Mainland allows consultants to work with any UAE client including government contracts, offers multiple visa options, full credibility, and flexibility to operate across all Emirates.
What types of consultancy businesses can I set up?
You can set up Business Consultancy, Management Consultancy, IT, Marketing, HR, Accounting & Bookkeeping Consultancy, or specialized niche consultancies like Engineering, Interior Design, Healthcare, Education, and Legal consultancy.
What is the step-by-step process to set up a consultancy company?
1. Activity & structure consultation 2. Trade name reservation 3. Initial approval from Dubai DET 4. MOA drafting & notarization 5. Office lease & Ejari registration 6. License issuance 7. Visa processing 8. Corporate bank account setup.
How much does it cost to set up a consultancy business in Dubai Mainland?
The estimated setup cost ranges between AED 15,000 – AED 28,000 depending on office size, visa requirements, and additional services. VA Zone provides a complete cost breakdown and end-to-end support.
What visa options are available with a consultancy company?
Mainland consultancy companies can sponsor investor/partner visas, employee visas, and family/dependent visas. VA Zone helps maximize visa allocation based on office size and business plan.
Are office requirements mandatory for a consultancy company?
Yes, a physical office is mandatory for Mainland companies and Ejari registration is required. VA Zone provides flexible office solutions to meet legal requirements.
Can VA Zone assist with bank account setup for my consultancy?
Yes, VA Zone helps select suitable banks, prepare all compliance documents, and schedule appointments to minimize rejection risks for corporate accounts.
What are common challenges and mistakes when setting up a consultancy in Dubai Mainland?
Common mistakes include choosing conflicting activities, applying without proper office documents, weak banking profile, and missing compliance documents. VA Zone ensures end-to-end guidance to avoid these errors.
Should I choose Mainland or Free Zone for my consultancy business?
Mainland is recommended for consultants who want to work with UAE clients, government contracts, multiple visas, and higher credibility. Free Zones are more limited in client scope and visa allocation.