Topic Summary
1. Built for Consultants
Consultants and professional service providers make up one of the largest license categories among the 25,000-plus businesses operating through the free zone.
2. One Professional License
Management consulting, HR, marketing, IT advisory, financial and legal advisory sit on one license, so no separate registration is needed for each service line.
3. Remote-First Model
A flexi desk arrangement gives consultants a registered UAE business address and visa eligibility without leasing a private office.
4. Same-Day Issuance and Ownership
The digital-first platform can issue eligible licenses the same day documentation clears, and partner banks actively accept consultancy businesses.
5. True First-Year Cost
Consultants should budget additional first-year components on top of the base fee when planning their setup.
Dubai South Business Hub for Consultants and Professional Services
In 2026, over 25,000 businesses operate through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, and consultants and professional service providers make up one of the largest license groups on the platform (Dubai South Business Hub, 2026). A professional license in Dubai starts from AED 12,500. Same-day issuance is available for eligible applicants. There is no personal income tax. Foreign ownership is 100% in the free zone. Corporate tax registration is required once your company exists, whatever your revenue (Federal Tax Authority, 2026).
This guide covers what a professional license at Dubai South Business Hub includes, what it costs, how to set up, and what you must do to stay compliant.
What Is Dubai South Business Hub for Consultants and Professional Services
Dubai South Business Hub for Consultants and Professional Services is a free zone license that lets consultants, advisors, and professional service firms set up in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and same-day license issuance from AED 12,500.
Who This License Is For
This license suits any professional who sells expertise rather than physical goods. It covers:
Management and strategy consulting
Business advisory
HR consulting
Marketing strategy and PR
Legal consulting
IT consulting and technology advisory
Financial advisory (regulated financial services need extra approval)
Solo consultants, boutique advisory firms, and regional offices of international consultancies all qualify. A UK-based management consultant relocating to Dubai can set up a DSBH professional license, get a UAE residence visa, and bill clients across the GCC from day one, with no local partner needed.
How the Free Zone Model Works
DSBH is 100% government-owned under Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Free zone companies operate under DSBH rules, not mainland UAE rules, which keeps setup simple. Consultants mainly serve international or free zone clients. Direct contracts with UAE mainland companies need a local agent or a separate mainland presence. The zone sits next to Al Maktoum International Airport, useful if you travel often.
Why Dubai South Works for Professional Services Firms
Dubai South gives professional services firms 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, fast license issuance, and a location next to Al Maktoum International Airport. Corporate tax applies, but qualifying free zone companies can access a 0% rate if they meet Federal Tax Authority conditions.
Ownership and Tax Position
100% foreign ownership, no UAE national partner needed
No personal income tax on your salary or drawings
Corporate tax registration needed once your company exists, whatever your revenue
0% corporate tax available to qualifying free zone persons under FTA conditions
VAT registration needed once your taxable revenue hits AED 375,000 a year
The 0% corporate tax rate is not automatic. You must meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions the FTA sets (Federal Tax Authority, 2026).
Location and Logistics
Sits inside the master-planned Dubai South district
Next to Al Maktoum International Airport
Easy access to Expo City Dubai
Flexi-desk and co-working options for solo advisors
Good road links to Abu Dhabi and Dubai city centre
What a DSBH Professional License Covers
A DSBH professional license covers activities where the consultant sells expertise, advice, or a service rather than physical goods. Common approved activities include management consulting, IT advisory, HR consulting, marketing strategy, PR, training, and business advisory.
Approved Activity Categories
You can choose from a broad set of business activities at setup:
Management and strategy consulting
IT consulting and technology advisory
HR consulting and talent advisory
Marketing, PR, and communications consulting
Financial advisory (regulated financial services need extra UAE regulator approval)
You can add more than one activity to a single license. Confirm your activity code at the setup stage.
What the License Does Not Cover
Financial services, insurance brokerage, and investment fund management need separate approval
Clinical healthcare and medical practice need DHA or MOHAP approval
Real estate brokerage needs RERA registration through Dubai Land Department
Recruitment and staffing agencies need MOHRE approval
Regulated activities always need extra steps (UAE Government Portal, 2026).
Is a DSBH professional license right for a solo consultant?
Yes. Solo consultants are one of the most common applicants. The license starts from AED 12,500, includes a flexi-desk option, and allows a single-visa package. You get 100% ownership, no personal income tax, and same-day issuance if your activity is eligible.
How to Set Up: 6 Steps to Get Your DSBH Professional License
Setting up a professional consultancy at Dubai South Business Hub takes 6 steps: choose your activity, book a trade name, submit your application, pay fees, get your license, and apply for visas. Eligible applicants can receive same-day license issuance starting from AED 12,500.
Steps 1 to 3: Before You Apply
Step 1, pick your activity code: Check the DSBH list of approved professional activities and confirm your consulting type is covered.
Step 2, check your trade name: Search name availability on the DSBH portal to avoid delays.
Step 3, choose your package: Decide how many visas you need and whether you want a flexi-desk, co-working space, or a private office.
Steps 4 to 6: Application to Launch
Step 4, submit your papers: You will need a passport copy (valid 6 or more months), a passport photo, and proof of address.
Step 5, pay your license fee: Fees start from AED 12,500; same-day issuance is available for eligible activities.
Step 6, apply for your visa: Once the license is issued, start your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID through DSBH's residency services.
Costs and Timelines at a Glance
A DSBH professional license starts from AED 12,500. Costs vary by visa quota and office type. Same-day issuance is available for eligible applicants. Annual renewal applies. Corporate tax registration with the FTA is needed once your company is set up, whatever your revenue.
License and Visa Fees
License from AED 12,500 (use the DSBH cost calculator for your exact package)
Visa costs vary by type and number; each visa includes Emirates ID and medical
Annual renewal applies to both the license and each visa
Free Zone vs Mainland: Key Differences for Consultants
Feature | DSBH Free Zone | Dubai Mainland (DET) |
|---|---|---|
Foreign ownership | 100% in the free zone, no local partner needed | 100% allowed since 2021 UAE law reforms |
UAE mainland client access | Needs a local agent or separate mainland presence for direct mainland contracts | Direct contracts with UAE government and mainland companies |
Office requirement | Flexi-desk and co-working options available; no full office required | Physical office on the mainland typically required |
Setup speed | Same-day license issuance for eligible applicants | Typically several working days via DET |
Corporate tax | 0% available to qualifying free zone persons under FTA conditions | Standard 9% rate applies above AED 375,000 taxable income threshold |
Best suited to | Consultants with international or cross-border clients and low overhead needs | Consultants billing UAE government bodies or large UAE-based private firms directly |
How Long It Takes
Step | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
License issuance | Same day for eligible applicants |
UAE residence visa | 5 to 10 working days after license issued |
Emirates ID | 5 to 7 working days after biometrics |
Bank account | 2 to 4 weeks depending on the bank |
What You Must Comply With as a DSBH Consultant
DSBH consultants must register for corporate tax with the FTA, file VAT returns once revenue exceeds AED 375,000, keep financial records for 7 years, and renew their license and visas each year. Qualifying free zone companies can access a 0% corporate tax rate under FTA conditions.
Tax and Financial Duties
Corporate tax
Register with the FTA once your company exists. Your revenue level does not change this duty.
0% corporate tax rate
Available to qualifying free zone persons. You only get it if you meet the conditions the FTA sets.
VAT
Register once your taxable revenue hits AED 375,000 a year. File quarterly returns with the FTA.
Records
Keep your books for 7 years. The FTA can ask to see them at any time.
License, Visa, and Annual Duties
Renew your DSBH license each year to keep the company active
Renew each UAE residence visa before expiry to avoid ICP fines
MOHRE rules on employment contracts and end-of-service gratuity apply if you hire staff
Emiratisation quotas apply to companies with 50 or more employees; most small consultancies are well below this
For business support services covering these duties, DSBH offers help through its beyond-hub team (MOHRE, 2026).
Does a free zone consultant need to register for corporate tax even with low revenue?
Yes. Every UAE company must register with the Federal Tax Authority once it is set up. Revenue level does not change this. The 0% qualifying free zone rate is available to eligible companies, but registration itself is not optional. File your registration soon after your license is issued to avoid penalties.
Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Suits Your Consulting Work
A DSBH free zone professional license suits consultants with international or cross-border clients and low overhead needs. A Dubai mainland license via DET suits those billing UAE companies directly without a local agent. Both allow 100% foreign ownership under current UAE law.
When Free Zone Is the Better Fit
Your clients are based outside the UAE or in other free zones
You want low overhead: a flexi-desk rather than a full office
You are a solo consultant or a small team with no plans to hire UAE mainland staff
You want fast setup and a simple annual renewal
When Mainland May Work Better
You bill UAE government bodies or large UAE-based private companies directly
Your contract terms require a UAE mainland trade license
You need a client-facing office on the Dubai mainland
Note: mainland licenses are issued by DET, not DSBH; DSBH only issues free zone licenses
Since 2021 UAE law reforms, 100% foreign ownership is also available on the mainland (UAE Government Portal, 2026). DSBH does not issue mainland licenses.
Start Your Consulting Business at Dubai South Business Hub
Dubai South Business Hub for Consultants and Professional Services offers a fast, low-cost route into the UAE market. From AED 12,500, consultants get a free zone license, 100% ownership, and same-day issuance. It is a practical base for Gulf-region client work with low overhead and minimal setup friction.
What to Do Next
Use the DSBH cost calculator to get a total for your specific package before you apply
Check your trade name is available on the DSBH portal
References
Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
ICP (icp.gov.ae)
MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae)
Frequently Asked Questions
