How to Get an Architectural & Engineering Consultancy Business License in Dubai
Dubai's construction and infrastructure sector continues to expand at a remarkable pace, driven by mega-projects, Expo legacy developments, and a government commitment to smart city planning. For architects, engineers, and technical consultants looking to tap into this growth, obtaining an Architectural & Engineering Consultancy Business License in Dubai is the essential first step.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Activity Code 7110 under the Services category, with a particular focus on setting up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, one of the UAE's most strategically positioned business destinations.
What the License Covers
The Architectural & Engineering Consultancy Business License (Activity Code 7110) authorises a wide range of professional and technical services, including:
Architectural design and urban planning consultancy
Civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering consultancy
Project management and technical advisory services
Environmental and geotechnical engineering consultancy
Building information modelling (BIM) and design technology services
Related technical consultancy activities across construction disciplines
This is a Services category license, meaning the business delivers expertise and advisory output rather than physical goods. It is ideally suited to sole practitioners, boutique consultancies, and multinational engineering firms establishing a regional hub.
Why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Dubai South is home to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo City district, making it one of the most connected logistics and business corridors in the Middle East. For engineering and architectural consultancies, proximity to large-scale infrastructure and aviation projects creates immediate commercial opportunity.
Key advantages of setting up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone include:
100% foreign ownership permitted
Zero corporate and personal income tax
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Streamlined regulatory environment with dedicated free zone authority support
Access to a growing ecosystem of construction, logistics, and technology businesses
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 7110 | Category: Services | License Type: Business License
UAE construction sector value: over USD 130 billion in active projects
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted in Dubai South Free Zone
Corporate tax: 0% for qualifying free zone entities
Typical setup timeline: 2 to 4 weeks from document submission
Visa eligibility: multiple employee and investor visas available
Setup Steps and Licensing Requirements
Step-by-Step Process
Choose your business activity: Confirm that Activity Code 7110 aligns with your intended services.
Select a legal structure: Free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC) is the most common choice for consultancies.
Submit your application: Provide passport copies, a business plan, and shareholder details to the Dubai South authority.
Obtain initial approval: The free zone authority reviews and issues preliminary approval.
Choose your office or flexi-desk: Select a physical office, co-working space, or virtual office package depending on your visa and operational needs.
Pay license fees and receive your license: Finalise payment and collect your Business License.
Apply for visas: Investor and employee visas are processed through the free zone authority.
Compliance Requirements
Architectural and engineering consultancies operating in Dubai may also need to register with the Dubai Municipality or the relevant emirate-level engineering authority if they wish to sign off on projects within the UAE. Professional qualification verification is typically required for licensed engineers and architects practising locally.
Costs to Expect
Cost Component | Indicative Range (AED) |
|---|---|
Business License fee | From 12,500 per year |
Registration and administration | 2,000 to 5,000 |
Flexi-desk or office space | From 10,000 per year |
Investor visa (per person) | 3,500 to 6,000 |
Total first-year costs typically range from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 depending on office type and visa requirements. Margins for engineering consultancies can be strong, with project-based fees often ranging from 3% to 8% of total construction value.
Who This License Suits
This license is well-matched to:
Independent architects and engineers seeking a UAE base
International consultancy firms opening a regional office
Technical advisory businesses serving GCC infrastructure clients
BIM specialists and construction technology consultants
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