Apply for a Feasibility Studies Consultancies Business License in Dubai

As Dubai accelerates its economic diversification agenda under the D33 plan, demand for rigorous feasibility analysis has never been stronger across real estate, logistics, energy, and technology sectors. Obtaining a Feasibility Studies Consultancies Business Licence (Activity Code 7020.68) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone gives consultants a professional, 100% foreign-owned platform to serve one of the world's fastest-growing advisory markets.

Key Stats at a Glance

• Activity Code: 7020.68 | Category: Professional | Licence Type: Business Licence

• UAE GDP: approximately AED 1.6 trillion in 2023, with non-oil sectors exceeding 70% of output

• Dubai South footprint: 145 square kilometres, master-planned around Al Maktoum International Airport

• D33 target: double Dubai's GDP by 2033

• Indicative first-year cost: AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 (excluding visa fees)

• Typical licence issuance timeline: 7 to 15 working days

• Foreign ownership: 100% permitted within the free zone

What the Licence Covers and Who It Suits

Activity Code 7020.68 under the Professional category authorises firms to conduct economic, financial, technical, and market feasibility studies for third-party clients. The scope is broad and commercially flexible, covering pre-investment analysis, project viability assessments, risk modelling, and sector-specific consultancy reports that inform capital allocation decisions for businesses, developers, and government entities.

The licence is well suited to independent consultants, boutique advisory firms, engineering practices diversifying into project appraisal, and multinational advisory groups seeking a compliant UAE base. Dubai South's proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City makes the location particularly advantageous for consultants specialising in logistics, aviation, and large-scale infrastructure feasibility work, where client proximity to major project sites translates directly into competitive advantage.

Dubai and Dubai South: Market Context

The UAE's GDP reached approximately AED 1.6 trillion in 2023, with non-oil sectors driving over 70% of total economic output. This structural shift creates sustained demand for bankable feasibility reports as developers, investors, and government agencies seek independent validation before committing capital to new projects.

Dubai South spans 145 square kilometres and is master-planned around what is designated to become the world's largest airport, generating a continuous pipeline of infrastructure and commercial projects that require credible feasibility input. The D33 Economic Agenda targets doubling Dubai's GDP by 2033, underpinning long-term and structural consultancy demand across virtually every sector of the economy.

Free zone status at Dubai South enables 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation, making it one of the most commercially attractive jurisdictions in the region for professional services firms.

Licence Requirements and Compliance

The Feasibility Studies Consultancies licence is classified as a Business Licence under the Professional category. No special external government approvals are required for Activity Code 7020.68, which simplifies and accelerates the setup process considerably compared with regulated financial or healthcare activities.

Applicants must hold or appoint a qualified professional with relevant academic credentials in economics, finance, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Standard documentation includes passport copies, a detailed business plan, proof of professional qualifications, and a No Objection Certificate where the applicant currently holds a UAE residence visa under another sponsor.

Annual licence renewal is mandatory. Firms must maintain a registered address or flexi-desk arrangement within Dubai South throughout the licence period to remain in good standing with the free zone authority.

Setup Steps and Indicative Costs

The process for establishing a Feasibility Studies Consultancies firm at Dubai South Business Hub is structured and straightforward:

• Step 1: Reserve a trade name and submit the initial application through the Dubai South Business Hub portal, confirming the intended business activity and shareholder structure.

• Step 2: Submit shareholder documents, professional qualification certificates, and a memorandum of association for multi-partner structures.

• Step 3: Pay licence and registration fees and receive initial approval, typically within three to five working days.

• Step 4: Sign a flexi-desk or office lease agreement within Dubai South, then collect the issued business licence.

Indicative first-year costs range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, covering licence fees, registration charges, and a flexi-desk package. Visa costs are additional, at approximately AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per visa depending on the type and processing route selected. The overall timeline from initial application to licence issuance is generally seven to fifteen working days for straightforward professional licence applications.

Why Dubai South Is a Strategic Base for Feasibility Consultants

Dubai South offers feasibility consultants access to a regional client base spanning the GCC, Africa, and South Asia, all reachable via Al Maktoum International Airport. The free zone hosts a growing cluster of aviation, logistics, e-commerce, and real estate developers, creating an on-site pipeline of potential clients who regularly commission feasibility studies as part of their project development cycles.

The free zone framework offers simplified corporate structuring, no currency restrictions, and an internationally recognised legal environment that instils confidence in overseas clients and joint venture partners. A growing ecosystem of professional services firms within Dubai South also supports collaboration and sub-contracting opportunities, enabling smaller consultancies to take on larger, multi-disciplinary mandates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical cost of setting up a Feasibility Studies Consultancies licence at Dubai South?

Indicative first-year costs range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, covering licence fees, registration, and a flexi-desk package. Visa processing costs approximately AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per visa. A registered business setup adviser can provide a tailored quote based on your specific shareholder structure and space requirements.

Can a foreign national own 100% of the company?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local UAE national shareholder or sponsor. This applies to both individual and corporate shareholders.

Are any external government approvals required for Activity Code 7020.68?

No special external government approvals are required for the Feasibility Studies Consultancies activity. The licence is issued directly by the Dubai South free zone authority, which simplifies and shortens the setup process.

How long does it take to receive the business licence?

For straightforward professional licence applications, the timeline from initial submission to licence issuance is generally seven to fifteen working days, subject to document completeness and payment clearance.

What profit margins can feasibility consultancies typically achieve in the UAE?

Profit margins vary significantly depending on project size, sector, and the firm's reputation. Boutique consultancies in the UAE commonly achieve net margins of 20% to 40% on individual project mandates, with larger, more complex feasibility studies commanding premium fees from institutional and government clients.

Can a Dubai South-licensed feasibility consultancy serve clients outside the UAE?

Yes. There are no restrictions on serving international clients from a Dubai South free zone licence. Consultants can deliver feasibility studies for projects across the GCC, Africa, South Asia, and beyond, and may repatriate 100% of their profits without restriction.

What facility options are available within Dubai South Business Hub?

Dubai South Business Hub offers flexi-desk arrangements, dedicated office suites, and co-working spaces. A registered address or flexi-desk is the minimum requirement for maintaining an active business licence, making this an accessible and cost-efficient option for sole practitioners and small teams.

What professional qualifications are needed to hold this licence?

At least one director or appointed professional must hold relevant academic credentials in economics, finance, engineering, or a related discipline. Copies of degree certificates and professional memberships should be included in the application documentation.

Conclusion

A Feasibility Studies Consultancies Business Licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a compliant, cost-efficient, and strategically located foundation for advisory professionals looking to capture demand across the UAE and the wider region. With 100% foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and a fast-growing client base driven by the D33 agenda, the opportunity for qualified consultants is compelling.

Contact the Dubai South Business Hub directly or speak with a registered business setup adviser to begin your application and receive a tailored cost estimate.

References and Citations

• Dubai South Official Website

• UAE Government Portal: UAE Economy Overview

• Dubai Future Foundation: D33 Dubai Economic Agenda

• UAE Ministry of Economy

• Statista: Economy of the UAE