Business Insights

Manula Ranasinghe
How to Start an Immigration Consultancy Business in Dubai
How to Start an Immigration Consultancy Business in Dubai

An immigration consultancy business can be established at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone from AED 12,500, offering a structured entry into one of the UAE’s most consistently in-demand service sectors. The UAE processes millions of residency applications, work permits, and visa transactions annually. With over 88% of residents being expatriates, professional immigration advisory, document services, typing centres, and PRO support remain in steady demand. For consultants with deep knowledge of UAE visa categories and government procedures, this is a professionally rewarding and commercially active sector.
Before applying, it is important to understand how immigration consultancy operates within the UAE regulatory framework. Advisory, document processing, and government transaction facilitation are the primary service types. Legal representation before immigration authorities is separate and requires a licensed law firm.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides the licensing framework for consultancy, document services, and PRO facilitation activities. All client-facing services are carried out independently by the licensed company.
For a full walkthrough of the digital setup process at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, see the online company registration in Dubai guide.
Get Your Immigration Consultancy License
Professional licenses for immigration and document services at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start at AED 12,500. Your total setup costs will depend on your specific visa requirements and workspace configuration.
Before finalizing your application, we recommend using the name check tool to verify your company name meets UAE regulations and the Cost Calculator for a full itemised estimate. For personalized guidance on the licensing process, please contact our team.
Key Business Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
7020.16 Public Relation Services
7020.67 Public Relations Management
7310.12 Public Relations Consultancy
8219.01 Document Preparation
8219.02 Document Editing or Proofreading
8219.03 Typing, Word Processing, or Desktop Publishing
8219.04 Secretarial Support Services
8219.05 Transcription of Documents and Secretarial Services
7490.01 Translation and Interpretation Activities
7490.91 Translation, Editing and Proofreading Services
8299.96 Document Verification Follow-Up Services
8299.97 Documents and Data Verification Services
7020.01 Marketing, Public Relations & Communication Consultancy
Public Relation Services - 7020.16 / 7020.67 / 7310.12
Public Relation Services (7020.16) and Public Relations Management (7020.67) cover Government Relations and PRO services in the UAE context. They authorize your firm to manage official transactions, liaise with government authorities, and handle document attestations on behalf of your corporate and individual clients. By including Public Relations Consultancy (7310.12), you add a strategic advisory dimension to your service offering. All three carry no pre-approval requirements.
You could operate as a dedicated corporate PRO firm, managing the entire lifecycle of trade license renewals, visa applications, work permit submissions, attestation, and Emirates ID registrations for a portfolio of multinational companies. Your firm acts as the expert bridge between the client and the government, ensuring all administrative submissions are accurate and timely. Clients usually pay a monthly retainer to avoid managing these complex processes in-house.
Third-Party Approval: None. | AML / DNFBP: Exempt.
Document Services - 8219 Series
Document Preparation (8219.01), Document Editing (8219.02), Typing and Word Processing (8219.03), Secretarial Support Services (8219.04), and Transcription of Documents (8219.05) cover the document support services that immigration and typing centre businesses provide. These activities allow you to format application forms, process typed submissions, and provide secretarial support.
This license is ideal for high-volume typing centres processing visa applications, residency forms, attestation requests, and government submissions for individual and corporate clients, providing fast and accurate document processing as a standalone service or as part of a broader immigration consultancy.
Third-Party Approval: None. | AML / DNFBP: Exempt.
Translation Services - 7490.01 / 7490.91
Translation and Interpretation Activities (7490.01) and Translation, Editing and Proofreading Services (7490.91) cover professional language services. Immigration processes in the UAE frequently require certified Arabic translations of foreign documents including birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic qualifications, and legal papers. These activities support businesses offering multilingual documentation services required for immigration, legal, and administrative processes.
Third-Party Approval: None for 7490.01 and 7490.91. | AML / DNFBP: Exempt.
Note: Legal Translation (7490.86) requires Ministry of Justice approval.
Document Verification - 8299.96 / 8299.97
Document Verification Follow-Up Services (8299.96) and Documents and Data Verification Services (8299.97) cover tracking, following up on document status with government authorities, and verifying document authenticity. These codes are particularly relevant for consultancies handling high volumes of applications and requiring structured follow-up processes.
Third-Party Approval: None. | AML / DNFBP: Exempt.
Setting Up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Our licensing process is built for efficiency, allowing you to transition from applicant to business owner in a fully digital process. We suggest all founders first consult the business activities list to confirm their activity selection. Since immigration and PRO codes carry no external pre-approval requirements, eligible applications are typically licensed within one business day.
Once your license is issued, our Beyond Hub platform streamlines all your operational needs. From coordinating your UAE residence visas and Emirates ID to facilitating corporate bank account introductions, we ensure your firm is ready to receive clients without delay. This integrated approach allows you to focus on building your client relationships while we handle the administrative heavy lifting.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, zero paid-up capital, zero personal income tax, and full profit repatriation. Located within a master-planned development with a more than 50,000 residential and business population, it provides a strong base for immigration consultancies serving both individual and corporate clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much does an immigration consultancy license cost in Dubai?
Business license pricing at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500. All immigration consultancy, document services, and PRO service codes carry no pre-approval requirements. Eligible applications are typically licensed within one business day. To see how your total first-year costs are impacted by your office and visa choices, use our Cost Calculator for an instant estimate.
Q2. Do I need qualifications to set up an immigration consultancy?
Q3. Can I process visa applications for clients?
Q4. Can I provide PRO services with this license?
Q5. Can a foreigner own an immigration consultancy in Dubai?
Q6. Can I offer translation alongside immigration services?
Q7. How long does an immigration consultancy license take?
Q8. Do I need a physical office for an immigration consultancy?
Q9. Is VAT required for immigration consultancy services?
Q10. How do I start an immigration consultancy at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone?
Start Your Business with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Start Your Business with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
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