Introduction
Dubai's position as a global business hub makes it one of the most strategic locations in the world for technical consulting firms seeking access to high-growth markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Whether you are an independent specialist or an international advisory firm looking to establish a regional presence, understanding the licensing framework is the essential first step.
This guide explains how to obtain an Other Technical Consulting business license (Activity Code 7490.11) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering costs, setup steps, and compliance requirements so you can move forward with confidence.
What the Other Technical Consulting License Covers
Activity Code 7490.11 falls under the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) category of professional, scientific, and technical activities not elsewhere classified. This classification is specifically designed to capture specialised advisory services that sit outside the more commonly defined engineering or information technology consulting categories.
The license type is a Business License under the Professional category, issued through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. Its scope is deliberately broad, allowing license holders to offer niche technical assessments, feasibility studies, specialist project consulting, and cross-disciplinary advisory services to clients across sectors. This flexibility makes it particularly well suited to consultants working at the intersection of multiple technical disciplines, where a single-sector license would be too restrictive. The professional category designation also signals credibility to clients and partners operating in regulated industries.
Why Dubai and Dubai South Are Well-Positioned for Technical Consulting
The UAE accounts for over 50% of the region's professional services demand, and the consulting sector has grown consistently since 2020 as governments and corporates across the Gulf accelerate infrastructure, sustainability, and diversification programmes. This sustained demand creates a strong commercial environment for specialist technical advisers.
Dubai South Free Zone occupies a strategically significant location adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, which is currently the world's largest planned airport. This connectivity provides consulting firms with direct access to clients, partners, and talent across the GCC, Africa, and South Asia without the logistical friction that can affect businesses based in more congested urban zones.
Following the 2021 amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is permitted across free zone entities, removing the historical requirement for a local sponsor. The UAE also maintains double taxation treaties with more than 130 countries, reducing the fiscal burden on cross-border consulting engagements. National strategies including UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 continue to drive sustained demand for specialist technical advisory services across both public and private sectors.
Who This License Suits
The Other Technical Consulting license is well matched to a wide range of professionals and organisations, including:
Independent technical consultants and boutique advisory firms operating in niche or cross-disciplinary fields
International consulting companies establishing a regional headquarters or representative office in the Middle East
Professionals working in environmental consulting, industrial process advisory, materials science, quality assurance, and related specialisms
Entrepreneurs seeking a low-overhead professional license with access to a globally connected free zone ecosystem
The license structure is particularly attractive for those who do not require a large physical footprint but need a credible, compliant base from which to serve international clients.
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 7490.11 (Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities)
License Type: Business License, Category: Professional
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
License Fees: From approximately AED 12,000 per year
Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days for complete applications
Corporate Tax: 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000 (qualifying free zone income may attract 0%)
Double Taxation Treaties: 130-plus countries
Setup Costs, Steps, and Licensing Requirements
Setting up an Other Technical Consulting company at Dubai South is a structured and relatively straightforward process. License fees typically start from approximately AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year, depending on the package selected and the type of office facility required. Total first-year costs, including visa fees and administrative charges, commonly range from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000.
There is no minimum share capital requirement for most professional license categories at Dubai South, which significantly reduces the initial financial barrier for new entrants. The free zone offers flexi-desk, shared office, and dedicated office options, allowing businesses to select a facility that matches their operational scale and budget.
The core setup steps are as follows:
Select the appropriate business activity (7490.11) and confirm it aligns with your intended services
Reserve a trade name in accordance with UAE naming conventions
Submit your application with the required documentation and pay the license fee
Receive your business license, typically within 3 to 7 working days for complete applications
Ongoing compliance requirements include annual license renewal, Emirates ID for resident shareholders, and opening a UAE corporate bank account. From June 2023, a 9% UAE corporate tax applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000, though free zone entities earning qualifying income may be eligible for a 0% preferential rate subject to meeting prescribed conditions under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Completed application form and proposed trade name
No-objection letter if the applicant currently holds an existing UAE residency visa
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the nature of the consulting activity or the applicant's nationality. Engaging a registered business setup adviser can help ensure all paperwork is in order before submission, reducing the risk of delays.
Conclusion
An Other Technical Consulting business license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers foreign entrepreneurs and established firms a cost-effective, strategically located base from which to deliver specialist advisory services across global markets. With 100% foreign ownership, no minimum share capital, a fast setup timeline, and access to one of the world's most connected logistics hubs, the barriers to entry are genuinely low. The combination of UAE tax efficiency, an extensive treaty network, and strong regional demand creates a compelling commercial case for technical consultants at every stage of growth.
Contact a registered business setup adviser today to begin your Dubai South license application and receive a tailored cost estimate for your consulting activity.
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