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 licence (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 Licence 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 licence type is a Business Licence under the Professional category, issued through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. Its scope is deliberately broad, allowing licence 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 licence 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 Licence Suits

The Other Technical Consulting licence 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 licence with access to a globally connected free zone ecosystem

The licence 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)

• Licence Type: Business Licence, Category: Professional

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted

• Licence 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. Licence 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 licence 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 licence fee

• Receive your business licence, typically within 3 to 7 working days for complete applications

Ongoing compliance requirements include annual licence 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 licence 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 licence application and receive a tailored cost estimate for your consulting activity.

References

• UAE Federal Tax Authority: Corporate Tax Overview

• Dubai South Free Zone: Official Business Setup

• UAE Ministry of Economy: Commercial Companies Law

• Dubai Economic Agenda D33