Apply for a Tax Consultant Business License in Dubai

As the UAE's tax landscape matures with VAT, corporate tax, and evolving compliance obligations, demand for qualified tax consultants has never been stronger. This guide explains how to obtain a Tax Consultant Business Licence (Activity Code 6920.95) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering costs, steps, and why Dubai is the ideal base for this professional service.

Key Stats at a Glance

• Activity Code: 6920.95 | Category: Professional | Licence Type: Business Licence

• UAE Corporate Tax introduced at 9% in June 2023

• VAT at 5% in force since January 2018

• Licence fees: AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per year

• Licence issuance: 3 to 7 working days

• Foreign ownership: 100% permitted, no local sponsor required

• No personal income tax in the UAE

Dubai's Tax Consultancy Market: Why Now

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax in June 2023, creating immediate and sustained demand for professional advisory services. Thousands of businesses operating across the Emirates are now navigating new filing obligations, transfer pricing rules, and exemption criteria for the first time, and they need qualified guidance to do so correctly.

VAT at 5% has been in force since 2018, and ongoing compliance requirements continue to generate consistent work for tax consultants advising registered businesses on returns, reclaims, and audits. The cumulative effect of these two major tax regimes has transformed the UAE's professional services landscape.

Dubai South positions its free zone as a global business hub, attracting multinationals, SMEs, and start-ups that all require tax guidance as they establish or scale their regional operations. Across the wider GCC, regulatory complexity is increasing steadily, and Dubai-based consultancies are well placed to serve clients throughout the region. For qualified professionals, the timing to enter this market is highly favourable.

What the Tax Consultant Licence Covers

Activity Code 6920.95 falls under the Professional category and permits the holder to provide tax planning, advisory, and compliance services to corporate and individual clients. In practical terms, this includes VAT registration support, corporate tax filing assistance, transfer pricing advice, and tax health checks for businesses reviewing their exposure under the new regime.

The Business Licence type allows the holder to operate under a free zone entity with 100% foreign ownership, meaning no local partner is required and profits can be repatriated in full. This makes it particularly attractive for international practitioners establishing a UAE presence.

It is important to note that this licence does not extend to statutory audit or formal accounting services. Practitioners wishing to offer those activities alongside tax consultancy would need to include additional activity codes in their application. Confirming the precise scope of intended services before submitting an application will help avoid delays.

Who This Licence Suits

The Tax Consultant Business Licence under Activity Code 6920.95 is well suited to a broad range of professionals and organisations, including:

• Qualified tax professionals relocating to the UAE or expanding an existing practice into the region

• Accounting firms wishing to add a dedicated tax consultancy arm within a free zone structure

• International advisory boutiques seeking a GCC base with the benefit of full foreign ownership

• Freelance tax specialists requiring a formal licence to contract with corporate clients on a compliant basis

Whether you are an individual practitioner or an established firm, the free zone structure at Dubai South offers a scalable and cost-effective foundation for professional services delivery.

Setup Costs and Licensing Steps at Dubai South Business Hub

Typical free zone licence fees at Dubai South range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per year, depending on the package and office option selected. Additional costs to factor into your budget include registration fees, visa fees for resident staff, and any notarisation or attestation charges for submitted documents. There is no minimum share capital requirement for professional licences in most Dubai free zones, which reduces the initial financial commitment significantly.

The process for obtaining your licence follows four clear steps:

• Step 1: Choose your business activity and confirm Activity Code 6920.95 as the relevant classification for tax consultancy services.

• Step 2: Submit your application with supporting documents, including passport copies, a curriculum vitae, and evidence of professional qualifications.

• Step 3: Pay the applicable licence and registration fees as confirmed by the free zone authority.

• Step 4: Receive your licence certificate and proceed to open a corporate bank account to begin trading.

Once all documents are in order and fees are paid, the licence is typically issued within 3 to 7 working days. Dubai South offers flexi-desk, shared office, and dedicated office facilities within the free zone, giving applicants the flexibility to select an arrangement that suits their budget and operational needs.

Key Compliance Requirements

Maintaining your licence in good standing requires attention to several ongoing obligations:

• Annual licence renewal and submission of an updated trade licence certificate

• Registration with the UAE Federal Tax Authority may be required if you are advising clients on VAT or corporate tax matters in a formal capacity

• Professional indemnity insurance is strongly recommended for all client-facing advisory work

• Valid visa quotas and Emirates ID must be maintained for all resident staff members

Why Dubai South Free Zone for Tax Consultants

Dubai South's proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport makes it straightforward to serve clients across the GCC and beyond, whether through in-person meetings or regional travel. The free zone's strategic location within the Expo City district means it sits at the heart of an area actively attracting global enterprises, creating a ready and growing client base on the doorstep.

The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation and no personal income tax, conditions that are highly competitive by international standards. Streamlined digital onboarding and single-window government services reduce the administrative burden on new licence holders, allowing practitioners to focus on building their client base rather than navigating complex bureaucracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Tax Consultant Business Licence cost at Dubai South?

Licence fees typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 per year, depending on the office package selected. Additional costs include registration fees, visa fees, and notarisation charges.

Can a foreign national own 100% of a tax consultancy in Dubai South?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor or partner.

Which regulatory approvals are needed for Activity Code 6920.95?

The primary approval comes from the Dubai South Free Zone Authority. Depending on the scope of services offered, registration with the UAE Federal Tax Authority as a tax agent may also be required.

How long does it take to receive the licence?

Once all documents are submitted and fees are paid, the licence is typically issued within 3 to 7 working days.

What profit margins can a tax consultancy expect in Dubai?

Margins vary widely by service type and client profile. Boutique tax advisory firms in the UAE commonly report net margins of 20% to 40%, driven by strong demand and relatively low operating costs in a free zone environment.

Can a Dubai South tax consultancy serve clients outside the UAE?

Yes. Free zone entities may provide professional services to clients across the GCC and internationally. Cross-border advisory work is a common and permitted activity under this licence.

Is a physical office required to obtain this licence?

Dubai South offers flexi-desk options that satisfy the registered address requirement without the cost of a dedicated office, making it accessible for sole practitioners and small teams.

Do tax consultants need to register with the UAE Federal Tax Authority?

Tax agents advising clients on VAT or corporate tax matters before the Federal Tax Authority must register as approved tax agents. This is a separate process from obtaining the free zone business licence and carries its own eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

A Tax Consultant Business Licence under Activity Code 6920.95 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers qualified professionals a straightforward, cost-effective route into one of the region's fastest-growing advisory markets, with full foreign ownership, minimal bureaucracy, and a strategic location that supports both local and cross-border client work. Contact Dubai South Business Hub today to confirm your eligibility, receive a tailored cost breakdown, and begin your licence application.

References

• UAE Federal Tax Authority: Corporate Tax Overview

• UAE Federal Tax Authority: Value Added Tax

• Dubai South Free Zone: Business Setup

• UAE Government Portal: Taxation

• UAE Federal Tax Authority: Registered Tax Agents