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 License (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 | License Type: Business License

• UAE Corporate Tax introduced at 9% in June 2023

• VAT at 5% in force since January 2018

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

• License 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 License 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 License 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 license 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 License Suits

The Tax Consultant Business License 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 license 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 license 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 licenses in most Dubai free zones, which reduces the initial financial commitment significantly.

The process for obtaining your license 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 license and registration fees as confirmed by the free zone authority.

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

Once all documents are in order and fees are paid, the license 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 license in good standing requires attention to several ongoing obligations:

• Annual license renewal and submission of an updated trade license 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 license holders, allowing practitioners to focus on building their client base rather than navigating complex bureaucracy.

Related Activities

• Accounting Auditing & Tax Services Business License

• Preparation Of Personal And Business Income Tax Returns Business License

• Advisory Activities And Representation On Behalf Of Clients Before Tax Authorities Business License