Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hospitality Management Consultancy licence activity code in Dubai
The Hospitality Management Consultancy licence in Dubai is registered under activity code 7020.17, which sits within ISIC Division 70 — Management Consultancy Activities. It is specifically scoped to advisory services delivered to businesses operating in the hospitality sector.
The licence is classified as a professional licence, meaning it is issued on the basis of demonstrated expertise rather than the trading of physical goods. This classification applies whether you set up on the mainland or within a free zone.
What services are permitted under activity code 7020.17
Under activity code 7020.17, permitted services include hotel operations advisory, F&B concept development, revenue management consulting, guest experience strategy, and staff training frameworks. The licence covers advisory and consultancy engagements rather than operational control of a property.
It is important to note that direct hotel management contracts and property ownership are not permitted under this licence. If your engagement involves operational control of a hospitality business rather than advice, you will need a different or additional licence category approved by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or DTCM.
Who is the Hospitality Management Consultancy licence suitable for
This licence is designed for independent hospitality consultants relocating to Dubai, boutique advisory firms serving GCC hotel and F&B markets, and international consultancy groups looking to establish a UAE base.
Typical clients served under this licence include hotel developers, resort operators, restaurant groups, airline catering firms, and tourism authorities across the GCC region. If your business model centres on selling expertise and strategic advice to hospitality operators, this licence is the appropriate starting point.
Should I set up on the mainland or in a free zone for this licence
The right jurisdiction depends on your client base and commercial priorities. A mainland (DED) licence gives you full access to the UAE market, including the ability to contract directly with government entities and large local hotel groups, but it requires a local service agent and typically takes two to four weeks to set up.
A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership, no currency restrictions, faster incorporation, and flexi-desk eligibility. For consultants working regionally or internationally, a free zone professional licence under activity 7020.17 is often the more practical and cost-effective starting point. Meydan Free Zone is highlighted as a strong cost-to-benefit option for hospitality consultancy firms.
How long does it take to incorporate a Hospitality Management Consultancy company in Dubai
Incorporation timelines vary by jurisdiction. At Meydan Free Zone, the process typically takes 3–7 working days, making it one of the faster options available in Dubai for this licence type.
A mainland DED setup generally takes two to four weeks due to the additional approvals required. Preparing your documents in advance and confirming your activity scope before submitting can help avoid delays regardless of which jurisdiction you choose.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for this licence
There is no mandatory minimum share capital for the Hospitality Management Consultancy licence at the federal level, though requirements can vary depending on the specific free zone you choose. Most free zones, including Meydan Free Zone, do not impose a minimum share capital for professional licences of this type.
It is advisable to confirm the exact requirements with your chosen free zone or mainland authority before proceeding, as capital requirements can change and may differ between jurisdictions such as DMCC, DIFC, or Dubai South.
Can I sponsor visas under a Hospitality Management Consultancy licence
Yes, visa eligibility applies to this licence. Holders can sponsor both investor visas and employee visas, allowing you to build a team and establish a genuine operational presence in Dubai.
The number of visas available to your company typically depends on the size of your office space and the specific free zone or mainland authority rules. A flexi-desk arrangement, which is eligible in most free zones for this licence type, usually comes with a defined visa allocation that suits small consultancy teams.
What are the alternatives to Meydan Free Zone for setting up this licence
Several other free zones in Dubai can issue a professional licence under activity 7020.17, including DMCC, DIFC, and Dubai South. Each offers its own advantages in terms of location, network, and prestige.
However, these alternatives generally carry higher cost structures than Meydan Free Zone. Unless your client base specifically requires a presence in one of those jurisdictions — for example, financial services clients who prefer DIFC-based advisors — Meydan Free Zone is positioned as the stronger value option for hospitality consultancy firms entering the Dubai market.
Hospitality Management Consultancy License in Dubai
Dubai's hospitality sector generated over AED 30 billion in revenue in 2023, and the operators, hotel groups, and F&B investors behind that growth increasingly rely on specialist consultants to navigate an increasingly complex market. Whether you are an independent advisor, a boutique firm, or an international consultancy establishing a UAE base, the right licence structure matters from day one.
This guide covers what the Hospitality Management Consultancy licence (activity code 7020.17) covers, who it suits, how to set it up in Dubai, and what it realistically costs.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Code | 7020.17 |
| Activity Name | Hospitality Management Consultancy |
| ISIC Classification | ISIC 7020 — Management Consultancy Activities |
| Licence Type | Professional / Consultancy |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum (free zone dependent) |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes — investor and employee visas |
| Office Requirement | Flexi-desk eligible in most free zones |
| Time to Incorporate | 3–7 working days (Meydan Free Zone) |
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Calculate NowWhat This Licence Covers
Activity code 7020.17 sits within ISIC Division 70 — Management Consultancy Activities, specifically scoped to advisory services delivered to hospitality businesses. Under this licence, permitted activities include hotel operations advisory, F&B concept development, revenue management consulting, guest experience strategy, and staff training frameworks.
It does not permit direct hotel management contracts or property ownership. Those arrangements require separate approvals from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing authority (DTCM). The distinction matters — if your engagement involves operational control rather than advice, you will need a different or additional licence category.
Clients typically include hotel developers, resort operators, restaurant groups, airline catering firms, and tourism authorities across the GCC. The licence is classified as professional, which means it is issued on the basis of expertise rather than trading in goods.
For the full activity classification reference, see the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED).
Who This Licence Is For
- Independent hospitality consultants relocating to Dubai
- Boutique advisory firms serving GCC hotel and F&B markets
- International consultancy groups establishing a UAE base
Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision shapes your cost structure, client access, and ownership rights — so it is worth getting right before you proceed.
Mainland (DED): Gives you full access to the UAE market, including the ability to contract directly with government entities and large local hotel groups. Professional licences on the mainland require a local service agent, which adds a fixed annual fee. Setup takes longer — typically two to four weeks with approvals — but the commercial reach is broader.
Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone): Offers 100% foreign ownership, no currency restrictions, faster incorporation, and flexi-desk options. For consultants working regionally or internationally, a free zone professional licence under activity 7020.17 is the practical starting point. Meydan Free Zone is centrally located in Dubai and issues professional licences for this activity with minimal friction.
DMCC, DIFC, and Dubai South are viable alternatives but carry higher cost structures. Unless your client base specifically requires those jurisdictions, Meydan Free Zone offers a strong cost-to-benefit ratio for hospitality consultancy firms.
Reference: Meydan Free Zone
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Get Your LicenseStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is straightforward if you prepare your documents in advance and confirm your activity scope before submitting.
Step 1 — Confirm your activity. Verify that 7020.17 accurately reflects your service scope. If your work spans multiple disciplines — say, HR consulting alongside hospitality advisory — you may need additional activity codes.
Step 2 — Choose your jurisdiction. For most solo consultants and small advisory firms, a free zone professional licence is the practical starting point. Mainland suits those targeting government contracts or large local hotel operators directly.
Step 3 — Reserve your trade name. Use the DED Name Reservation portal or the relevant free zone authority. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions — no offensive terms, no reference to religion or governance bodies.
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Check NowStep 4 — Submit incorporation documents. Standard requirements include passport copies for all shareholders and managers, a CV or professional profile, a summary business plan, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) if you are currently on a UAE residence visa.
Step 5 — Sign your licence agreement and office lease. Pay the licence and registration fees. A flexi-desk arrangement satisfies the physical address requirement in most free zones.
Step 6 — Receive your licence and apply for visas. Once the licence is issued, apply for your establishment card and investor or employee visas through the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA.
Step 7 — Open a corporate bank account. Shortlist banks with appetite for consultancy-sector clients. Expect a two-to-six week process depending on the bank and your documentation.
Documents Required
- Passport copy (all shareholders and managers)
- Emirates ID copy (if UAE resident)
- Proof of address
- No-objection certificate if transferring from an existing UAE visa
Typical timeline: 3–7 working days for free zone incorporation; 2–4 weeks for mainland with all approvals in place.
Costs and Ongoing Compliance
Costs vary by jurisdiction and package, but the following figures are a reliable working range for budgeting purposes.
- Free zone professional licence: AED 12,000–20,000 per year depending on zone and package
- Mainland DED professional licence: AED 15,000–25,000 including local service agent fee
- Visa costs: AED 3,500–5,500 per visa (investor or employment)
- Annual renewal: Licence fee plus any office lease renewal — budget for this from year one
VAT: Registration is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, and voluntary from AED 187,500. Hospitality consultancy services are standard-rated at 5%. Maintain clean invoicing and records from the outset.
Corporate Tax: UAE CT at 9% applies on taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023. Consultancy firms are not exempt. If your billings are material, engage an accountant early.
Reference: Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
Conclusion
A Hospitality Management Consultancy licence under activity code 7020.17 is a clean, professional-category licence suited to advisors and boutique firms serving Dubai and the wider GCC hospitality market. Free zone setup is fast and cost-effective; mainland suits those targeting government or large local hotel contracts directly. Compliance obligations — VAT, corporate tax, annual renewal — are straightforward if managed from day one.
If you are ready to set up or want a cost breakdown specific to your structure, use the calculator below or speak directly with the Meydan Free Zone team.
