Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hotel Consultancy licence activity code 7020.70 actually permit you to do
Activity code 7020.70 falls under Management Consultancy Activities and covers advisory services directed specifically at hotel and hospitality businesses. The permitted scope includes operational strategy, revenue management advice, pre-opening consultancy, brand positioning, and staff structure planning.
It is a professional services category — not an operational or property-based one. If you are advising a hotel group on how to perform better commercially or operationally, this is the correct activity for your licence.
What is NOT covered by the Hotel Consultancy licence in Dubai
The 7020.70 activity code does not cover hotel ownership, property management, or travel agency functions. Each of those requires a separate, distinct licence from the relevant Dubai authority.
Conflating these activities under a single Hotel Consultancy licence is a compliance risk that regulators are likely to flag at renewal. It is important to ensure your actual business activities match the permitted scope of your licence from day one.
Should a hotel consultant set up on the mainland or in a free zone in Dubai
The right jurisdiction depends on your client base and operational model. A mainland licence issued through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows you to contract directly with UAE hotels, government entities, and any local business without restriction — making it the better choice if your pipeline is dominated by UAE-based or government clients.
A free zone licence — such as one from Meydan Free Zone — offers 100% foreign ownership, faster setup, lower base costs, and no currency restrictions. It suits consultants whose work is regional, international, or delivered remotely across the GCC and beyond.
Free zone entities can still serve UAE mainland clients through a properly structured service agreement, though direct mainland trading requires either a branch or a separate mainland entity. For most solo consultants and small advisory firms, free zone setup is commercially sufficient.
How long does it take to get a Hotel Consultancy licence in Dubai
Licence issuance timelines vary by jurisdiction. At Meydan Free Zone, the typical issuance time is 3–5 working days, and the licence is delivered digitally, making it one of the faster options available in Dubai.
Mainland licences issued through the DET portal may take longer depending on document completeness and any additional approvals required. Following the application steps in sequence — without missing documentation — is the most effective way to avoid delays.
What is the paid-up capital requirement for a Hotel Consultancy licence
At Meydan Free Zone, there is no paid-up capital requirement for a Hotel Consultancy licence. This makes it an accessible option for independent consultants and small advisory firms that do not want to lock capital into a statutory requirement at the point of incorporation.
Capital requirements can differ across other free zones and on the mainland, so it is worth confirming the specific requirements of whichever jurisdiction you choose before submitting your application.
What documents are needed to apply for a Hotel Consultancy licence in Dubai
The core documents required include passport copies of all shareholders and directors, Emirates ID if you are already a UAE resident, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) where applicable. You will also need to confirm your chosen business activity (ISIC code 7020.70) and your proposed company name.
For the corporate bank account opened after licensing, you will additionally need your trade licence, shareholder documents, and a business plan summary. Banks typically take two to four weeks to complete account opening, so it is advisable to begin that process promptly after receiving your licence.
What are the office space options for a Hotel Consultancy licence and how do they affect visas
Free zones such as Meydan typically offer flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated unit packages. The office space category you select directly affects your visa quota — the number of investor or employment visas you can apply for under the licence.
Mainland licences require a physical tenancy contract registered through Ejari, Dubai's official rental registration system. Choosing the right office package from the outset is important if you plan to bring in staff or co-founders, as upgrading later can add time and cost to the process.
Does corporate tax apply to hotel consultancy businesses in Dubai and what is the threshold
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax that applies to business profits. The tax threshold is AED 375,000, as set by the Federal Tax Authority — meaning taxable income below this figure is effectively subject to a zero rate, which benefits smaller consultancy operations and solo practitioners in their early years.
Profits above AED 375,000 are subject to the standard corporate tax rate. Hotel consultants operating in free zones should also confirm whether their specific free zone and activity qualify for any applicable free zone tax benefits under current UAE tax legislation.
Hotel Consultancy License in Dubai
Dubai's hospitality sector is one of the most active commercial environments in the region, and hotel consultants operating here need the right licence structure before they can bill a single client. This guide covers what the Hotel Consultants activity (ISIC code 7020.70) covers, where to set up, and how to get licensed efficiently in Dubai.
What the Hotel Consultancy Licence Covers
Activity code 7020.70 sits under Management Consultancy Activities — specifically advisory services directed at hotel and hospitality businesses. It is a professional services category, not an operational or property-based one.
The permitted scope under this activity includes operational strategy, revenue management advice, pre-opening consultancy, brand positioning, and staff structure planning. If you are advising a hotel group on how to run better, this is your activity.
What it does not cover: hotel ownership, property management, or travel agency functions. Those require separate, distinct licences. Conflating them is a compliance risk that regulators will flag at renewal.
This activity is relevant to independent consultants, boutique advisory firms, and international hospitality groups establishing a UAE base to serve regional clients.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dubai overnight visitors (2023) | 17.15 million — Dubai Tourism |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted in free zones |
| Paid-up capital requirement | None at Meydan Free Zone |
| Typical licence issuance time | 3–5 working days (Meydan Free Zone) |
| Corporate tax threshold | AED 375,000 — Federal Tax Authority |
| ISIC activity code | 7020.70 — Hotel Consultants |
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowMainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
A mainland licence issued through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows you to contract directly with UAE hotels, government entities, and any local business without restriction. If your pipeline is dominated by UAE-based hotel groups or government tourism bodies, mainland is the appropriate structure.
A free zone licence — Meydan Free Zone being a practical and cost-efficient option — gives you 100% foreign ownership, faster setup, lower base costs, and no currency restrictions. It suits consultants whose work is regional, international, or delivered remotely to clients across the GCC and beyond.
Free zone entities can still serve UAE mainland clients through a properly structured service agreement. Direct mainland trading, however, requires either a branch or a separate mainland entity. For most solo consultants and small advisory firms, free zone setup is commercially sufficient and operationally simpler from day one.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Step-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is linear. Follow it in sequence and you avoid the back-and-forth that delays most applications.
- Step 1 — Choose jurisdiction: Decide between mainland (DET) or free zone (Meydan Free Zone) based on your client base, operational model, and budget.
- Step 2 — Reserve trade name: Must comply with UAE naming conventions. No reference to government bodies, no offensive terms, no names already registered.
- Step 3 — Submit application: Provide passport copy, visa status, business activity selection (7020.70), and proposed company name to the relevant authority.
- Step 4 — Select office package: Free zones offer flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated unit. Mainland requires a physical tenancy contract registered via Ejari.
- Step 5 — Pay licence fee and receive trade licence: Meydan Free Zone issues the licence digitally. Mainland licences are issued through the DET portal.
- Step 6 — Open a corporate bank account: Requires your trade licence, shareholder documents, and a business plan summary. Allow two to four weeks depending on the bank.
- Step 7 — Apply for visa(s): Investor or employment visas are tied to the licence. Visa quota depends on office space category.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseDocuments Required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- No Objection Certificate — mainland only, if currently employed under a separate visa
- Completed application form from the chosen authority
Costs, Visas, and Ongoing Compliance
Meydan Free Zone licence fees start from approximately AED 12,500 per year, inclusive of one visa allocation. Confirm current pricing directly with the authority, as fee structures are updated periodically.
Mainland licence costs are higher when you aggregate DET activity approval, trade name registration, and Ejari. Budget accordingly if mainland contracting is a commercial requirement rather than a preference.
Annual licence renewal is mandatory. Late renewal attracts fines and can affect the validity of visas tied to the licence — a practical disruption that is entirely avoidable.
On tax: the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax from June 2023, administered by the Federal Tax Authority. Qualifying income below AED 375,000 remains at a 0% rate, but any hotel consultancy operating as a registered business must register with the FTA regardless of revenue level. Engage a qualified tax adviser before you start billing.
Conclusion
A hotel consultancy licence in Dubai under activity code 7020.70 is straightforward to obtain. The key decisions are jurisdiction, office type, and visa requirements — everything else follows from those three choices. Free zone setup via Meydan suits most independent consultants and small advisory firms. Mainland is worth the additional cost and administrative overhead if your clients are UAE government entities or large hotel groups that require local contracting relationships.
Use the cost calculator to estimate your setup costs, or speak directly with a setup adviser to confirm the right structure for your consultancy.
