Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activity code 7490.11 and what services does it cover in Dubai
Activity code 7490.11 is an ISIC classification for specialised technical advisory services that fall outside standard engineering, IT, or scientific research categories. It acts as a catch-all for niche technical expertise that no single professional discipline owns.
Typical services permitted under this licence include process optimisation consulting, industrial efficiency advisory, technical feasibility studies, materials consulting, and environmental technical advisory. Target clients span manufacturers, logistics operators, construction firms, government entities, and SMEs.
This is not a regulated professional licence in most cases, meaning no mandatory professional body registration applies — though your declared scope of activity must align with what you actually deliver.
How much does an Other Technical Consulting licence cost in Dubai
Initial licence costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the jurisdiction you choose (mainland or free zone) and the number of visas allocated to your licence package.
Annual renewal costs run between AED 8,000 and AED 18,000. Free zone setups such as Meydan Free Zone generally sit at the lower end of both ranges, particularly when using flexi-desk arrangements instead of a full tenancy contract.
Additional costs to factor in include trade name reservation fees, notarisation of your Memorandum of Association, and any visa application fees for yourself or staff members.
Should I set up an Other Technical Consulting business on the mainland or in a free zone
The right jurisdiction depends primarily on who your clients are. A mainland licence issued through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is required if you intend to contract directly with UAE government entities or local corporates without an intermediary, and it provides full UAE market access.
A free zone licence — for example through Meydan Free Zone — is better suited to international client advisory or remote delivery models. It offers lower setup costs, faster incorporation (3–7 working days), 100% foreign ownership, and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
If your clients are primarily outside the UAE or you operate a lean advisory model with minimal physical presence requirements, a free zone structure is almost always the more cost-efficient choice.
Can a foreigner own 100% of an Other Technical Consulting company in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for this activity under UAE Federal Law No. 26 of 2020, which reformed the commercial companies framework and removed the previous requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or partner in most business categories.
This applies to both mainland and free zone structures, making Dubai an accessible destination for international consultants and advisory firms looking to establish a fully owned entity without sharing equity with a local partner.
What is the VAT treatment for technical consulting services delivered from Dubai
VAT treatment depends on where your client is based. Consulting services exported outside the UAE are subject to a 0% VAT rate, making Dubai an efficient base for internationally focused advisory businesses.
If you are billing UAE-based clients, the standard 5% VAT rate applies. This treatment is confirmed by the Federal Tax Authority and should be factored into your pricing and invoicing structure from day one.
What is the corporate tax rate applicable to an Other Technical Consulting business in Dubai
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax rate on taxable income above AED 375,000, effective from June 2023. Income at or below this threshold is taxed at 0%, which benefits smaller or early-stage consulting operations significantly.
Free zone entities may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income provided they meet the relevant substance and activity requirements set out by the UAE Ministry of Finance. It is advisable to seek tax advice specific to your structure and revenue model.
How long does it take to set up an Other Technical Consulting licence in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A free zone licence can typically be incorporated in 3–7 working days, making it the faster option for consultants who need to begin operating quickly.
A mainland licence through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism generally takes 7–15 working days, partly due to additional steps such as Ejari-registered tenancy contract requirements and activity approvals managed through the DET.
Delays most commonly occur when steps are completed out of sequence — particularly around trade name reservation or Memorandum of Association notarisation — so following the process in order is important.
What are the key steps to obtaining an Other Technical Consulting licence in Dubai
The process begins with choosing your jurisdiction — mainland or free zone — based on your client base and operational model, as this determines every subsequent step. You then reserve a trade name, ensuring it complies with UAE naming conventions and does not reference religion, politics, or existing trademarks.
Next, you submit an initial approval application, explicitly declaring activity code 7490.11. It is critical that the declared scope aligns with the services you actually intend to deliver. Subsequent steps include notarising your Memorandum of Association, securing office space or a flexi-desk arrangement, and obtaining your final licence.
Skipping or reordering steps — particularly trade name reservation or MOA notarisation — is the most common cause of avoidable delays in the setup process.
Other Technical Consulting License in Dubai
Dubai's consulting economy is expanding fast — and activity code 7490.11 covers a broad, commercially valuable category of technical advisory services that don't fit neatly into engineering or IT. This guide covers what the Other Technical Consulting licence permits, who it suits, how to set it up, and what it costs in Dubai.
What Is Other Technical Consulting (Activity Code 7490.11)?
ISIC code 7490.11 covers specialised technical advisory services that fall outside standard engineering, IT, or scientific research categories. It is a catch-all classification for niche technical expertise that industry and government increasingly need but that no single professional discipline owns.
Typical services under this licence include:
- Process optimisation consulting
- Industrial efficiency advisory
- Technical feasibility studies
- Materials consulting
- Environmental technical advisory
Target clients span manufacturers, logistics operators, construction firms, government entities, and SMEs requiring specific technical input at a project or retainer level.
This is not a regulated professional licence in most cases. No mandatory professional body registration applies, but your declared scope of activity must align with what you actually deliver. The UAE's professional services sector contributes over AED 30 billion annually to GDP, reflecting the scale of demand for specialist advisory across the economy. (Invest in Dubai)
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Key Stats at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| UAE consulting market growth | 6–8% CAGR projected through 2028 |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted under UAE Federal Law No. 26 of 2020 |
| Licence cost range | AED 12,000–25,000 depending on jurisdiction and visa allocation |
| Annual renewal cost | AED 8,000–18,000 |
| VAT on exported consulting services | 0% (UAE-based client billing: 5%) |
| Corporate tax rate | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (from June 2023) |
| Free zone setup timeline | 3–7 working days |
| Mainland setup timeline | 7–15 working days |
Market growth data sourced from Mordor Intelligence. Foreign ownership reforms confirmed via the Official UAE Government Portal. VAT treatment confirmed by the Federal Tax Authority.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowMainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
This is the most consequential decision at setup. Get it wrong and you either restrict your market access or overpay for infrastructure you don't need.
Mainland (DED-licensed): Required if you intend to contract directly with UAE government entities or local corporates without an intermediary. Provides full UAE market access. Typically requires an Ejari-registered tenancy contract for office space. Activity approvals are managed through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Free zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone): Lower setup cost, faster incorporation, and well-suited to international client advisory or remote delivery models. Meydan Free Zone offers 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, 100% foreign ownership, and no currency restrictions. Flexi-desk arrangements replace the need for a full tenancy contract, keeping overhead low.
If your clients are primarily outside the UAE, or you operate a lean advisory model with minimal physical presence requirements, a free zone structure is almost always the more efficient choice.
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Get in Touch NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is straightforward if you follow it in sequence. Skipping steps — particularly around trade name reservation or MOA notarisation — causes delays.
- Step 1 — Choose jurisdiction: Mainland (DED) or free zone based on your client base and operational model. This determines every subsequent step.
- Step 2 — Reserve trade name: Check availability and comply with UAE naming conventions. Names must not reference religion, politics, or existing trademarks. Managed via the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland, or your chosen free zone authority.
- Step 3 — Submit initial approval application: Declare activity code 7490.11 explicitly. Ensure the activity description matches your actual service offering.
- Step 4 — Secure office space: Ejari-registered tenancy for mainland; flexi-desk agreement for free zone. Both are required before licence issuance.
- Step 5 — Prepare legal documents: Obtain Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association, notarised as required by jurisdiction.
- Step 6 — Pay licence fees and collect trade licence: Fees vary by jurisdiction, visa quota, and office type.
- Step 7 — Apply for investor/partner visa and Emirates ID: Typically processed within 5–10 working days after licence issuance.
- Step 8 — Open a corporate bank account: Allow 4–8 weeks for full bank onboarding. Have your licence, MOA, Emirates ID, and proof of address ready.
If you plan to hire staff, MOHRE registration is mandatory before any employment contracts are issued.
Costs, Compliance, and Ongoing Obligations
Licence costs are the visible expense. Compliance obligations are the ones that catch founders off guard.
Annual licence renewal: AED 8,000–18,000 depending on jurisdiction and office arrangement. Budget for this from year one.
Corporate tax: 9% applies on taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023. Free zone entities with qualifying income may benefit from a 0% rate, subject to substance requirements. Confirm your position with the Federal Tax Authority.
VAT: Registration is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Consulting services exported outside the UAE are zero-rated; UAE-based client billing attracts 5%.
Accounting: Bookkeeping obligations apply from day one regardless of revenue. Free zone sole establishments below certain thresholds may not require a formal audit, but mainland LLCs typically do. Maintain clean records from the start — bank onboarding and renewal both depend on it.
Conclusion
The Other Technical Consulting licence (7490.11) is a flexible, low-barrier entry point for specialist advisors operating in Dubai — whether serving local industry or international clients from a UAE base. Jurisdiction choice, correct activity declaration, and tax registration are the three decisions that matter most at the outset.
Speak to the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm activity scope, get a cost breakdown, and start your application. Most setups complete within a week.
References
- Invest in Dubai (investindubai.gov.ae)
- Mordor Intelligence (mordorintelligence.com)
- Official UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (eservices.dubaided.gov.ae)
- MOHRE registration (mohre.gov.ae)
