Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 8110.99 cover for a concierge services business in Dubai
Activity code 8110.99 falls within the facility and support services classification and covers a broad range of concierge-related work. Permitted activities include lifestyle management, personal assistance, corporate concierge, property support, and event coordination.
The permitted client base is wide, encompassing high-net-worth individuals, corporate accounts, hotels, residential developments, and short-term rental operators. However, the activity does not extend to regulated services such as financial advisory, healthcare, or legal services — each of those requires a separate licence from the relevant authority.
Do I need a local partner or sponsor to start a concierge business in Dubai
No local partner is required. Following the 2021 UAE Companies Law amendments, 100% foreign ownership is available for concierge services businesses on both the mainland and in free zones.
This applies whether you are setting up as a sole establishment, an LLC on the mainland, or a free zone company. You can confirm the current requirements directly with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or your chosen free zone authority at the time of application. Full details are also available on the Official UAE Government Portal.
What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone licence for a concierge business
A mainland licence, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows you to contract directly and without restriction with government entities, hotels, residential buildings, and corporate clients. For B2B concierge work — particularly where you are embedded within a property or hospitality operation — mainland is generally the stronger operational choice.
A free zone licence, such as one from Meydan Free Zone, suits remote or digitally managed concierge operations, solo operators, or founders prioritising low setup costs and fast incorporation. Flexi-desk and flexi-office packages keep overhead lean, which works well for a concierge business that operates primarily in the field rather than from fixed premises.
What are the steps to obtain a concierge services licence in Dubai
The process follows a clear sequence. First, reserve your trade name and confirm activity code 8110.99 with the DET or your chosen free zone authority, ensuring the name complies with UAE naming conventions. Second, choose your legal structure — a sole establishment, an LLC (mainland), or a free zone company.
Third, prepare your documentation, including passport copies for all shareholders, a No Objection Certificate if you hold an existing UAE residence visa, and a Memorandum of Association for LLC structures. Fourth, secure office space — mainland licences require a physical tenancy contract, while free zone licences may accept a flexi-desk arrangement.
What taxes apply to a concierge services business in Dubai
The UAE applies a corporate tax rate of 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, which came into effect in June 2023. Income at or below that threshold is taxed at 0%, making the regime particularly favourable for smaller or early-stage operators.
For VAT, registration becomes mandatory once your taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000. Below that threshold, registration is optional. It is advisable to track revenue carefully from the outset and consult a UAE-registered tax adviser as your business scales.
How large is the market opportunity for concierge services in Dubai
The commercial context is strong and supported by measurable data. Dubai welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors in 2023, according to Visit Dubai — a substantial client pipeline that feeds directly into demand for lifestyle and concierge support services.
Beyond tourism, Dubai's high-net-worth resident base, luxury hospitality sector, and time-poor professional class create sustained year-round demand. The IMARC Group projects the UAE facility management market to grow steadily through 2028, reflecting broader structural demand for outsourced support services across residential, corporate, and hospitality segments.
What services are explicitly excluded from the 8110.99 concierge activity code
Activity code 8110.99 does not permit the provision of regulated professional services. Specifically, financial advisory, healthcare, and legal services each require their own licences from the relevant UAE regulatory authorities and cannot be offered under a concierge services licence.
Keeping your service scope clean from the outset is important. Attempting to offer regulated services under an unrelated licence creates dual-licence complications and potential regulatory exposure. If your business model includes any of these areas, you should seek separate licensing advice before launching.
What documentation is needed to apply for a concierge services licence in Dubai
The core documents required include passport copies for all shareholders, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if any applicant is currently residing in the UAE on an existing residence visa, and a Memorandum of Association for LLC structures on the mainland.
For free zone applications, documentation requirements can vary by authority, and some free zones offer streamlined digital submission processes. It is advisable to confirm the exact checklist with the DET or your chosen free zone at the time of application, as requirements can be updated periodically.
Start a Concierge Services Business in Dubai
Dubai's high-net-worth resident base, luxury hospitality sector, and time-poor professional class have created sustained commercial demand for concierge services that goes well beyond hotel lobbies. Whether you are targeting corporate accounts, residential developments, or individual lifestyle clients, the market is real and the entry path is well-defined.
This guide covers what activity code 8110.99 permits, how to structure your licence, and what it realistically costs to get operational in Dubai.
What the Concierge Services Activity Covers
Activity code 8110.99 sits within the facility and support services classification. It covers lifestyle management, personal assistance, corporate concierge, property support, and event coordination. The permitted client base is broad: high-net-worth individuals, corporate accounts, hotels, residential developments, and short-term rental operators all fall within scope.
The activity does not extend to regulated services. Financial advisory, healthcare, and legal services each require their own licences from the relevant authorities. Keep your scope clean from the outset to avoid dual-licence complications and regulatory exposure.
The commercial context is strong. Visit Dubai reports the emirate welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors in 2023 — a client pipeline that feeds directly into demand for lifestyle and concierge support. The IMARC Group projects the UAE facility management market to grow steadily through 2028, reflecting broader structural demand for outsourced support services.
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Explore Over 2,500+Key Stats at a Glance
- Dubai received 17.15 million overnight visitors in 2023
- UAE facility management market projected to grow steadily through 2028
- 100% foreign ownership available under UAE Companies Law reforms — no local partner required
- Corporate tax rate: 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (effective June 2023)
- VAT registration threshold: AED 375,000 in taxable turnover
Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Structure
The structural decision shapes everything from your client contracts to your office requirements, so make it deliberately.
A mainland licence issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) allows you to contract directly with government entities, hotels, residential buildings, and corporate clients without restriction. For B2B concierge work — particularly where you are embedded in a property or hospitality operation — mainland is operationally the stronger choice.
A free zone licence, such as one issued by Meydan Free Zone, suits remote or digitally-managed concierge operations, solo operators, or founders prioritising low setup cost and fast incorporation. Flexi-desk and flexi-office packages keep overhead lean, which works well for a concierge business that operates in the field rather than from a fixed premises.
Both routes now permit 100% foreign ownership following the 2021 Companies Law amendments. Full details are available on the Official UAE Government Portal.
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Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is straightforward when documents are in order. Below is the standard sequence.
Step 1 — Trade name and activity confirmation. Reserve your trade name and confirm activity code 8110.99 with the DED or your chosen free zone authority. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions — avoid references to political or religious entities.
Step 2 — Legal structure. Choose between a sole establishment, an LLC (mainland), or a free zone company. An LLC on the mainland requires a Memorandum of Association and, historically, a local service agent for non-GCC nationals — confirm current requirements with the DED at the time of application.
Step 3 — Documentation. Prepare passport copies for all shareholders, a No Objection Certificate if you are on an existing UAE residence visa, and the Memorandum of Association for LLC structures.
Step 4 — Office space. Mainland licences require a physical tenancy contract registered via Ejari. Free zone applications accept flexi-desk arrangements, which reduces the cost and commitment significantly for early-stage operations.
Step 5 — Licence issuance. Pay the applicable fees and receive your trade licence. Mainland timelines typically run three to seven working days once documentation is complete and approved.
Step 6 — MOHRE registration. Register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) before hiring any staff. This is a legal requirement and governs your employment quota and Emiratisation obligations.
Step 7 — Corporate banking. Open a corporate bank account. Factor four to eight weeks for onboarding — UAE banks apply thorough due diligence, and delays are common. Prepare a clear business plan and proof of commercial activity.
VAT registration is mandatory once taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Voluntary registration is available below that threshold. Full guidance is published by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
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Get in Touch NowVisa and Residency Considerations
Your trade licence entitles the founder to an investor or partner visa. The number of staff visas your entity can sponsor is linked to your office space category — a larger tenancy or a higher-tier free zone package unlocks a greater visa allocation.
Meydan Free Zone packages include visa allocations as standard, making them a practical option for a founder plus a small operational team. Confirm the allocation tier before committing to a package.
Costs, Compliance, and Ongoing Obligations
Mainland DED licence fees typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on activity classification and office type. Free zone packages generally start lower and bundle licence, flexi-desk, and visa allocation into a single annual fee — useful for budgeting.
Annual obligations include licence renewal, Ejari renewal for mainland tenancies, and MOHRE quota compliance. These are not optional and carry penalties if missed. Build them into your operating calendar from day one.
Professional indemnity insurance is commercially advisable. Concierge operations involve third-party arrangements, bookings, and access to client property — the liability exposure is real even if the activity itself is unregulated.
Corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023, per the Federal Tax Authority. Accounting and bookkeeping obligations apply from the date of incorporation, not from the point of profitability. The Invest in Dubai portal provides a single-window overview of business costs and approvals for reference during planning.
Conclusion
A concierge services business in Dubai is commercially viable, structurally straightforward, and benefits from a wealthy, service-dependent client base. The licence setup under activity code 8110.99 is clean, costs are manageable, and both mainland and free zone routes offer legitimate paths to full foreign ownership.
The market supports serious operators — particularly those who can serve corporate accounts, luxury residential developments, or the hospitality sector at a professional standard. The regulatory path does not stand in the way of that.
Use the cost calculator below to model your setup expenses, or speak directly with a setup adviser to confirm the right structure for your concierge operation.
References
- Visit Dubai (visitdubai.com)
- IMARC Group (imarcgroup.com)
- Official UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) (mohre.gov.ae)
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) (tax.gov.ae)
- Invest in Dubai (investindubai.gov.ae)
