Set Up a Legal Consultancy in the UAE

How to Set Up a Legal Consultancy in the UAE: A Complete 2025 Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Setting up a legal consultancy in the UAE is an attractive opportunity for experienced legal professionals looking to provide expert advisory services in one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs. Whether you plan to operate in Dubai Mainland or a UAE Freezone, understanding the regulatory process, qualifications, and external approvals is essential for a smooth business setup.

What Is a Legal Consultancy in the UAE?

A legal consultancy firm in the UAE provides professional advice on corporate law, commercial transactions, compliance, and contract drafting. However, legal consultants are not authorized to represent clients in court — only licensed advocates can do so.

Legal consultants typically:

Offer advisory services on business laws, contracts, and regulations
Conduct legal due diligence for companies and investors
Assist with corporate structuring and mergers
Provide compliance guidance aligned with UAE laws

This business activity is ideal for lawyers and legal professionals who wish to deliver non-litigation legal services and support corporate clients in meeting regulatory compliance.

License Requirements for Legal Consultancy in the UAE

Since legal consultancy is a regulated professional activity, specific educational and professional criteria apply before obtaining a license. The primary requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited and attested institution
Legal experience (minimum 2 years for UAE nationals, 8 years for expatriates)
Valid practicing or good standing certificate
Clean criminal record and police clearance
Submission of a detailed business plan outlining your legal service scope
Possible interview or assessment by the Legal Consultants Affairs Directorate or equivalent authority

If you’re new to the UAE business environment, avoid common regulatory mistakes by reviewing common mistakes to avoid when setting up a business.

External Approvals for Legal Consultancy Licenses

Before a legal consultancy license can be issued, external approvals are mandatory from relevant government departments:

In Dubai, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be obtained from the Legal Affairs Department, under H.H The Ruler’s Court
Other Emirates may require approvals from the Ministry of Justice or equivalent legal bodies
The Department of Economic Development (DED) or respective freezone authority will not issue the final trade license until these approvals are secured

Setting Up a Legal Consultancy in Dubai Mainland

For those planning to establish a legal consultancy in Dubai Mainland, the process involves several steps to ensure compliance with the DED and Legal Affairs Department.

The process includes:

Submitting the initial application to Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED)
Securing external approval from H.H The Ruler’s Court – Legal Affairs Section
Providing required documents such as the attested law degree, business plan, proof of legal experience, Ejari-registered tenancy contract, and local service agent agreement (if applicable)
Establishing a physical office space, which is a mandatory requirement for all mainland legal consultancies

Once approvals are obtained, the DED issues your professional license, allowing you to provide legal advisory services across the UAE.

Freezones Offering Legal Consultancy Licenses

Several UAE Freezones offer flexible, cost-effective options for setting up a legal consultancy. Popular choices include:

Freezone	Key Advantages
UAQ Free Trade Zone	UAQ Free Trade Zone 100% foreign ownership, affordable setup, and low tax rates
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)	Fast 5-day registration, no local agent required
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)	DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) Premium Dubai location and strong business network
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)	Budget-friendly packages and remote setup options

Freezones typically provide:

100% foreign ownership
No corporate or personal income tax
Streamlined documentation and fast licensing
Flexible visa packages for employees

However, it’s essential to clearly define your consultancy activity (e.g., corporate law advisory, compliance consulting) and submit all supporting qualifications during application.

Why Choose OneClik for Your Legal Consultancy Setup?

Partnering with a professional business setup company like One Clik ensures your licensing process is handled seamlessly, from initial documentation to final approval.

One Clik offers:

Comprehensive business setup services across Mainland and Freezones
Expert guidance on regulatory approvals and compliance
End-to-end support for visa processing, accounting, and tax registration

Their team also assists with essential post-setup services like accounting and bookkeeping and VAT registration, ensuring your legal consultancy remains compliant with UAE business laws.

Stay informed about ongoing obligations with the UAE Compliance Calendar — a must-know resource for all licensed businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. Can legal consultants represent clients in UAE courts?

No. Legal consultants can only provide legal advice and documentation services. Only licensed advocates registered with the UAE Ministry of Justice can represent clients in court.

Q2. Is a physical office mandatory for legal consultancy in Dubai Mainland?

Yes. The DED requires an Ejari-registered office for all mainland professional licenses. However, most freezones allow flexi-desk options.

Q3. Do I need external approval for my legal consultancy license?

Yes. Most Emirates require external approval from the Legal Affairs Department or the Ministry of Justice before the license is issued.

Q4.Can I own 100% of my legal consultancy as a foreign investor?

Yes. UAE freezones allow 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor or service agent.

Q5. What qualifications do I need to start a legal consultancy?

You must hold an accredited law degree, meet the required experience criteria, and submit attested documents, along with a clean background check and business plan.

Final Thoughts:

Launching a legal consultancy in the UAE offers tremendous opportunities in the country’s dynamic legal and commercial environment. With proper guidance from One Clik, you can navigate complex licensing procedures, ensure compliance, and establish a professional presence that meets all UAE legal standards.

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