Forming a License for Tax Consulting, Accounts and Bookkeeping in Dubai

Due to its advantageous location, business-friendly atmosphere, and strong infrastructure, Dubai continues to draw companies and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Due to the increasing complexity of financial rules and tax legislation, tax consulting and accounting bookkeeping have become vital services among the many business prospects accessible in the United Arab Emirates. This article will walk you through the process of getting the required licenses if you’re thinking about launching a tax consulting and bookkeeping firm in Dubai. Experienced companies like OneClik Business Setup Services LLC FZ can assist for understanding the obstacles for an entrepreneur and providing tailor made solutions.

Understanding the Business Landscape:

Understanding Dubai’s business environment is essential before beginning the licensing procedure. Mainland companies, free zone companies, and offshore companies are among the various business formats available in the United Arab Emirates. Every structure has a unique set of benefits and regulations.

You have the option of establishing your company in a free zone or on the mainland for accounting bookkeeping and tax consultancy services. While free zone businesses have advantages like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined customs procedures, mainland businesses let you operate anywhere in the United Arab Emirates.

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure: Selecting the right business structure is the first step in creating a license for accounting bookkeeping and tax consulting. Your decision will be influenced by your target market, business objectives, and service offerings. The primary choices are as follows:

- Mainland Company: Having a mainland company enables you to conduct business throughout the United Arab Emirates. A local partner or sponsor who owns 51% of the business’s shares is required.
- Free Zone Company: This offers various benefits, such as tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership. The following are a few well-known free zones for expert services:
  1. RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone): provides a range of license options, facilities, and an affordable business setup. Perfect for companies seeking affordability and flexibility.
  2. IFZA (International Free Zone Authority): renowned for offering affordable rates and a simplified business setup process. provides flexible office options and a broad range of business activities.
  3. Meydan Free Zone: Offering first-rate office space and a distinguished business address, it is situated in the center of Dubai. Ideal for companies wishing to make a big impression in Dubai.
  4. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): One of the top free zones for professional services and commodity trade, with first-rate infrastructure and a variety of business opportunities.

Step 2: Determine Your Business Activities: One of the top free zones for professional services and commodity trade, with first-rate infrastructure and a variety of business opportunities.

- Accounting Services: General accounting, financial statement preparation, bookkeeping, and maintaining financial records.
- Tax Consulting: Tax planning, compliance, advisory services, and filing tax returns.
- Auditing Services: Internal and external audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.
- VAT Services: VAT registration, compliance, and filing VAT returns.
- Payroll Services: Payroll processing, salary calculations, deductions, and employee benefits management.

Step 3: Choose a Business Name: A crucial step in the licensing procedure is choosing a suitable company name. The naming standards established by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the appropriate free zone authority should be followed, and your company name should accurately represent the services you offer. Make sure the name is original and hasn’t been registered by someone else.

Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval: You need to have the appropriate authority’s initial approval before you can start the licensing process. You must apply to the DED for mainland businesses. You must speak with the appropriate free zone authority about free zone businesses. Send in the necessary paperwork, such as your passport, Emirates ID, and filled-out application.

Step 5: Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA): Your company’s goals and organizational structure are described in the Memorandum of Association (MOA). All partners must sign the MOA, and a public notary must notarize it for mainland businesses. A standard MOA template will be provided by the free zone authorities for free zone businesses, which you must fill up and submit.

Step 6: Secure a Business Location: Getting a license requires having an actual business location. Within the applicable jurisdiction, you have two options: lease office space or choose a virtual office solution. Make sure the place you have selected satisfies the licensing authority’s requirements.

Step 7: Obtain Additional Approvals: You might require extra permits from pertinent government agencies or regulatory authorities, depending on the nature of your firm. For instance, if you provide tax-related services, you could require approval from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Step 8: Submit the Final Application: Now that you have all the required paperwork and approvals, you may submit your business license application in its final form. Companies on the mainland should apply to the DED. Send it to the appropriate free zone authorities for businesses operating in free zones. For the license to be issued, pay the relevant fee.

Step 9: Receive Your Business License: Your business license will be issued by the licensing authority after your application and supporting documentation have been successfully reviewed. You can lawfully run your accounting bookkeeping and tax consultancy firm in Dubai with this license. From selecting the appropriate business structure to securing the required approvals and licenses, starting a tax consulting and accounting bookkeeping business in Dubai entails a number of clearly defined procedures. You may successfully manage the procedure and launch a profitable company in one of the most vibrant business hotspots in the world by adhering to our thorough advice.

Dubai’s advantageous location, strong infrastructure, and business-friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for financial services companies to expand and succeed, regardless of whether they choose a mainland or free zone arrangement. Your tax consulting and bookkeeping business can prosper in this dynamic industry with careful planning and respect to regulatory regulations.