The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for successfully completing tens of thousands of projects in just a few decades. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are prime examples. Impressive skyline, which includes the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Island make it the ideal place for entrepreneurs planning to start a project management consultancy business in Dubai, it is not just about glitzy buildings but also about the thriving businesses requiring project management services to succeed.
Project management consultants in Dubai offer various services, such as improving efficiency, quality, and budget. It ensures successful outcomes for businesses of all sizes. The UAE is a hub for projects, from attracting millions of visitors to the many construction projects and countless undertakings by businesses.
Therefore, expert management is necessary, making project management a big business in Dubai. Experts in various fields, such as sales, marketing, and technology, are in high demand in the UAE. Those with the skills to oversee projects can turn their expertise into a thriving business in this region.
What are Management Consultancy Services?
Management consultancy services aim to help businesses improve performance, optimize processes, and achieve goals. Consultants provide expertise, advice, and guidance to businesses across various fields, including strategy, organization, finance, marketing, sales, and human resources.
- Strategy development: Consultants help businesses to identify their strengths and weaknesses and create a plan to achieve their goals.
- Organizational design: Consultants assist businesses in improving their structure, processes, and systems to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Change management: Consultants help businesses manage and implement changes in their operations, technology, and structure.
- Financial management: Consultants offer financial analysis, planning, and management services to help businesses optimize their finances and reduce costs.
- Marketing and sales: Consultants provide advice and support to businesses in areas such as market research, branding, advertising, and sales strategy.
- Human resources: Consultants assist businesses with talent management, recruitment, employee training, and development.
How Start a Project Management Business in Dubai: Step-by-Step Procedure
Setting up a project management consultancy business in Dubai consists of multiple steps. It is mandatory to complete each step successfully to become eligible for project management company registration in Dubai.
To help you through the process, here is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow.
Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction
Before you start, it is important to choose the right jurisdiction for your company. Dubai offers two main options: the Mainland and Free Zones.
Mainland allows you to work with clients across Dubai and the wider UAE. A mainland company setup offers greater flexibility if you plan to serve a broad range of customers inside the country.
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and full control over your business, with benefits like tax savings and faster setup processes. However, free zone companies are usually restricted to operating inside the free zone itself or dealing with international clients.
Step 2: Select the Business Structure
After choosing the jurisdiction, you must decide the legal structure of your company. This structure affects how your business is owned, managed, and taxed. Some of the common business structures include:
Limited Liability Company – LLC Company in Dubai provides personal protection from business debts
Sole establishment – owned and operated by one person, where the owner is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities of the business
Free zone company – best for businesses that want 100% ownership and tax benefits
Tip: Always check if your chosen structure matches your business growth plans.
Step 3: Finalize and Reserve Your Company Name
The next step is to choose a name for your project management company. Dubai has strict rules for business names. Your name must not include any offensive words or references to religion or politics. It must also match the activities you plan to offer.
For a mainland company, submit the name to the DET for approval. For a free zone, you must submit the name to the relevant free zone authority.
Tip: Choose 2-3 simple and professional names that reflect your business services to submit.
Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval
Before applying for the full license, you must get initial approval. This approval shows that the government has no objection to you starting a business in Dubai.
Initial approval does not yet allow you to start operations, but it is a green light to proceed with the rest of the setup. Apply for initial approval through the DET (for mainland businesses) or through your free zone authority (for free zone setups).
Step 5: Apply for Project Management License
Once you have your initial approval, the next step is to apply for the Project Management Services License. This license allows you to officially offer project management services across Dubai and the UAE (depending on jurisdiction).
- For a mainland company, submit your application to the DET.
- For a free zone company, submit it to the free zone authority.
You may be asked to provide proof of qualifications, such as a degree in project management or business administration. Some authorities might also require work experience details.
Step 6: Finalize Office Space or Flexi-Desk
Dubai requires all companies to have an official business address. Depending on your setup, you can choose from:
- A traditional physical office
- A shared flexi-desk (hot desk or coworking space)
- A virtual office (in some free zones)
Mainland companies must rent an office and get a tenancy contract (Ejari registration) to complete the licensing process. Free zone companies often have the flexibility to start with a shared desk or small office space, especially in service-focused industries like project management.
Step 7: Receive Business License
After completing all documents, paying the required fees, and confirming your office space, you will receive your Project Management License. This document officially allows you to start providing project management services in Dubai, UAE. Keep a copy of your license easily available, as you may need to show it when opening a bank account or signing contracts.
Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account
A corporate bank account opening in Dubai is necessary to handle your business transactions. You will need your business license, Memorandum of Association, and copies of passports and Emirates IDs to open the account. It is important to choose a bank that understands your business needs and can offer the services you require.
Step 9: Apply for Visas
Finally, you must apply for your residency visa. You will also need visas for your employees if you plan to hire staff.
- Mainland companies apply through the Dubai Immigration Department.
- Free zone companies apply through their respective free zone authority.
Once your visa is issued, you can sponsor visas for employees and family members too.
Benefits of starting a project management consultancy business in Dubai
Here are the 8 amazing benefits of starting a project management consultancy in Dubai:
- Dubai’s thriving economy with 20,000 new businesses started each year, creating a demand for expert advice in project management for both large and small enterprises.
- Attractive benefits of starting a business in Dubai include zero taxation on personal income and low corporate taxes i.e. 9% on profitable income above 3,75,000 AED in a year, 5% VAT rate, 100% ownership of your business, 100% repatriation of profits and capital gains, and attractive business incentives.
- Diversified economy with opportunities to work in a wide range of sectors and offer specialist services to clients.
- Flexibility to choose projects, clients, and working hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.
- Greater earning potential and the ability to set your own pace as a business owner.
- Free zones offer additional benefits, including zero currency restrictions, capital and profit repatriation, and inclusive license packages with visas, business facilities, and office space.
- The variety of work with opportunities to work with many different clients and industries keeps work interesting.
- Huge growth potential in a dynamic business environment, allowing startups to start small and grow at their own pace.
Project Management Consultancy Business License Cost in Dubai
It is not costly to start a project management company in Dubai. The exact cost will depend on various factors such as the business’s size, location, and nature. While estimating the overall cost of getting a project management business license in Dubai is challenging, a project management consultancy license cost in Dubai typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the setup and location. While some costs may be involved when you open a project management firm, the potential benefits can make it a worthwhile investment.
Documents Required to Start a Project Management Company in Dubai
Additional documentation must be provided when submitting your business license application form and initial business plan. These include:
- Valid identification and proof of address for both directors and shareholders.
- Copies of passports for directors and shareholders.
- Two colored passport-size photos of directors and shareholders.
- A copy of the confirmation of your chosen trade name.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA), which outlines the company’s activities and defines the relationship between shareholders and directors.
- Articles of Association (AOA), which outlines the company’s internal regulations and rules.
It’s essential to ensure that all required documents are in order and submitted correctly, as any missing or incomplete documents may delay the approval process.
How Avyanco Helps You Open a Project Management Business in Dubai?
Our experienced team specializes in assisting businesses with company formation, licensing, and registration in Dubai. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the right business structure and registering your company name to submitting your business license application. With our comprehensive services, you can rest assured that your project management business will be set up efficiently and effectively in the thriving business hub of Dubai. Contact Avyanco today to get started.
