SHAMS
SharjahThe cheapest credible route to a UAE licence — and the one most freelancers actually need.
100% remote setup
Consulting licence in the UAE
The most common activity among first-time UAE founders. A professional or service licence covers management, strategy, marketing and most advisory work, and almost every free zone issues one. Because the licence is cheap to obtain and broad in scope, the decision is really about address and banking rather than about the activity itself.
What to know first
- Regulated professions — legal, audit, medical, engineering — need separate professional approvals that a free zone licence does not grant.
- If all your clients are outside the UAE, the cheapest credible zone is usually the right answer.
- Financial advisory is regulated and requires DFSA or FSRA authorisation, not a generic consulting licence.
Suitable free zones
IFZA
DubaiThe default choice for consultants and small trading companies that want speed and a low entry price.
100% remote setup
Meydan FZ
DubaiLicence in 24h
A central Dubai address with instant licensing — the strongest all-rounder for a first company.
100% remote setup
RAKEZ
Ras Al KhaimahThe best balance of price, breadth and credibility outside Dubai.
100% remote setup
SPC Free Zone
SharjahLicence in 24h
Instant licensing with an unusually generous visa quota for the price.
100% remote setup
Let's talk about your actual case
A twenty-minute call. We will also tell you if the UAE is the wrong answer for you — it often is.