Architecture Consultancy in Dubai International Financial Centre for Pakistani nationals
Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Architecture Consultancy in DIFC

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Architecture Consultancy

As a Pakistani national looking to establish an Architecture Consultancy business in Dubai International Financial Centre, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Pakistan has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Pakistani professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Architecture Consultancy business will benefit from independent legal framework (common law) and own courts and arbitration centre. The DIFC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 12,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your architecture consultancy setup in DIFC. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why DIFC for Architecture Consultancy?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai International Financial Centre continues to attract architecture consultancy entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers independent legal framework (common law), which is particularly valuable for architecture consultancy operations. Additionally, own courts and arbitration centre ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 18,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 6 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Premier financial hub further enhances the appeal of DIFC for architecture consultancy professionals. Furthermore, zero tax for 50 years positions your architecture consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DIFC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Pakistani nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Pakistani business community.

Independent legal framework (common law)
Own courts and arbitration centre
Premier financial hub
Zero tax for 50 years
Access to regional capital markets

Visa Requirements for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Business visa or residence visa can be sponsored by the company once incorporated. Once your architecture consultancy licence is issued by DIFC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Pakistani Business Owners

Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation. Some banks may require additional proof of business activity. For your architecture consultancy business in DIFC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Pakistani business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Pakistan-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Pakistani Nationals

Pakistani nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for architecture consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DIFC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Pakistan passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Passport-sized photographs with white background
5Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality
6Signed application form from DIFC authority
7Detailed business plan or activity description
8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Architecture Consultancy is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee12,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,500
Flexi Desk18,000
Shared Office35,000
Private Office80,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 35,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your architecture consultancy business plan and the best DIFC licence options for Pakistani nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Pakistan through Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the architecture consultancy licence application to DIFC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official DIFC trade licence within 5–8 business days.

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Pakistani entrepreneurs can open corporate bank accounts with standard documentation.

7

Start Operations

Your architecture consultancy business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Pakistani nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your architecture consultancy in DIFC? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionDIFC
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 12,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota6
Activity Code74200

Official Source

www.difc.ae

By IBA Business Setup Team

Last updated: 26 February 2026

International Business Advisors DMCC has been helping entrepreneurs set up businesses in the UAE since 2004, with 20+ years of hands-on expertise.

Ready to Start Your Architecture Consultancy?

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