What documents does an American national need to start a engineering consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your engineering consultancy venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a engineering consultancy company in DMC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

Is Dubai Media City good for engineering consultancy start-ups?

DMC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering middle east media hub and home to international media houses. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 12,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Engineering Consultancy company in DMC?

Most of the setup process for a engineering consultancy business in DMC can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

What are the annual renewal costs for an Engineering Consultancy business in Dubai Media City?

The annual licence renewal for an Engineering Consultancy DMC company costs approximately AED 15,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What are the tax implications for an Engineering Consultancy business in Dubai Media City?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in DMC may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

How long does it take to get a Engineering Consultancy licence in DMC?

The typical processing time for a engineering consultancy licence at DMC is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Engineering Consultancy in Dubai Media City for American nationals

Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Engineering Consultancy in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Engineering Consultancy

As an American national looking to establish an Engineering Consultancy business in Dubai Media City, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. United States has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of American professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Engineering Consultancy business will benefit from middle east media hub and home to international media houses. The DMC licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 15,000.

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

Why DMC for Engineering Consultancy?

There are several compelling reasons why Dubai Media City continues to attract engineering consultancy entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for engineering consultancy operations. Additionally, home to international media houses 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 12,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 5 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. Full media production ecosystem further enhances the appeal of DMC for engineering consultancy professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your engineering consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, DMC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Middle East media hub

Home to international media houses

Full media production ecosystem

100% foreign ownership

Creative industry networking

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your engineering consultancy licence is issued by DMC, 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 American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your engineering consultancy business in DMC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for engineering consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to DMC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Relevant industry experience documentation

5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: Engineering 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

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	15,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	12,000
Shared Office	20,000
Private Office	45,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 32,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your engineering consultancy business plan and the best DMC licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the engineering consultancy licence application to DMC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

Start Operations

Your engineering 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. DMC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including American nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Engineering Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750