Legal Consultancy in Dubai Media City for Filipino nationals
Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Legal Consultancy in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Legal Consultancy

The UAE continues to attract Filipino entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and DMC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for legal consultancy operations. Third-largest expatriate community in the UAE (~700,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Dubai Media City gives your Legal Consultancy business access to Dubai's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Legal Affairs Department before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up legal consultancy businesses in Dubai Media City since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why DMC for Legal Consultancy?

Choosing DMC for your legal consultancy business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for legal 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 legal consultancy professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your legal 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 Filipino nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.

Middle East media hub
Home to international media houses
Full media production ecosystem
100% foreign ownership
Creative industry networking

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your legal 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 Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your legal consultancy business in DMC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for legal 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 Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)
5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)
6Passport-sized photographs with white background
7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
8Relevant industry experience documentation

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

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee15,000
Visa Package (per visa)5,000
Flexi Desk12,000
Shared Office20,000
Private Office45,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 32,000

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

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

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

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

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

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

6

Bank Account

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

7

Start Operations

Your legal 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 Filipino nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your legal consultancy in DMC? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionDMC
TypeFree Zone
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 15,000
Setup Time5 days
Visa Quota5
Activity Code69100

Official Source

dmc.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.

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