What documents does an Italian national need to start a legal consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your legal consultancy venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a legal consultancy company in Dubai DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How long does it take to get a Legal Consultancy licence in Dubai DED?

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

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Legal Consultancy company in Dubai Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including legal consultancy. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What business activities can I include on my Dubai DED licence?

Your Dubai DED licence can include legal consultancy as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Mainland licences can include multiple activities, provided they fall within the same licence category (professional, commercial, or industrial). IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

Is Dubai Mainland good for legal consultancy start-ups?

Dubai DED is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering trade anywhere in the uae and government contracts eligibility. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 15,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Legal Consultancy business in Dubai Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Legal Consultancy Dubai DED company costs approximately AED 12,000, 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.

Legal Consultancy in Dubai Mainland for Italian nationals

MainlandProfessionalRegulated Activity

Legal Consultancy in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Legal Consultancy

Setting up a Legal Consultancy business in Dubai Mainland as an Italian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Italy-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Italian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at Dubai DED has been streamlined significantly, with most professional licences processed within 3 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 12,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your legal consultancy business in Dubai Mainland. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why Dubai DED for Legal Consultancy?

Dubai Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for professional businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for legal consultancy operations. Additionally, government contracts eligibility ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 8,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. No geographic restrictions further enhances the appeal of Dubai DED for legal consultancy professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your legal consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Dubai DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Government contracts eligibility

No geographic restrictions

Wider business scope

Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your legal consultancy licence is issued by Dubai DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your legal consultancy business in Dubai DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. 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 Dubai DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

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

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,500
Ejari Office	15,000
Co-Working	8,000
Private Office	30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 31,500

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your legal consultancy business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

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

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Dubai DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Italian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including legal consultancy.

Legal 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