What documents does a Canadian national need to start a management consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your management consultancy venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a management consultancy company in JAFZA?

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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Management Consultancy licence from JAFZA?

Yes, your management consultancy licence from JAFZA entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 6 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 5,000.

How long does it take to get a Management Consultancy licence in JAFZA?

The typical processing time for a management consultancy licence at JAFZA is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Management Consultancy company in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

Yes, JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor. This is one of the key advantages of establishing your business in this jurisdiction.

What are the tax implications for a Management Consultancy business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in JAFZA 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 much does it cost to set up a Management Consultancy business in Jebel Ali Free Zone?

The total setup cost for a Management Consultancy business in JAFZA starts from approximately AED 16,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 5,000 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Management Consultancy in Jebel Ali Free Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Management Consultancy in JAFZA

Starting From

AED 16,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

6 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Management Consultancy

As a Canadian national looking to establish a Management Consultancy business in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Canada has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Canadian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Management Consultancy business will benefit from world's largest free zone and direct access to jebel ali port. The JAFZA licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 16,000.

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

Why JAFZA for Management Consultancy?

There are several compelling reasons why Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to attract management consultancy entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers world's largest free zone, which is particularly valuable for management consultancy operations. Additionally, direct access to jebel ali port 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 8,000 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. Excellent logistics infrastructure further enhances the appeal of JAFZA for management consultancy professionals. Furthermore, tax-free environment positions your management consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

World's largest free zone

Direct access to Jebel Ali Port

Excellent logistics infrastructure

Tax-free environment

Industrial facilities

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

For Canadian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your management consultancy business in JAFZA.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your management consultancy company in JAFZA: Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Canadian business structures.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Document attestation for Canadian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Canada, (2) Attestation by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to management consultancy businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Signed application form from JAFZA authority

8Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	16,000
Visa Package (per visa)	5,000
Flexi Desk	8,000
Shared Office	15,000
Private Office	40,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 29,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your management consultancy business plan and the best JAFZA licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the management consultancy licence application to JAFZA. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

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

Visa Processing

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

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your management 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. JAFZA allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Management Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

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