Nursery & Childcare in Dubai Mainland for Indian nationals
MainlandEducationRegulated Activity

Nursery & Childcare in Dubai DED

Starting From

AED 12,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Nursery & Childcare

Setting up a Nursery & Childcare business in Dubai Mainland as an Indian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to India-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Indian 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 education 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 nursery & childcare 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 Nursery & Childcare?

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

The jurisdiction offers trade anywhere in the uae, which is particularly valuable for nursery & childcare 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 nursery & childcare professionals. Furthermore, wider business scope positions your nursery & childcare 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 education enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Trade anywhere in the UAE
Government contracts eligibility
No geographic restrictions
Wider business scope
Direct customer access

Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days. For business setup, a proper residence visa is required. Once your nursery & childcare 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 Indian Business Owners

Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks. Many banks have dedicated Indian business desks. For your nursery & childcare business in Dubai DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Indian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any India-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for nursery & childcare), 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 India passport (minimum 6 months validity)
2Documents attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)
3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi
4Passport-sized photographs with white background
5Detailed business plan or activity description
6Relevant industry experience documentation
7Completed application form for trade licence
8Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

Regulatory Note: Nursery & Childcare is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from KHDA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost (AED)
License Fee12,000
Visa Package (per visa)4,500
Ejari Office15,000
Co-Working8,000
Private Office30,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)From AED 31,500

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

Setup Timeline

1

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your nursery & childcare business plan and the best Dubai DED licence options for Indian nationals.

2

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from India through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) and the UAE Embassy.

3

Licence Application

Submit the nursery & childcare licence application to Dubai DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

4

Trade Licence Issued

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

5

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days.

6

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks.

7

Start Operations

Your nursery & childcare 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, Indian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including nursery & childcare.

Get Started Today

Ready to set up your nursery & childcare in Dubai DED? Our team is here to help.

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Quick Facts

JurisdictionDubai DED
Typemainland
EmirateDubai
License FeeAED 12,000
Setup Time3 days
Visa Quota0
Activity Code85200

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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