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

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your project management consultancy venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a project management 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.

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

The typical processing time for a project management consultancy licence at DMC 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.

What are the tax implications for a Project Management 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.

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

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

What are the annual renewal costs for a Project Management Consultancy business in Dubai Media City?

The annual licence renewal for a Project Management 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my DMC Project Management Consultancy licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from DMC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Project Management Consultancy in Dubai Media City for Filipino nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Project Management Consultancy in DMC

Starting From

AED 15,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

5 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Project Management Consultancy

Setting up a Project Management Consultancy business in Dubai Media City as a Filipino citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Philippines-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Filipino business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at DMC has been streamlined significantly, with most professional licences processed within 5 business days. As a free zone entity, you will enjoy 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor. The base licence fee is approximately AED 15,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your project management consultancy business in Dubai Media City. 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 DMC for Project Management Consultancy?

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

The jurisdiction offers middle east media hub, which is particularly valuable for project management 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 project management consultancy professionals. Furthermore, 100% foreign ownership positions your project management 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 project management 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 project management 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 project management 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

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Completed application form for trade licence

6Detailed business plan or activity description

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Signed application form from DMC authority

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 project management consultancy business plan and the best DMC licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

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

Licence Application

Submit the project management 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. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

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

Project Management 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